Nobody throws a party like the British! It is nearly the end of Diamond Jubilee week in the UK, the British have pulled of a spectacle of pomp, and circumstance as only the British can. There was little drama and all events were staged with military precision. What is this passion for their democratic monarchy and what lessons are within, from which we can benefit?
The closest we here in the states have come to a ‘royal’ dynasty, in my opinion, was the magical “1,000 days of
Luxembourg Ardennes
Camelot” the all too short reign of the Kennedy family. I ask what is this all about and what is the overarching passion for royalty?
In my humble opinion, it is the stability that such a means of governing. During those 70 years, there were 13 British Prime Ministers and 12 United States presidents. Changes in the world roll on like the waves on the ocean, but the Queen sails on, unflappable, regally, and without the cricies that rock our little lives. It is that sense of permanence, that stability, which attracts people (subjects) to its unswerving procession.
Is this type of government for us, for others? I think not. I think that our ancestors looked and said, “We Yearn to be ’Free’”‘ whatever that means. As I believe that, there should be Term Limits for our elected officials, Britain seem to agree. They have simply added a layer of government, by keeping the Monarchy. I do not think this a bad thing. This ‘Ceremonial’ figurehead allow for the best of all worlds, if you have a GOOD monarch. Therein lies the rub. How can we assure this? The simple answer is “I don’t know”
When you look at Syria, they have a corrupt and brutal leader in Basher al-Assad, but a very hot (British) wife in Queen Asma al-Assad. Although it is not generally clear. I believe that she provides a stabilizing influence to his megalomania. I know that we are better off that if she were there!
It would seem that this “Royal Leader” thing is not work for the Syrians. When you look at the other “Kings of the World“, It would seem that there are mixed results. I am very familiar with Luxembourg (Lux), having worked there for more than 40 years, off and on. My role at Goodyear for many years, was as the liaison between the Akron Technical Center and its (conjoined) twin in Colmar-Berg Luxembourg. The Luxembourgish citizens LOVE their Monarch, Grand Duke Henri.
Lux (common abbreviation) is not a Monarchy, but a Duchy. (Click on the link for a definition.). His role is really a ‘representative’ one, rather than that of a ‘King’. The point is that after 12 years of his reign, the people love him and his family, and Lux is a significant, stabilizing influence in an often-tumultuous European (EU) region.
So, as the British celebrate the 70-year reign of their beloved Elizabeth II. This is likely the last such celebration for her reign. Elizabeth II has been a tremendous influence on the region, the world and her Commonwealth, and I salute her and her legacy. Prince William seems to be a very fit and suitable successor, and his new bride Catherine is made from the same mold as our precious Diana, and Elizabeth II herself.
Agree? Disagree? Let me know with your comments, either way…
Happy Summer all!
Cliff
Photo Credit: Lonely Planet
