I'm an American, so I can't really appreciate the economic value in having them around. It's important for me to keep that in mind.However, I have trouble seeing it as anything more than a "muh tradition" holdover from what is, to me, the most disgusting political system that has ever existed. I'm staunchly anti-monarchist. British monarchy can be somewhat excused because they lack real power, but the way I see it, their very presence is still an insult to democracy and the British people.I can't say I'd be sad to see them go.
Although one thing I don't understand is why they need the taxpayer to fund them, surely they can provide for themselves.
If you ever meet a british republican, you break out the tar and feathers then hang them from tower bridge <_<For realsies though, they are a net gain to the country and I haven't exactly seen the royals running around shooting at the poor and abolishing the human rights act or pissing on the magna carta.Getting rid of them would make the country poorer, both financially and culturally.
Quote from: Mr Psychologist on June 02, 2015, 01:46:52 PMIf you ever meet a british republican, you break out the tar and feathers then hang them from tower bridge <_<For realsies though, they are a net gain to the country and I haven't exactly seen the royals running around shooting at the poor and abolishing the human rights act or pissing on the magna carta.Getting rid of them would make the country poorer, both financially and culturally. They're great for tourists but the lazy fuckers shouldn't be paid any more than the wankers who cheat on benefits.
Quote from: goots on June 02, 2015, 02:07:59 PMAlthough one thing I don't understand is why they need the taxpayer to fund them, surely they can provide for themselves.They could, but the salary the taxpayers pay them is smaller than the revenue from royal lands that the government gets in return.
That's kind of cheating though, isn't it?
No government is good or fair, and if you think one is you're fucking delusional.
]They may not represent you, but they represent voters, whether you agree with them or not. Just because you fancy yourself more progressive or more reasonable or more rational or what the fuck ever doesn't mean representative democracy isn't doing what it is intended to do- represent the interests of the majority.Blame democracy for the failings of the American government. I never said democracy was good. No government is good or fair, and if you think one is you're fucking delusional.It's much fucking better than monarchy, though.
The amount of money they're taking up
They're good for "morale" and public image. The amount of money they're taking up doesn't even come close to the monarchy's diplomatic advantages.
Quote from: SecondClass on June 03, 2015, 01:44:59 AMThey're good for "morale" and public image. The amount of money they're taking up doesn't even come close to the monarchy's diplomatic advantages.The royal family brings in a huge amount of tourism for the UK, way more than they're givenEven here in NZ as a commonwealth country we're pretty into them
And what perspectives to foreigners have of our royal family?