Thursday, 5 May 2011

Republicans and Monarchists

Among the two billion viewers, Australian Republicans and Monarchists alike celebrated the recent Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

Australia, a sovereign state within the Commonwealth of Nations with Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch and head of state along with its twenty two million occupants, cast aside republic debate for this joyous occasion and sure as the sun rises in the east, no one was disappointed by the display of love, pomp and ceremony.

Who wouldn’t feel happy for the couple, especially when we take our minds back to the death of William’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

By my reckoning, the last time the popularity for the Royals spiked this high was when Diana came into the picture. A much needed shot in the arm for the Royals, this Wedding captivated the world, and perhaps put thoughts of an Australian Republic on the back burner for another generation to work out.

australian flag
Public Domain Image ℅ Wikimedia Commons

The next shot in the arm will come when we see William and Kate as King and Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms, which includes Australia. Much like the latest news on Osama bin Laden, wouldn’t that be another breath of fresh air?

So, where to from here for the establishment of an Australian Republic? A republic referendum held in 1999 was defeated and I haven’t heard boo from the republicans since. Have they given up the ghost? Do we really need Australia to be a republic?

What are my thoughts on an Australian republic? I’m in favour of Australia becoming a republic but I must say it’s not on the top of my priorities list nor do I think Australia is ready for one. This is certainly not a case of me having the attitude of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” as I am very proud of my country as it is, and, when we become a republic, I’ll be just as proud. What are your thoughts on an Australian republic?

What others are saying:
Article link
The Monarchist
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Personal Reflections
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Rafal Heydel-Mankoo: Reflections of a Young Fogey
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6 comments - care to make one?:

Max Coutinho 6.5.11  

Hey Peter,

God save the Queen!

"The next shot in the arm will come when we see William and Kate as King and Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms, which includes Australia. Much like the latest news on Osama bin Laden, wouldn’t that be another breath of fresh air?"

Oh yeah, it would be quite refreshing. But word has it that Prince Charles will be the next King...but we never know (things can change).

"What are your thoughts on an Australian republic?"

As a citizen of a nation that 100 years ago, rejected the monarchy (the rightful and lawful owners of any nation - since they forged strategies, fought and died for the land, along with the people [of course]) to implement a Republic that has proved to fail in every way possible. It was not a proper alternative. However, the Monarchs tended to abuse the People which is not nice either.
Nevertheless, a parliamentary monarchy is the ideal thing (as it would have been for Portugal) and Australia has been doing quite well under such a political system: democracy is served.

Cheers

Peter 6.5.11  

Hi Max! Going on the ages of the Queen Mum, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip , I don't see William becoming King, unless abdication or fate plays its hand, until he is well into his 60's.

Now, I seem to remember an article where Queen Elizabeth was stated as saying she wouldn't have a problem with Australia becoming a Republic.

In our case, unlike countries way back in the past, I don't see any cannon balls heading our way if we do decide to become a Republic.

Take Care,
Peter

Anonymous 6.5.11  

wow I felt like a Queen Mum today thank you my Son

Peter 6.5.11  

Hi Mum! Glad you loved the Mother's Day flowers! Only wishing I could give you something more precious.

All my love,
Peter

Lynda Lehmann 7.5.11  

Hi Peter. I don't understand Australian politics any more than I understand politics in my own country.

My overall feeling is that people need to look for their humanity and commonality, more than to pursue assertions of autonomy. (Autonomy is symbolic. Cooperation is a component of survival--a necessary one.)

Especially if the governments and economic sectors are working and people are free to strive for "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," my vote would be to "leave it alone!"

Peter 8.5.11  

Hi Lynda and thank you for asking how I was going. I'm doing just fine with a visit to my Mohs surgeon coming up in the next couple of days.

Now, we seem to be on the same wavelength, as I too find politics hard to come to grips with. For me, both our major parties are as good and as bad a each other. Dangling carrots in front of our noses everytime an election bears its ugly head seems to be their favourite pastime.

Yes, you have made some excellent points, with striving for "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" a matter of course whether we're a republic or not.

Take Care,
Peter

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