What is the purpose of a queen on an elevated throne, with her country's elected representatives at her feet, whom bow at her entrance like Obama with the Saudi king, stating "my government" will do this and that, with no tourists about.
That symbolism is an insult to the truly free whose ancestors were brutalized and starved to death by the queen's ancestors. This obsolete symbolic groveling is pathetic and as embarrassing as Obama's behavior.
Inherited wealth offers the potential for power, nothing more. Look at how the Kennedys have faded from political power, with all their inherited money. Any number of the born poor are now in political leadership all over America, that's the way it will always be.
Inherited wealth is earned by accident of birth, all over the world in every society. It's what you do with that wealth that determines what political power you accumulate. I agree that economic power may not be earned by ones individual labor, I am speaking of political leadership.
There is no such thing as a fair tax. All governments consider the ability to pay. But that choice in America is still done by the elected.
Power has no right to be inherited. If there is no doubt who's in charge in Britain at least get the royals out of the Parliament unless they get elected themselves. BTW, why don't they ever run for office?
How has Ireland imposed its will on anyone?
There are many countries struggling financially, that's hardly a call for a monarchy dictatorship.
We make mistakes electorally in America that we get to correct every 4 years. But we the people make them, not a dictator or a ruling class. Obama's election is now seen a mistake by the majority of those that voted for him. But the great symbolism of that election remains, that even our once most abused minority can see one of its own become the most powerful person in the world.
Clinging to symbolism enslaves Brit thinking from allowing that kind of elevation to power. That is the evil of allowing royals to claim social and political superiority, even if it is supposedly for appearances only.
The implication that the monarchy somehow prevents something similar happening in Britain is manifestly ludicrous. At least half a dozen Prime Ministers in the last century have been of working class or otherwise humble backgrounds, and have reached the top through their own abilities and the will of the people.
Royals don’t run for office because they are strictly prohibited from entering the Commons.
There is no doubt in my mind, or the mind of anyone in the country of the supremacy of Parliament.
I can see you’re slightly thrown-off by the pomp and pageantry. That’s ok, it’s what makes us British. We love a good pantomime, and a good bit of ceremony. Lovely stuff.