"they swore their oaths to the Queen, not some politician."
In the U.S., we swear to uphold the Constitution. Of course that is meaningless to soldiers and politicians alike because hardly any of them have ever actually read it.
Despite the frequent dysfunction of many republics, it is surprising to me that, in the 21st century, people still consent to living under a monarchy even if it is only a figurehead. The U.S. has many problems, but I'm sure that none of them are caused by the absence of the king.
Here in AU, every time the subject of becoming a republic gets significant traction someone will do a costing of replacing the Crown with an Office of President. Turns out to be rather expensive, especially since the UK bears most of the cost of the Monarchy.
The Monarchy in AU is mostly tradition and symbology really. We have a King or Queen, but no other hereditary peerage. High achievers might be awarded a knighthood but all that really gets them is the right to put Sir on their business cards. And it's not like King Charlie is going to drop in and claim Droit du Seigneur.
-- If you cough while drinking cheap red wine it really cleans out your sinuses.
What absence? Your president has way, way more power than most constitutional kings and queens have today. Essentially, you're closer to an elective monarchy than a republic.
(Score: 2) by srobert on Friday September 09 2022, @06:55PM (2 children)
"they swore their oaths to the Queen, not some politician."
In the U.S., we swear to uphold the Constitution. Of course that is meaningless to soldiers and politicians alike because hardly any of them have ever actually read it.
Despite the frequent dysfunction of many republics, it is surprising to me that, in the 21st century, people still consent to living under a monarchy even if it is only a figurehead. The U.S. has many problems, but I'm sure that none of them are caused by the absence of the king.
(Score: 3, Informative) by deimtee on Sunday September 11 2022, @02:19AM
Here in AU, every time the subject of becoming a republic gets significant traction someone will do a costing of replacing the Crown with an Office of President. Turns out to be rather expensive, especially since the UK bears most of the cost of the Monarchy.
The Monarchy in AU is mostly tradition and symbology really. We have a King or Queen, but no other hereditary peerage. High achievers might be awarded a knighthood but all that really gets them is the right to put Sir on their business cards. And it's not like King Charlie is going to drop in and claim Droit du Seigneur.
If you cough while drinking cheap red wine it really cleans out your sinuses.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Opportunist on Sunday September 11 2022, @11:26AM
What absence? Your president has way, way more power than most constitutional kings and queens have today. Essentially, you're closer to an elective monarchy than a republic.