Simon I

As promised, the mini-poll on the forthcoming UK General Election. Please vote, and leave your name and who you voted for in a post so we can keep track of who is voting who. Simon

Glad to see the Iron Lady looking so healthy. I was a bit worried after her hospital scare last year and the videos of her from the 30th anniversary of her leading the Tory party celebrations, but she must be fit as a fiddle to get to the USA (though they probably said that of Alec Douglas Home before James Callaghan had to send a plane out so he could come home to die!). Anyway, long health and happiness to Baroness Thatcher, one of a kind and the greatest PM we've ever had. I mean let's face it...even people who don't particularly like her must prefer her to the guy who lives in number 10 at the minute! Simon

Good point Ceberus...too late unfortunately! Anyway, if anyone wants a secret ballot please just don't leave your name! S

Wow Ladybird Johnson still alive! That is remarkable. Please can someone post a picture of her....not seen a picture of her in her old age. Altogether now... "LBJ LBJ How many kids......." Poor LBJ, although I don't agree with his Great Society politics I feel sorry for him- he was treated extremely badly, especially for someone who was so dilligent in his work and had a great desire to please every single voter in America. Simon

He looks quite healthy- no reason why he shouldn't live until he's about 90. I mean imagine the state his predecessor was in six years ago.

Not at all. I enjoy people rambling on about uninteresting stuff! AND you may not have noticed, but it is my forte!

I hate to say it, but I too am a lapsed Catholic. I do however like Pope Benedict. I think that he is right to uphold some of the church's moral values. Not all of course. I personally agree with outlawing homosexuality and divorce- not good at all. I agree with legal divorce, but to make vows in front of God then break them is a big no no. However women priests and contraception should now be accepted, especially with the spread of AIDS in the third world and the current equality of women. Abortion...hmm difficult. In certain circumstances (i.e. rape victims) then obviously it should be allowed. Not in any other circumstance though in my opinion. LOL like the comparison with Darth Sideous/Emperor Palpetine! By the way...his pledge to bring "peace" with all religions may not be so good. He will be fulfilling the papal prophecy which is here..... Papal Prophecy...argh! Very scary stuff. Maybe he is living up to his destiny, in which case there will only be one more Pontiff before judgement day! Anyway overall, good choice to succeed John Paul the Great! Simon

I agree with that...no political debate. Just tick your box and clear the polling booth for the next person! No soapboxes! Simon P.S. Not familiar with any far left wing parties, hence their absense by the way. Sorry if I have offended anyone...you'll just have to use other!

I wish her many more years of health and prosperity! Good luck to you your Ladyship! Simon

My vote goes to the Conservative Party and Mr Howard!

LOL

Maybe the fact that they were both raving fascist lunatics who had at one time been MPs for the Labour party? Mosley was buddies with that nice man Mr Hitler if memory serves me! He even had blackshirts running round the streets of London, and was imprisoned during the war for fear of becoming the focal point for Nazi sympathisers! The racism and fascism are synonomous with both Mr Kilroy-Silk and Mr Mosley...and Mr Hitler whilst we are at it. Veritas is no different to the British National Party or Mosley's own British Union of Fascists! Hopefully the British people will look at him as a crack-pot just as they did with Oswald Mosley!!! Simon

In response to Captain Oates..... 1. I am merely responding to the criticism that I was " a bit thick". 2. Spelling/typos are easy mistakes to make, especially when one is typing a large piece at speed. 3. Anyone with a basic grip of UG English degrees would realise it is one the whole the study of literary genius and criticism, and not one big spelling test. 4. I was quoting from history reasons why the institution of the monarchy is great. 5. Queen Elizabeth II is even greater than Elizabeth I, as I have already conceded. She is without a shadow of a doubt the greatest monarch ever to reign over is. She is regal, wise, beloved and stands for the tradition of the monarchy that was passed onto her by her grandfather King George V and her grandmother, the indominable Queen Mary. 6. There has never been any official evidence to back up the supposedly frosty relationship between Baroness Thatcher and Her Majesty. This will not be known for certain until many years after the Queen's death when her diaries are finally published and we will know for sure. Signs show that the Queen does actually like Mrs Thatcher...when she retired from the House of Commons she was elevated to the Peerage and, more significantly, she is a Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter- a privellage that is the highest order of chivalry in the land and also one that only Her Majesty can give to 24 members. This suggests that actually the Queen did approve. There was no reason for her to have to elevate Mrs Thatcher in this way and rank her along side people such as Lord Edmund Hillary and the (current) Duke of Wellington. 7. I believe that we should encourage people to help themselves. We should not tax higher earners as harshly. Nay we should stop people becoming dependent on the state. Read the Conservative's election manifesto, it is enlightening. 8. What has the history course got to do with the price of fish? Answer- Nothing. My views are my views. We were told, objectively about the history of Britain and America in the 20th Century. In fact most of the views that we got were socialist, leftist historians, such as the Labour peer Lord Kenneth O. Morgan. I made my own mind up about what I thought. I just happened to believe that the 80s was a zenith in the world's history. Mr Reagan and Mrs Thatcher changed the world. They ended the Soviet bloc's control over Eastern Europe and together made the USA and UK great once more. Anyway...luckily I will be able to vote on May 5th and Mr Howard et al. can count on one more vote in my constituency, not that it would make much difference in Jack Straw's Labour strong hold! Simon

Yes, I am a monarchist, but by no means fascist, racist or prejudice. I believe totally that all men are created equal, with the obvious exception to the Queen. I find Kilroy totally reprehensable for his views which are too extreme for todays modern world! With regards to the Robert Mosley...I was merely forming a neologism by combining Kilroy's name and Oswald Mosley's together. Making Kilroy take on the surname of the man who must undoubtedly be his idol. One can only think why! S.

