Solving the World's Problems

[JEC 100]

I would like to add someting as well. The royal family does not just sit around in Buckingham Palce or Windsor Castle drinking tea and eating biscuits (which many do, but not all). Because of their status and the connections they have, several often do diplomatic and charitable work. Just look at Princess Diana. There was a reason why millions of people around the world mourned her death. It wasn't because she was royalty, it was because she actually did something with her royal status and royal money to help others (unlike many other "celebrities" that are idolized around the world).

I would much rather give a small percentage of my income for the slightest chance that someone will actually use it for a good cause then give it to a bunch of politicians who believe global warming is a hoax.

[Duke87 1,070]

Originally posted by: SkiGeek

Originally posted by: LivingInThePast 

Is Terminator really Duke's cousin, or is that figurative language?quote>

 

Throughout the past 4 years, one thing they have been consistent about is that they are cousins.  As I recall, their mothers are sisters. quote>

Yup. His mother is my mother's younger sister and his father and my father were friends in high school. There's an interesting story there, actually...

...but that's for another time.

Anyway, point taken that the monarchy isn't completely useless, but still, it conflicts with the idea of democracy. After all, we (the US) don't have any kings or queens, but the functions they perform for the UK are performed by other people. We have diplomats and celebrities, too. The difference is that for us those people aren't in that position merely because of what family they were born into (though, particularly with celebrities, it can be a factor...).

[belfastuniguy 18]

Well it's fantastic to see what myself and others have said has changed your view somewhat. I'm not going to discuss it further as I have my point very clear. I'm also not going to discuss American democracy as I would be here forever detailing the problems.

So unless someone else decides to make flipant remarks about our Royal Family then I consider the debate on it over. Shall we move on

(Just for the record, I value the right to express ones view, but I do appreciate if that view is somewhat valid and no just a rant, so not offence is intended on my part to those I have rebuked)

[Frankie_Grove 33]

Originally posted by: belfastuniguy  I'm also not going to discuss American democracy as I would be here forever detailing the problems.quote>

That's only a matter of perspective based on one's influence and what is portrayed in the media  - one who has not fully experienced has no right to rant or complain about it. (I need to lighten up a bit , no?)

Also, perhaps we should abide by the "mind ones own business". If we must accept and respect the British Monarchy, then others need to return it by respecting America's freedoms. Just because you find our freedoms bogus doesn't mean you need to complain about it, stop playing the blame game and focus on improving your own place. The world's issues are not caused by one single country, it is a complex and fragile framework that causes such things.

(..I really really gotta stop ranting...it's so pointless over the internet since nobody really cares)

[belfastuniguy 18]

Actually I don't base my world views on what I read in the newspaper or see on TV. I have in fact studied American Politics. Even so I'm not going to discuss it, as I said I'd be here all day giving details, sources and instances where the United States democracy has been somewhat lacking in lustre.

[Frankie_Grove 33]

Originally posted by: belfastuniguy Actually I don't base my world views on what I read in the newspaper or see on TV. I have in fact studied American Politics. Even so I'm not going to discuss it, as I said I'd be here all day giving details, sources and instances where the United States democracy has been somewhat lacking in lustre.quote>

Well we could always base our views and opinions on the absolutely perfect European continent then? No one and nothing is perfect, and people just gotta learn to respect that.

[belfastuniguy 18]

Well we could always base our views and opinions on the absolutely perfect European continent then? No one and nothing is perfect, and people just gotta learn to respect that. quote>

Where in any of my posts have I stated that either Europe was perfect or better than the United States or indeed any other part of the world, to make such an arguement would be naive, inaccurate, childish and misinformed. I also have not stated anywhere in this thread that anyone/place or thing is perfect. That's simply the view you have taken and with all arguements that are not based on fact wholly inaccurate, I do however respect your view.

[Palpatine001 57]

Hey Frankie, that advertisement with the offer (to escape the FBR) is still open.

Hmm and you and I live in very different worlds when it comes to issues such as healthcare...

[Frankie_Grove 33]

Originally posted by: belfastuniguy

Well we could always base our views and opinions on the absolutely perfect European continent then? No one and nothing is perfect, and people just gotta learn to respect that. quote>

Where in any of my posts have I stated that either Europe was perfect or better than the United States or indeed any other part of the world, to make such an arguement would be naive, inaccurate, childish and misinformed. I also have not stated anywhere in this thread that anyone/place or thing is perfect. That's simply the view you have taken and with all arguements that are not based on fact wholly inaccurate, I do however respect your view.quote>

Please, I did not direct that at you. That was more or less to everyone in general. However I do wish it  to acknowledge the occasional mis-informed post on some of the earlier pages.

[crazyyaya 4]

"People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along?" - Rodney King

I just thought I'd like to post that.

[belfastuniguy 18]

@ Frankie, oh right well everything is grand then

@ Palpatine - I just watched Star Wars, Revenge of the Sith tonight, for the first time (yeah I know) it was fabulous. (Random I know, but hey I think we need some randomness round this thread )

[Frankie_Grove 33]

Originally posted by: Palpatine001 Hey Frankie, that advertisement with the offer (to escape the FBR) is still open.

Hmm and you and I live in very different worlds when it comes to issues such as healthcare... quote>

Well palp, New Zealand does sound nice (a bit too cold for me, -20C?) I prefer to stay and fight my way to the FRB. Besides I would be more like a fish out of the water, plus I prefer to stay within a couple hundred miles of my birthplace.

Originally posted by: Palpatine001

Hmm and you and I live in very different worlds when it comes to issues such as healthcare... quote>

Well like I said, should be a combination of both government and private sectors for all sensitive areas such as healthcare. I believe that competion can help further advance medical practices, as well as improve rates and current conditions. I like choice, and choice should be avilalble for everyone, rich or poor, uninsured or insured.

[Micah 16]

I think a few missed what Meg said on the last page:

As far as I know, no one has the British monarchy anywhere near the top of the list of the world's problems.

And, as it has been correctly pointed out, the British monarchy isn't anyone's business but the Brits.

Let's move on.quote>

Edit: Frankie_Grove- I was simply pointing that out in case it continued in the future.

VVVVVVVV

[Frankie_Grove 33]

Originally posted by: Micah I think a few missed what Meg said on the last page:

As far as I know, no one has the British monarchy anywhere near the top of the list of the world's problems.

And, as it has been correctly pointed out, the British monarchy isn't anyone's business but the Brits.

Let's move on.quote>

quote>

Micah..I believe you are a few posts late with that Besides, we resolved that one peacefully anyway. Moving right along..

[Palpatine001 57]

Well the -20c part is in our Deep South in winter - so while that suits Beebs yeah that is frigid.

As for health, having been through 9 years of having Competition in the healthcare system and seeing that failing the nation very VERY badly I am against it. Hence the state provides all healthcare but for those who can afford it Private Healthcare is available to bypass the waiting lists on the State System. Even in private healthcare they co-operate and not compete, the only competition we ever see is in the Private Healthcare insurance sector. Oh then there is ACC but christ I am not going into that sad arse piece of Super Legislation or provider...