Warren
Administrator in Memoriam
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2005
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- Sydney
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- Australia
From today's Sydney Morning Herald, a view of Australia's constitutional arrangements and Prince William's visit.
Princely magnetism could swing views on monarchy
Prince William and Australia visit
excerpts...
"The visit of Prince William is an opportunity to restate the case for limited monarchy...Absolute monarchy is inherited dictatorship and abhorrent. But a limited monarchy is democracy with an umpire at the apex whose sole executive role is to resolve political stalemates. Some modern minds feel it is old-fashioned or anti-democratic but despite its quirks, it works.
A limited monarch's only substantial role is to resolve a political impasse that may arise within even the most seasoned democracy. The monarch assumes the role, not by merit or political calculation but by an incontestable selection process: birth. Owing no political favours, the crown is a useful safety valve to restore equilibrium as an impartial player.
Perhaps the strongest impulse to retain the present arrangements will come not from any theoretical considerations but from the understated magnetism and affability of the young prince. William seems to have inherited many of the qualities that made his mother the most universally loved person of the late 20th century. I for one am happy to extend a warm welcome to a young man who is both a friend to and an asset of Australia."
Princely magnetism could swing views on monarchy
Prince William and Australia visit
excerpts...
"The visit of Prince William is an opportunity to restate the case for limited monarchy...Absolute monarchy is inherited dictatorship and abhorrent. But a limited monarchy is democracy with an umpire at the apex whose sole executive role is to resolve political stalemates. Some modern minds feel it is old-fashioned or anti-democratic but despite its quirks, it works.
A limited monarch's only substantial role is to resolve a political impasse that may arise within even the most seasoned democracy. The monarch assumes the role, not by merit or political calculation but by an incontestable selection process: birth. Owing no political favours, the crown is a useful safety valve to restore equilibrium as an impartial player.
Perhaps the strongest impulse to retain the present arrangements will come not from any theoretical considerations but from the understated magnetism and affability of the young prince. William seems to have inherited many of the qualities that made his mother the most universally loved person of the late 20th century. I for one am happy to extend a warm welcome to a young man who is both a friend to and an asset of Australia."