Ahhh wishful thinking I am sorry to say. He is an evil neo-Nazi fool who spreads racism and other prejudices in a multi-cultural and multi-creed society that has no time for him whatsoever. Hearing his racist comments at the launching of his manifesto on Thursday made me realise how stupid he is. His speeches are as badly written as Mein Kampf and that is the worst written book in history! Also, isn't it funny. An ex-failed Labour MP suddenly has a change of heart and becomes a raging fascist pig and forms an ultra-right wing political party. Why doesn't he just change his name by deed-poll to Robert Mosley tsk! the parallels are extraordinary! Simon

P.S. For any monarchists, or indeed republicans out there... Try this link King James I (VI) on the Divine Right of Kings It is a fascinating transcript of a speech made by King James I on the Divine Right of Kings on the 21st March 1609. Needless to say I fully agree! S.

Unfortunately sir I must disappoint you. I am actually extremely intelligent, without meaning to boast. I am currently reading English at University after gaining 5 A's in my A-level exams. However, I extremely dispise intellectual socialism along the lines of Michael Foot and (the most reviled politician) Tony Benn. I feel it is extremely hypocritical. How can someone expect both the trappings of middle class life whilst preaching about helping those who are less gifted. It is a particularly stupid ethos by which to live. I pride myself on being a staunch Thatcherite who, although not old enough to realised the significance of it at the time, believe (through my study of the Rt Hon. Baronness Thatcher of Kesteven in my A-level history course) that the Poll Tax was the greatest thing to come from the 1979-90 govts. It was fair and produced equality for all, rather than penalising the "forgotten majority" of Middle Britain for earning more and having higher paid, professional jobs. I would describe myself a neo-Thatcherite. I have strong sympathies with all of Mrs Thatchers policies and with the strong no-nonsense Reagan administration in the U.S.A. I also have the deepest respect for all great Tory leaders...Churchill, Baldwin and Disraeli to name a few. It is perhaps with this background, with the Conservative tradition of supporting the monarchy that dates back to the reign of King Charles II that I have developed my staunch monarchist views. I am patriotic due to my deep sense of Nationalism and Britishness that I feel we have surrendered to Europe since the end of the Second World War. I despise interference from Europe in our legal system and cannot comprehend how anyone finds it acceptable that a court in Brussels can overturn a decision by our Lords of the Appeal in Ordinary. It is wrong and infringes too much on our sovereignty. I particularly enjoy hearing (as she was then) Mrs Thatcher's comment to a European convention "give me back my money", although they still ripped us off! I am neither part of Her Majesty's Armed Forces, although I applaud all those who are. They are extremely brave and I think that is an exceptionally wise career move for those who do not necesarilly have the grades to progress to University or sixth form College. As for the racist Scottish comment that some have you have picked up on...yes I totally agree. That verse is particularly archaic, racist and propagandist. However do not fear...it is now omitted from the anthem and never sung for that very reason. Nowadays, as you are all aware only the first verse is usually sung and on rare ocassions the second also. The third is also available, although it is very very rarely heard, and the last verses are now totally forgotten and ignored, confined to the history books...and wikipedia lol! Also, in response to the user who pointed out the Civil War, glorious revolution and War of the Roses, I would just like to counter this argument. Firstly, let me just point out that since we first had an ordered system of monarchy and government, officially as of 25th December 1066 these islands have witnessed no foreign invasion. Britain has been well defended and has remained peaceful. Those conflicts you mention are all civil wars. The war of the seventeenth century was not the monarchy's fault. As King Charles I said on the scaffold on The civil war was an evil act purportrated by Oliver Cromwell and not by the Crown. An act for which Cromwell was punished when Charles II became King. As for the other two, I will concede that these were the direct fault of bad ruling by monarchs that caused Civil Unrest. However, the Glorious Revolution was not by any means a long drawn out war; support for William of Orange and Princess Mary being shown throughout most of the country. The fact that most of King James' men defected highlights this. Also, those few episodes during almost 2000 years are minute. Overall I feel that the monarchy is a good thing that has unified the country, kept a check on govt. and been an example for all of us. Who cannot feel inspired when reading Queen Elizabeth I's speech to the troops at Tilbury during the Spanish Armada: It is for stirring speeches and acts such as these, as well as for the general criticism that people never stop giving the monarchy- be it King George IV's obituary in The Times or the tabloids in the aftermath of Diana Spencer's death, that I full-heartedly, and glad heartedly support the fundamental institution in our country today. Simon

Ooops...I mean ten Prime Ministers...totally forgot Lord Heath! Although not suprising really though! S.

