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I hope the British monarchy (and others like the Japanese monarchy) continue for time immemorial. Monarchs these days are (fortunately) more benevolent than ye

I hope the British monarchy (and others like the Japanese monarchy) continue for time immemorial. Monarchs these days are (fortunately) more benevolent than ye olde days, and are looking to become bastions of calm and sanity in an era when democracy (FSVO democracy) keeps roiling shit up. I say that as an American too, long live the King.

tgma 3y ago
Indeed. The track record of monarchies turned republic is not great. Iran comes to mind.
- GordonS 3y ago
  Not sure if Iran is the best example; the US, UK and Israel have made sure that Iran hasn't exactly had a "fair go" at it.
matthewfelgate 3y ago
[flagged]
- lo_zamoyski 3y ago
  Weird hostility aside, monarchy is highly unlikely in the US at this time, because the American tradition has been steeped in myths hostile to the very idea (curious, perhaps, given that the US has what is in effect an imperial presidency). We would need to witness a deep shift in American sensibilities before monarchy could be embraced. Perhaps as a compromise or a transition we could reform the presidency such that it becomes a position held for life (with preferential voting to make it more nimble to make up for the lack of term churn). The prospect of such a long reign would rule out short-sighted careerists who would tire of the burden of office (despite being the highest office in the State, at some point, the prestige-to-burden ratio becomes unappetizing for such people). And given the length of such a term in office, the choice of candidate is likely to become more bland, as no party wants to live under a diehard member of the other party. This has its drawbacks, but it could add stability that would provide an environment in which normality could be fostered.
TaylorAlexander 3y ago
In what way does this old man with too much land bring calm and sanity to Britain? His resources should be given to the people as museums, there is no need for the monarchy to continue to profit off of land and wealth that should belong to the people.
- tim333 3y ago
  Having a monarch makes it harder for the elected leader to run amok. Compare the UK with other near powers that got rid of their monarchs - Russia ended up with Stalin and Putin, France got Napoleon, Germany got Hitler. It's a bit like Chesterton's fence - don't remove it until you understand why it's there. Another issue with the idea we should scrap the monarchy in the name of democracy is the actual democratic voters are strongly in favour of keeping it.

tgma 3y ago

Indeed. The track record of monarchies turned republic is not great. Iran comes to mind.

GordonS 3y ago
Not sure if Iran is the best example; the US, UK and Israel have made sure that Iran hasn't exactly had a "fair go" at it.

matthewfelgate 3y ago

[flagged]

lo_zamoyski 3y ago
Weird hostility aside, monarchy is highly unlikely in the US at this time, because the American tradition has been steeped in myths hostile to the very idea (curious, perhaps, given that the US has what is in effect an imperial presidency). We would need to witness a deep shift in American sensibilities before monarchy could be embraced. Perhaps as a compromise or a transition we could reform the presidency such that it becomes a position held for life (with preferential voting to make it more nimble to make up for the lack of term churn). The prospect of such a long reign would rule out short-sighted careerists who would tire of the burden of office (despite being the highest office in the State, at some point, the prestige-to-burden ratio becomes unappetizing for such people). And given the length of such a term in office, the choice of candidate is likely to become more bland, as no party wants to live under a diehard member of the other party. This has its drawbacks, but it could add stability that would provide an environment in which normality could be fostered.

TaylorAlexander 3y ago

In what way does this old man with too much land bring calm and sanity to Britain? His resources should be given to the people as museums, there is no need for the monarchy to continue to profit off of land and wealth that should belong to the people.

tim333 3y ago
Having a monarch makes it harder for the elected leader to run amok. Compare the UK with other near powers that got rid of their monarchs - Russia ended up with Stalin and Putin, France got Napoleon, Germany got Hitler. It's a bit like Chesterton's fence - don't remove it until you understand why it's there. Another issue with the idea we should scrap the monarchy in the name of democracy is the actual democratic voters are strongly in favour of keeping it.