Drom ------- It has been said the britain is a large historical theme park, with the royal family as it's hub. I feel that if britain became a republic, then the royal family becomes HISTORY. Thus our history gets a lot bigger at a single stroke. The theme park analogy takes on greater meaning. So not only lots more tourists but plane loads of historians both ancient & modern & lots of politicians from euroland grinding an axe or two. What would a Princess Di coffee mug be worth or a video of Prince Chuck & Mrs Parker Bowels be worth in the new order of things.
Britain would be overwhelmed with offers and incentives from around the world.
I think you, the rest of A2K and I should take over Australia in a 'velvet revolution,' and replace the (disgusting tax-burdens that are the) Royal Family with... hmm, a president?! As bad as Howard may be, he'd be better than an unelected head of state and her wonderful representative in Australia.
I hope this guy wins... why should some random Englander be head of Australia, so different and so far away? And why should Australia pay for them to come over here? And have flunkies throw themselves at their feet.
Grrr.
As a rough guess, what percentage of people do you think would advocate a republic?
margo wrote:When Oz decided we were sick of asking god to save this bloody British queen (and her awful family), there was a referendum to select the most suitable national anthem.
The one selected, Advance Australia Fair, is a bit of a dirge, with archaic references ("our land is girt by sea"). We dropped the bit about "when gallant Cook from Albion sailed" , and "true British courage...".
As anthems go, it's....just OK. But we have it. I have to admit, it wasn't until I reached high school that I realised that it wasn't the national anthem. In primary school, I was taught by Irish nuns, and they sure weren't having any of that "queen" nonsense. AAF was what we sang at assemblies, etc.
The other serious candidate for national anthem, however, was Waltzing Matilda. Seems suitable - a story about a sheep stealer, who suicided rather than be arrested 
By far the most popular Oz song. Although it was blitzed by those bloody Brits', "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" at the rugby grand final!
We're not really a nation of singers (too many sound just like me ). But another lesson learned. We'll sing better next time! We made a better go of it at the Davis Cup final! (and were more succesful!)
SOUNDS TO ME LIKE SOME AUSSIE DOESN'T LIKE JONNY WILKINSON
Joking aside Margo I agree with you 100%
I support Australia becoming a republic just so I can watch the debate over selecting a new national anthem: Drinking song or football cheer?
Drom, if uk became an overnight republic it would make a great tv soap opera. Knock the crap out of Eastenders & Neighbors. We would see Prince Chuck having an instant temper tantrum & I bet mrs parker bowels would ditch him quicker than a nuclear fuel rod, after she'd rammed it up his khyber pass of course. Prince Phillip would get the vapors & QE2 might well fall on her ceremonial sword.
Wishing & hoping
ROTFLMAO, OaK!
I'm sure it would sweep the ratings!
oldandknew wrote:Drom, if uk became an overnight republic it would make a great tv soap opera. Knock the crap out of Eastenders & Neighbors. We would see Prince Chuck having an instant temper tantrum & I bet mrs parker bowels would ditch him quicker than a nuclear fuel rod, after she'd rammed it up his khyber pass of course. Prince Phillip would get the vapors & QE2 might well fall on her ceremonial sword.
Wishing & hoping
What a brilliant idea... I'm with Eva on this one.. and that's without thinking about
Royal Big Brother,
Queensbury boxing! Don't forget Prince Andrew too, whose idea of style is a pillow saying, 'Eat, drink and be merry.' Who would be president, though?
Margo ------------ I think Tony (Smoothy) Blair might go to Camp David & plot a world take over bid with Georgy Porgy. Brothers in arms & as thick as thieves. They deserve each other
As for President, Jonny Wilkinson has won so many awards, we might as well give him the job.
...testing to see if the image worked..
oldandknew wrote:Margo ------------ I think Tony (Smoothy) Blair might go to Camp David & plot a world take over bid with Georgy Porgy. Brothers in arms & as thick as thieves. They deserve each other
As for President, Jonny Wilkinson has won so many awards, we might as well give him the job.
Hmm, you think Blair is really as bad as George W.? I mean...it embarrasses me to say I live here.
I wouldn't trust Blair with a used Kleenex & bottle of baby milk
You're right Margo, in that Blair has less firepower & smaller budgets. I just find the way he hangs onto Geo's coat tail is a bit cringe making. A little power is much like a little knowledge, DANGEROUS.
By the way, I read Bill Byson's book about his travels in Australia. Great read & better than any tourist web site.