Well well well....what a bunch of treasoners some of you people are! In response to one comment, of course I know the three official verses of the National Anthem off by heart. My favourite is the second... O Lord, our God, arise, Scatter her enemies, And make them fall. Confound their politics, Frustrate their knavish tricks, On thee our hopes we fix: God save us all. I cannot believe anyone can criticise Her Majesty, the woman who has dilligently and feverently served her country for over 50 years, after being ordained by God to do so. She is truly a remarkable woman and an example to us all. As for all of this claptrap about her role in the Commonwealth and other Dominions overseas, I think that the lot of you should be greatful that she still rules over you. Although, if I had my way, Britain would still have Her Empire, or if not would try and get it back. Personally, I believe that the Queen is much more safer as a Head of State than any President would be...I mean as much as Mr Howard would make an excellent Prime Minister, I would hate to have him as a President or elected monarch. I feel that we need a wise, respected and regal leader to keep a check on his/her government and make sure that it is acting fairly. As for the notion that she is unelected, I see nothing wrong with this. I personally prefer an unelected leadersip and I feel that (slightly off-topic) any reform of the Lords in the next government would be better if it made it entirely un-elected and heriditory...much safer. What do most people in Britain know about politics...nothing! However Her Majesty has ruled over nine Prime Ministers and has over 50 years experience and guidance from her parents and grandparents on matters of state, and I trust her implicitly. I can, usually accept a difference of opinion, however on matters regarding the monarchy, and particularly people criticising such a great institution, i cannot accept and differences in opinion. The Queen is great, Long may she reign!!! The National Anthem (with the now omitted verses 4-6). All stand please. God save our gracious Queen, Long live our noble Queen, God save the Queen: Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us: God save the Queen. O Lord, our God, arise, Scatter her enemies, And make them fall. Confound their politics, Frustrate their knavish tricks, On thee our hopes we fix: God save us all. Thy choicest gifts in store, On her be pleased to pour; Long may she reign: May she defend our laws, And ever give us cause To sing with heart and voice God save the Queen. Not in this land alone, But be God's mercies known, From shore to shore! Lord make the nations see, That men should brothers be, And form one family, The wide world ov'er. From every latent foe, From the assassins blow, God save the Queen! O'er her thine arm extend, For Britain's sake defend, Our mother, prince, and friend, God save the Queen! Lord grant that Marshal Wade May by thy mighty aid Victory bring. May he sedition hush, And like a torrent rush, Rebellious Scots to crush. God save the Queen! Simon

How awful! The Queen must live for decades to come. The greatest monarch that this country has ever had must long reign over us. It's disgusting how people spread malicious rumours such as this and I feel that the Treason Act of 1351 should be enforced more rigourously in such cases. (which I would also condone the use of if ever this site had Her Majesty in the list...the Act clearly states that it is treason to "imagine the death of our Lord and Sovereign" or something to that effect!...sorry everyone ) I'm afraid I must disagree. Prince Charles will make a fine monarch. He is humorous, in touch with his people and dutiful. He has been well trained by his mother and grandmother and his duty, I am sure, will benefit the country. All this talk of him abdicating annoys me as well. The Daily Express constantly predicts that he will not reign. However the whole concept is ludicrous! He will know only too well (from Her Majesty and the late Queen Elizabeth) what effect Edward VIII's abdication had on the monarchy and would never conceivably denounce what has been given to him by God. And this really angers me. How anyone can speak out against an institution that has served and protected this country and her people for over two millenia is beyond me. The current Queen is the greatest Sovereign we have ever had, and I personally am honoured to call myself her subject. The monarchy may take some privelleges but it deserves them, and more to the point who are we to deny the Queen, the head of state and appointee of God the rights that she gained on 12th June 1953? God Save the Queen! Simon

I personally agree with the sentiment "the only good commie is a dead commie". I'm afraid that Communism is the single most evil ideology of the twentieth century and the fall of the Red Scourge, helped in part by the late, great pontif is an event that I am much greatful for. People who follow Communist teachings believe that Robin Hood was a hero...a common theif has the right to take hard earned money and distribute it to the layabouts, the scum of the earth and that is wrong. Also add to the death list most members of the Communist Party in USSR pre-1953 who Stalin decided to purge and murder due to his insatiable paranoia! S

REST IN PEACE to a great pontiff. The world is at a loss without him. As the great Henry Kissinger said yesterday "the world has lost one of the greatest men of the twentieth century, possibly the greatest". How true those words are. A dedicated, accessible and down-to-earth pope who, although he may be responsible for the decline of the Catholic Church, was loved respected and adored not just by his flock, but by people of all religious denominations.

I have now registered on the forum. Has Lord Callagham had his funeral yet? If not when will it be, I have missed the news for the past few days. At least we can take it that he definitely won't be getting a state funeral lol! Simon