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Comment by TaylorAlexander | Hacker News Reader

My dream is that this century we will see the end to the British monarchy. These old symbols of rule must see an end if we hope to continue humanity’s rule towards more democratic rule. (I say this knowing full well that “democracy” is hardly what we make of it even in the most famous democracies like the USA, and we still have so much work to do.)

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I hope the British monarchy (and others like the Japanese monarchy) continue for time immemorial.

Monarchs these days are (fortunately) more benevolent than ye olde days, and are looking to become bastions of calm and sanity in an era when democracy (FSVO democracy) keeps roiling shit up.

I say that as an American too, long live the King.

Indeed. The track record of monarchies turned republic is not great. Iran comes to mind.

Not sure if Iran is the best example; the US, UK and Israel have made sure that Iran hasn't exactly had a "fair go" at it.

In what way does this old man with too much land bring calm and sanity to Britain? His resources should be given to the people as museums, there is no need for the monarchy to continue to profit off of land and wealth that should belong to the people.

Having a monarch makes it harder for the elected leader to run amok. Compare the UK with other near powers that got rid of their monarchs - Russia ended up with Stalin and Putin, France got Napoleon, Germany got Hitler.

It's a bit like Chesterton's fence - don't remove it until you understand why it's there.

Another issue with the idea we should scrap the monarchy in the name of democracy is the actual democratic voters are strongly in favour of keeping it.

I agree. Having a hereditary monarch is evil. It's that simple. Doesn't matter if it's "symbolic", it's an evil symbol of oppression.

Also, it's not symbolic. The king has to approve all laws, for example. The whole thing is disgraceful and has no place in modern society.

The power of monarchy has been steadily whittled away in the UK since 1066.

The last bill that was refused assent was the Scottish Militia Bill during Queen Anne's reign in 1708.

In Australia, my country, presenting law for Royal Assent is a rubber stamp, a symbolic act that transcends the current elected government houses.

Should "Royal Assent" be refused by the Crowns agent in Australia you'd see the country exit, the Crown is there for show, not to get involved or to meddle with the work of the elected Government.

I suspect Canada, New Zealand, et al are similar.

You could always point to an instance in which the Crown refused Royal Assent if you'd care to.

As I said, the symbol itself is evil. But it seems you agree Royal Assent is legally required. It's a monarchy. Don't gaslight people into thinking it isn't.

It's a sham monarchy.

Don't gaslight people into thinking it has any real power.

The King has to rubber stamp assent, albeit with bloody ink pen, but it's symbolic like any other bit of pagentry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Encm187scA

The power it once had has been whittled away to F-all.

    Magna Carta was issued in June 1215 and was the first document to put into writing the principle that the king and his government was not above the law.

You are intentionally ignoring my point about how the symbolic nature itself is evil. It is unconscionable to have a monarchy as a symbol of a country! A monarchy is an affront to human decency; it's absurd.

And I do not agree with your assessment that the king has no real power. A gentleman's agreement not to be a tyrant is not even close to good enough. I don't dispute it would cause lots of drama if the king tried to defy government, but he can do it. The guy is allowed to murder anyone he wants, he has full immunity from criminal prosecution! Is that a symbol worth protecting? No. It should be torn down and cast out.

Any respectable modern system of governance would not want even a whiff of an impression that it was led by a bloodline of kings. Yet, the UK and Commonwealth countries lean into it. A crown is a symbol of oppression. It's disgusting.