The Queen is not Canadian

Quote: Originally Posted by bluebyrd35

Of course we don't NEED the economic benefits of the commonwealth, but the world does need at least one organization that has a higher aspiration than gaining the upper financial advantage or other benefit from their dealing with other countries. ie. world peace, individual liberty, democracy, rule of law, human rights etc.

Quote: Originally Posted by Spade

Let me guess... that organization is the Girl Guides?

Quote: Originally Posted by dumpthemonarchy

In terms of exports the Commonwealth is small potatoes. We have no economic need for it.

Pomp and ceremony means something to Americans because they fought a 7 year war for independence and many died. It altered the character of the country in ways wars do-that is, being assertive and aggressive and fighting wars. The American view of the monarchy is just romantic, nice to think about, but don't really want it.

And Canadians in Germany in 1936, at the Olympics, wanted Hitler's autograph. Point is, the English dump their monarch when it is politically suitable. Now the English establishment has a relevancy problem with the doddering Charles, his son William with the hottie Kate looks far more fun to the masses. Someone could get a push soon.

Quote: Originally Posted by bluebyrd35

And Canadians fought the same 7 year war because of loyality to Britain, their homeland! Yes, many Canadians died as well, in the same 7 year war. We did not become aggressive, nor do we blow our own horn every chance we get. We are a democracy with an elective government with ties to the British monarchy. A few misguided Canadians may have wanted Hitler's autograph, in 1936 but by 1939, a great many of our young men were involved in the world war against fascism and Hitler. We entered that war in 1939 and stayed until 1945. We put our might,in place of our mouths, (rather sitting neutral and supporting both sides with our arms industry)

It seems to me there are so many other more relevant issues for Canadians to put their efforts into, other than getting rid of the monarchy, which gives pleasure to a great many people. So, if some Canadians get pleasure out of their Queen and family, why do those who are not turned on, and are not held monitarily responsible, feel they must sh.t in everyone elses cornflakes??

Quote: Originally Posted by dumpthemonarchy

"Canada" as we have come to understand it, began in 1867. The 150th anniversary of the country will be in 2017. Big party time. The supposedly great victory over the French in 1759 on the Plain of Abraham in Quebec is now a forgotten hill with a small plaque on it. I saw it, gone and forgotten, like our British history.

Hitler was obssessd with the body, a vegetarian also, and he and his entourage generally did not smoke. He was a fussy guy. Like many people are today. And in a poll in 1927 by Literary Digest, the predecessor to Reader's Digest, Mussolini and Lenin ranked number one and two. Farther down the list came Edison and Henry Ford. But I digress.

The fed govt is spending almost $10 million for the queen's jubilee this year. I would rather get the money, or have it spent on reducing the debt, or local works projects. Then provincial and local govt will be spending money too.

Quote: Originally Posted by dumpthemonarchy

People around the world have different ideas of what Canada is. Most don't think of Canada much, and when they see a monarch from a country they know very well, like England, on Canadian money, they have questions. The division between them and us is not as clear cut as between us and Russia say. If you're a monarchist, and you travel around the world, you can tell people the queen is Canadian. They may think you're nuts, but that's the Canadian mentality today of some people.

Quote: Originally Posted by Mowich

If people around the world are uninformed enough to believe the Queen is Canadian it just shows that they lack an understanding of international affairs. The fact that the leaders of those countries know that the Queen is British is of far more importance.

Instead of continually disparaging our connection to the British monarchy you might be happy for the occasion to educate others about the wonderful country you are lucky enough to be a part of, IMHO.

We were an English colony

Quote: Originally Posted by dumpthemonarchy

One source for our cost of the queen's jubilee, $7.5 million. An excuse to upgrade infrastructure, the usual. But I'm sure security costs are not included, we'll find out those much later. Canada News: Conservatives balked at cost of Queen

Most people in the world lack an understanding of world affairs. Educating them is futile, but I have tried. Part of the education process is showing them the queen is on our money and then trying explain to them the difference between the head of state and the head of govt. Great fun. If you're teaching them English you can't afford the time to teach them such fascinating, but needless subtleties in our interrelated political systems. Then you see Harper walk side by side with Cameron recently chatting away like old friends.

Most Asians think we're English because we speak English, we were an English colony, and our consitition is based on the UK one. On the CBC show the Hockey Nomad, the Arab ref says he needs someone who is "English", meaning Canadian, good enough for him.

Quote: Originally Posted by L Gilbert

Let's demand the long form of her birth certificate and proof that she isn't Moslem.

Quote: Originally Posted by bluebyrd35

LOL.....Now let's break that 7.5 million down a bit shall we?? 3.7 million goes to minting 60,000 medals for civic minded Canadians. Not sure what this has to do with Queen or her visit, do you?? Couldn't be political could it?? 2 Million are to be spent on special events in the Queen's honour. These may be in her honour, but it is more for a grand blow-out celebration for Canadians. One Canadian regiment is giving her a diamond broach but it is The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery of which she is Captain General. No price affixed. Flags are also mentioned, not sure what these will cost but looking at the medals, I would guess somewhere in the area of 1/2 million. So what are we left with?? My goodness look at that...... It leaves 1.8 million for upgrading facilities,for the actual visit etc. Now it seems to me not much actually being spent that is not for the benefit of Canadians, one way or the other.
I have travelled a fair bit and I have never had a problem explaining why the Queen appears on our money. You would be surprised to discover how many other world currencies she appears on.
Mind explaining how the Canadian constitution is less effective or less suited to Canada than those of other countries?? After all there are many other ones it could have been BASED on.

Quote has been trimmed, See full post:

Quote: Originally Posted by Cliffy

We should get a new queen. Trade Lizzy for Freddy:

Queen - Crazy Little Thing Called Love - YouTube

Quote: Originally Posted by The Old Medic

Canada has significantly less population than Britain, it has less manufacturing than Britain and it has a MUCH lesser role in the world. So, divorce it from Great Britain, and watch ti fade into total obscurity. Nobody would know what Canada is, or where it is. If they thought of it at all, they would just think of it as being the Northern part of the USA. Would you prefer that?