Monarchs recieve support from the people
by RACHEL LANTIS
During Christmas break I had the pleasure to travel abroad to London UK. While there, one of my tour guides, Carlotta, took the time to really talk with us about the importance of the monarchy to the country. I found it surprising that Carlotta only said good things about the royals. I mean come to the United States and all we can do is bash the people we elect.
After Princess Diana died, the English people lost faith in their leader, the Queen, and one out of four people thought the monarchy was overrated and unneeded. That lack of support for the royals lasted roughly three days, and then “Long Live the Queen” reigned through the streets.
Now, I can understand the loyalty and love for the Queen herself (I mean she’s helped the English survive WWII), but her son? Prince Charles has had numerous affairs and less exhibited spotty behavior; you have to wonder what kind of king this man will make. Surprisingly, the English people’s devotion remains very loyal.
Carlotta explained to me that you have to love your leaders regardless of their flaws and support them.
After hearing that, it made me wonder: why can’t Americans demonstrate this?
The English don’t have any say in their monarchs. The position is by birthright only, or the special few who become royal by marriage.
So America’s deal? We are a country of democracy, we have the God-given right to elect our officials (president and congressman), so why are we always complaining?
Stepping off the plane the first thing I saw was a newspaper bashing President Bush, even though four years ago, he was elected president.
Presidents don’t step into office automatically knowing how to be president. This process takes time and learning. And then, as soon as you sort of figure the whole presidency thing out, you are out of office, due to the 22nd Amendment.
The English love their monarchs, even though they don’t have the ability to elect them. They support them through their foibles. Why can’t we?
I am in no way suggesting that we blindly follow and don’t ask any questions. All I am saying is a little loyalty and understanding will go a long way.