Sic Semper Tyrannis
Apr. 22nd, 2008 02:35 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
4thofelevenSo, the republican debate is back on the political agenda, with discussions of a new plebiscite on the issue in 2010, along side the next federal election. Of course, the monarchists are up in arms, though as usual, they're not actually contributing much to the debate other than shouting "HOW DARE YOU?!"
Now, full disclosure, I strongly support an Australian Republic. That's not why I dislike monarchists, though - the current Australian constitution works pretty well, and I can certainly understand people not wanting to make sweeping changes to it. Monarchists, though, aren't simply in favour of keeping the status quo - they're actively in favour of the specific situation of a foreign aristocrat being our head of state.
They also like to call those of us in favour of a republic with an elected head of state "elitists", thus proving that whatever meaning that word once had is long since gone...
I am curious as to whether there's much of a republican movement in Canada or New Zealand - I assume there would be, but I've never heard of any serious proposals in those countries.
Now, full disclosure, I strongly support an Australian Republic. That's not why I dislike monarchists, though - the current Australian constitution works pretty well, and I can certainly understand people not wanting to make sweeping changes to it. Monarchists, though, aren't simply in favour of keeping the status quo - they're actively in favour of the specific situation of a foreign aristocrat being our head of state.
They also like to call those of us in favour of a republic with an elected head of state "elitists", thus proving that whatever meaning that word once had is long since gone...
I am curious as to whether there's much of a republican movement in Canada or New Zealand - I assume there would be, but I've never heard of any serious proposals in those countries.
no subject
on 2008-04-30 01:27 am (UTC)This has never happened, though King George V did request a second option back in the 1930s
*snicker* It's a wonder more monarchs don't abdicate. What's the point?
no subject
on 2008-04-30 02:35 am (UTC)It gets wackier - George V only requested a second option because the British PM 'advised' him to ask for one. The Australian PM refused, arguing that the British PM had no right to advise the Australian monarch, and he may only advise George V when he's acting as British monarch...
Essentially, the monarch fulfils the same role as Elmer Fudd does in the 'Duck Season! Rabbit Season!' cartoons - theoretically, he's the guy with the gun, but effectively he just does whatever his 'prey' tell him to do.
no subject
on 2008-04-30 02:43 am (UTC)Please tell me there's a Monty Python skit about George and his multiple monarchial personality problem. That would be awesome.