Sod the politicians. Let's try a different opinion poll.

[rich_jacko]

The Queen drew big crowds here in Sheffield today. Sadly I couldn't go owing to uncertainty over the timing and having to be in work, but from the footage I've seen it looks like it was a great occasion which did the city proud.

Opinions seem to be divided among my friends. The Royal Family - yay or nay? Personally I'm a big yay. They work incredibly hard, and provide experience and continuity in representing our country that's above the squabbling short-term party politics we've seen in tonight's TV debate. They're a big part of our history and our culture, better value for money than most other countries' presidents, and save us the pain of electing one of those. What are your views?

Comments

[san-valentine.livejournal.com]

You know it's a yay from me. I'm kinda sad I didn't go to the cathedral yesterday. It would have been lovely to see the Queen here in Sheffield, but at least we got to gawp at her in Leeds.

The Royal family do work hard, drawing attention to good causes, raising money for charity by their support, and representing the country around the world. They provide a unifying link to other countries via the Commonwealth.

Yes, they have a priviliged life, but then they are always in the spotlight, being commented on for their clothes, and whatever they do or don't do. That can't be easy to live with. Likewise turning out to watch lines of soldiers troop past, or inspecting factories or schools, or huge dinners that go on for hours and need fancy clothes, when all you want to do it put your feet up and relax. It might not be a nine to five office job, or like working in the mines, but it's still work.

There was a headline about Charles and Camilla, and their luxurious lifestyle with 150 staff to wait on them (or something like that). Well, that's 150 jobs provided for people. Every chef, groom, maid and gardener employed by the Royal family is someone who has a job. There must be thousands of people up and down the country who are employed because of the Royal family. How can that be a bad thing ?

[ju-bear.livejournal.com]

Ppl are weird, they view royal families as those who bind ppl in chains like slaves.

But this one, the British one is different. Sure there are problems, but they do try to move on with times.

150 ppl drawing wage, not serfdom and not as slaves, that is the points ppl should remember.

They are a bit more significant than the useless pop stars like Justin Biebier who exists purely on public throwing money at his merchandise and manipulating media.

I am a yay, I think they give Britain an identity. See France? Well they killed off their royal families in French Revolution and turn to republic, beautiful palaces, no living history to support it. >;P