Monarchies Can Be Symbols For Good Or Bad...

Constitutional monarchies still exist in many parts of the world. Some people in the UK want to do away with the monarchy. But the way I look at it, the monarchy is merely a symbol. And symbols can be good or bad.

Also, the monarchy can be a force for good. During the Commonwealth of England (1649-60), Oliver Cromwell was a repressive dictator. Ironically the King represented more freedom.

Also, the King still exercises a lot of power. He has to sign a bill before it becomes law. But the last monarch to veto a bill was Queen Anne in the 1700's. He is the head of state. He has the sole power to pardon (although now the Prime Minister usually recommends who he pardons). And he alone holds the keys to the Tower of London (the Tower of London is a museum now).

There are other bizarre laws. Every year a town in England has to send the king an eel pie. It's made with beef now (but does he have to eat it?).

 

Yes, they are symbols of inequality and lack of democracy.

 

i kind of feel sorry for anyone born into a life of having to be a symbol, for anything.
all that ostentation i'd go nuts. gratification comes from creating and exploring.
(with my own hands, mind and imagination, of course if some of those resources were mine to with as i wished, then of course i could use them to do sol)