Prince Andrew

[Rusty Nails]

OK.
Again, a valid point I accept.
As an example (for consensus/clarity) : Climate change. A broad term that, I think, we can all accept needs addressing.
And yet, 'management', funded/propped up by private capital via lobby groups, constantly kick the can.
Profit, at the expense of every one else, is an aberration that no-one should accept.
And yet, that's exactly where we find ourselves.

I am of the cynical view that, to change this, will require a seismic downturn in everyone’s fortunes (and, no, I don’t believe we are going through this at the moment in the UK, despite our recent crappy governments), and a lot more critical thinking from the population (of all ages but especially the young) rather than a blind acceptance of the rubbish thrown up on social media and the populist MSM.

 

[Evil_Breakfast]

So nothing to do with the monarchy then? Glad we agree! x

Fairly sure that the monarchies 'portfolio' include a significant slice of petro-chemical interest.
Because it's an earner.
That, and land.

 

[Evil_Breakfast]

I am of the cynical view that, to change this, will require a seismic downturn in everyone’s fortunes (and, no, I don’t believe we are going through this at the moment in the UK, despite our recent crappy governments), and a lot more critical thinking from the population (of all ages but especially the young) rather than a blind acceptance of the rubbish thrown up on social media and the populist MSM.

This is the underpinning of my stance; articulately expressed by @Rusty Nails.
The 'snake oil' of wokery, antifa, and <other pejorative buzz-words>, is -deliberately- preventing progress.
For profits.
That no-one else, save a (comparative) few will enjoy.

 

[matticus]

I am of the cynical view that, to change this, will require a seismic downturn in everyone’s fortunes (and, no, I don’t believe we are going through this at the moment in the UK, despite our recent crappy governments), and a lot more critical thinking from the population (of all ages but especially the young) rather than a blind acceptance of the rubbish thrown up on social media and the populist MSM.

To quote (the occasionally very reaosnable) Frankie Boyle (Twitter, 2022)

I mean, it's a drag, and we're all busy, but there's going to need to be some kind of revolution.

 

[Psamathe]

<slightly Devil's Advocate mode, but:>
I disagree, because the wealthy elite that do NOT have the same public exposure as the Royals wield just as much power, and abuse it more, doing much more harm. Many of them have greater inherited wealth than most "Royals"!

I wonder if the wealthy elite having too much power is a separate issue and that we don't currently have so many to the same extreme as in the US is more because of the size of the US economy rather than Royals acting as some sort of regulatory system limiting them.

 

[Psamathe]

On C4 News this evening, apparently some time back lawyer for the victims wrote to Prince Andrew asking him to cooperate with investigations. Letter was FedEx'd to Buckingham Palace where they refused to accept delivery.

To me that "says it all" about our Royal Family" attitude to the victims. Except there is more to be said irrespective of their laser focus on protecting their reputation.

 

[Ianonabike]

The Firm must be protected at all costs.

 

[Psamathe]

The Firm must be protected at all costs.

And if that means

Prince Andrew tried to hire ‘internet trolls’ to hassle Virginia Giuffre, book claims Prince Andrew’s team tried to hire “internet trolls to hassle” his accuser, Virginia Giuffre, while he hid behind the “well-guarded gates” of Balmoral Castle to avoid being served court papers ...

that's what will be done. Morals, consideration, truth, honour, etc. irrelevant.

 

[First Aspect]

Is it still an arrestable offence to shout "nonce" if you see him in public?

 

[Psamathe]

Is it still an arrestable offence to shout "nonce" if you see him in public?

He is still a member of the Royal Family, he is still Duke of York, he is still a member of the Order of the Garter, he is still the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh, he is still (currently) stays as eighth in the line of succession, he is still a counsellor of state (can stand in for the king if he is overseas or unwell), etc.

All that has changed is he's decided not to use his titles, just as as many eg with qualifications decide not to use their titles or post nominals. He could change his mind tomorrow - Royal Family have a track record of changing their mind when they think they can get away with it eg when it was promised that Camilla would never be "Queen" (she was not popular at that time).

 

[Badger_Boom]

He is still a member of the Royal Family, he is still Duke of York, he is still a member of the Order of the Garter, he is still the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh, he is still (currently) stays as eighth in the line of succession, he is still a counsellor of state (can stand in for the king if he is overseas or unwell), etc.

All that has changed is he's decided not to use his titles, just as as many eg with qualifications decide not to use their titles or post nominals. He could change his mind tomorrow - Royal Family have a track record of changing their mind when they think they can get away with it eg when it was promised that Camilla would never be "Queen" (she was not popular at that time).

I don't remember the royal family making any such promise. It was just wishful thinking on behalf of those who seem unable to let go of their vision of the sainted Diana.

 

[Psamathe]

Looking like the Prince Andrew issues reaching headlines (again) is bringing in wider considerations of the Royal Family and their behaviour.

On BBC Radio 4 this morning Margaret Hodge raising how whilst the Royal Family delacare they are private they don't pay capital gains tax, don't pay inheritance tax, don't pay corporation tax, don't pay income tax, etc. and there is no transparency and no scrutiny.

Country facing very high levels of taxation looking like those will soon be needing to increase as the nation's borrowing and borrowing costs, and inflation, etc., etc. yet Royal Family just don't contribute (despite "those with the broadest shoulders").

 

[matticus]

Looking like the Prince Andrew issues reaching headlines (again) is bringing in wider considerations of the Royal Family and their behaviour.

On BBC Radio 4 this morning Margaret Hodge raising how whilst the Royal Family delacare they are private they don't pay capital gains tax, don't pay inheritance tax, don't pay corporation tax, don't pay income tax, etc. and there is no transparency and no scrutiny.

Country facing very high levels of taxation looking like those will soon be needing to increase as the nation's borrowing and borrowing costs, and inflation, etc., etc. yet Royal Family just don't contribute (despite "those with the broadest shoulders").

<find your own Alan Partridge shrugging gif>

 

[bobzmyunkle]

Only putting this here due to the fondness of some posters for the 'rent free' term
https://www.theguardian.com/comment...-prince-andrew-great-windsor-park-royal-lodge

 

[matticus]

Only putting this here due to the fondness of some posters for the 'rent free' term
https://www.theguardian.com/comment...-prince-andrew-great-windsor-park-royal-lodge

(I htnk that one's already over on the mothership joke thread!)

I also liked this:

King Charles visits the Vatican: