Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
This post comes to you from the burning hell of a poolside in Puglia, Italy. If you want a better idea of the kind of ordeal I am currently experiencing, just check out this site. (And it doesn't do it justice, either. Seriously, I think Borgo Egnazia may be the most perfect resort hotel I've ever stayed at. If you can scrape together enough bucks make it your life mission to come here....)
But enough of my glamorous life. I wanted to talk - once more - about the Queen's Diamond Jubilee since I think it's jolly important that not every post on Ricochet today should be about the results in Wisconsin, delightfully encouraging though they are.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. If you're a Royalist like me, your heart will sing at this delightful tribute to the top twenty highlights of the celebrations.
Apart from the terrible weather (God, clearly, is a republican - and, to judge by Wisconsin, a Republican too) which is threatening to kill off the poor old Duke of Edinburgh (who caught a nasty chill, standing in the rain, saluting his wife for four hours), the event was a glorious triumph: an affirmation of national unity and pride in a country which has precious little reason for celebrating either right now.
If on the other hand, you're one of those curmudgeons who took such vigorous issue with my last post on this subject, let me correct a few of your more glaring misconceptions.
1. George III is no longer on the throne. What's more, a lot of us Limeys - myself anyway - are really happy for you that you won the Revolution. When I imagine the Revolutionary wars I definitely think of myself as a minuteman rather than, say, Banastre Tarleton. But hey, guess what: things have changed since 1776.
2. For example, there is nothing tyrannical or remotely oppressive about the current monarchy. The Queen may be our Head of State; it may be true that parliament governs with Her Majesty's "consent" - and theoretically she has the power to dissolve it. But that's as far as her authority goes. She is a figurehead; she is also, by strict convention, politically impartial; she is a symbol of tradition, continuation, heritage; she is a focus of national unity. BUT - and it is a big BUT - she has no executive power. This is how Constitutional Monarchy works. Hence my position as a libertarian conservative is perfectly compatible with my belief in the British Monarchy. Because it has no arbitrary power over me: capisce?
3. Your Constitution is great, admirable. Your were exceedingly blessed in your Founding Fathers. No one here is dissing your Constitution, got it?
4. In London, you will find that we no longer wear bowler hats. Nor do we have chimney sweeps who talk with Cockney accents like Dick Van Dyke's. Indeed, no one - save Dick Van Dyke - has ever talked with a Cockney accent like Dick Van Dyke's.
5. Snobbery. The notion that snobbery is the main problem holding Britain back is as ludicrously off the mark as 4. The problems Britain faces right now are much the same as the US faces right now: ever-expanding government - in league with the corporatist-banker class - doling out more and more money it cannot afford to an ever-expanding entitlement class. We conservatives should be in this fight together rather than taking cheap shots at one another. (And if there are any cheap shots in this post, well, darn it, they were provoked).
6. And while we're on the subject of our respective class systems, here's something De Tocqueville noted when he visited the US. In many ways the US class system is more offensive than the European one. Why? Because if you are born into a position of privilege you do at least feel (oftentimes, at any rate) a sense of noblesse oblige - i.e. that you owe society something in return for your accident of birth. If, on the other hand, you have come up from nowhere through the sweat of your brow (the American Way!) then you are likely less inclined to be generous to those beneath you. Why? Because if you got where you are through hard work, why shouldn't everyone else too?
Yes, I'm sure there are numerous exceptions to this. I know many rich Americans are very magnanimous.
But hey, look, I've got a pool to get back to. And this 80-degree heat may not last forever....
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Apr '11
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
While reading Daniel Hannan's blog in the Telegraph this morning about his project to get the core nations of the Anglosphere to link arms in solidarity, the thought struck me that you need to have him as your guest on Radio Free Delingpole to make his pitch. More than that, you need to recruit him as a regular correspondent for Ricochet.
Apr '11
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
I second that. Recruit Daniel Hannan!
(By the way James, very nicely written post)
Mar '11
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
No diss, express or implied.
We're done with monarchy over here. Been there, done that, still have the buckskin hunting shirt.
But, since my mother forced me to watch the investiture of Barmy Prince Charlie when I was but a lad, I've known two things:
One, that kid has way more names than he needs. How's his mom going to get all that out when he gets into trouble? When I heard my mom get to my middle name, I knew I was in the soup.
Two, the Brits know how to party. I've been reading about the evacuation of Dunkirk lately, and there was a French soldier who managed to make it over on one of the splendid little boats who was amazed at the response of the public when the BEF made it back. "If they celebrate a defeat like this, whatever must they be like when they have a victory?"
Have a good time, you guys.
Jan '12
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
Good morning, Mr. Delingpole:
Having been born and raised in England, I really enjoyed watching the US coverage of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee.
I am, also, a frequent reader of your blog and find it very informative and, often, entertaining!
However, on reading this post today, I find I must disagree with your summary in point 6. Whilst your distinction between inherited wealth and earned wealth is true, you are incorrect when you assume that, therefore, Americans are less willing to give to those less fortunate.
I find the opposite to be true; both individually and corporately. Americans are first to give after an international disaster, both through Congress and most importantly, privately!
As a people, still not entirely steeped in the belief that the welfare state should take care of everyone's needs, we are still the most generous people on the planet!
I say this as a proud, naturalized American citizen!
Apr '11
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
I always liked that scene in King Ralph where the punkers were reluctantly in favor of The Royals. (I am NOT saying that it corresponds to reality, just that I'm a sentimentalist. Like Peter, I hope someday to become cold and hard.) :-)
Apr '11
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
Well, while I'm at it: I always liked that scene in Love, Actually where the British PM tells the American President to go to hell.
May '12
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
James Delingpole: ...
3. Your Constitution is great, admirable. Your were exceedingly blessed in your Founding Fathers. No one here is dissing your Constitution, got it?
Thank you for your kind words. While I am confident in your assertion that no one in U.K. is dissing our Constitution I am sad to report that there are as of this writing no less than 537 folks in Washington DC that diss it on a daily basis.
It is sad that we must be reminded of the Revolution of 1776 by a gentlemen from England, but if Wisconsin is any indication there may be a reminder coming for those aforementioned 537+ folks in Washington DC.
All the Best on the celebration of Her Majesty's Jubilee.
Apr '11
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
You lost me on number 6. Having said that, I enjoyed watching the old girl celebrate her diamond jubilee. I like your monarchy, especially that cute young couple. Now go back to your pool.
May '10
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
Thanks to Netflix I've been watching a British comedy show called "Snuff Box." On the wall in their exclusive club is a plaque that reads, "No jokes about the Queen."
Jul '11
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
I have to admit that I am not a big fan of the monarchy. However, having said that -
1 - A figure head, especially an ancient and unchanging one like the one you have, is good for national pride / unity. Americans lack that. No matter how much I dislike it, I have to admit that a percentage of the populous will be sheeples; and sheeples need figure heads to get behind that are above politics.
2 - If there have to be scandals to distract the populous, I much prefer the crown prince marrying a widow than a President sticking cigars in an intern. Monarchy provides a good balance of distractions / entertainment. Better them than elected officials that SHOULD be working.
3 - Expenditure on upkeep is limited to the one family in the Monarchy as opposed to the never ending stream of elected 2-years officials. I am willing to bet that our outlay for "keeping" politicians is higher, despite the Monarchy, than in the UK. I have no proof, of course.
4 - There is something to be said about rituals. If religion is out - may as well be Monarchy.
May '10
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
Sure, but why rename a landmark like Big Ben? Let the queen have a star (satellite) instead.
Dec '10
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
Yes, yes. A thousand times, yes!
This is absolutely true. The extent of American generosity eclipses any other nation or people. An entire industry--if it can be called such--of non profits, charities, and private philanthropists dutifully and, most importantly, voluntarily strive to solve the worlds problems.
Our cousins across the pond in Britain share this spirit, albeit on a smaller scale, but as far as first world nations are concerned, no one comes close to reaching America's level of generosity.
Feb '11
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
I don't dislike the monarchy as an institution -- for those who want it. But I do view it as yours and definitely a point of differentiation. I realize the Queen has no real power. But her dysfunctional family have an enormous power to remain in the public eye almost interminably. And I do view that as a problem, but alas your problem and not mine. It's not that we don't have dysfunctional Presidents, but they are gone from office before too long and nobody pays them much mind after they're gone from office.
Oct '10
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
James, the American upper class donates more to charity than any other upper class in any nation in the world. I can't remember the exact numbers, but the gap is stunning.
Jun '11
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
Wait, George III is no longer on the throne?!?! This changes everything.
PS, James, the Diamond Jubilee was very moving, and I pray we celebrate Her Majesty's 70th anniversary as well . . . anything to ensure that the throne passes straight from her to her grandson and skips that twit son of hers.
Oct '11
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
As others have noted, James is way off base on #6. Or, Tocqueville was off base. Or whatever.
Apr '12
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
Am starting a fund to visit Italian resort. Also, how many people in the royal family are on tax payer money? Maybe the Queen should have an Obama style dinner at Elizabeth's fabulous castle and Charles and Wills want to know what you think...for ยฃ100,000 a plate. Here is the usually sarcastic Canadian writer writing a wise analysis of what a day in rain celebrating the Queen can do for morale. http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/06/04/andrew-coyne-as-the-queen-endures-so-does-the-nation-that-loves-her/
Jul '10
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
I love the Queen and enjoy the rest of the royals with the exception of Prince Charles. He seems odd in several ways and his wife is clearly a skank.
Apr '12
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
Barkha Herman. Your #2 point is witty and very true. Clinton damaged the USA incredibly but he has endured, like the Queen, but what about the image of the USA? Seeing a President handing out awards and watching celebrity concerts, etc. really reduces the position.
Jun '11
Re: Don't You Go Dissing Our Diamond Jubilee
I would agree with James that there is a cultural strain deeply bred into the British aristocracy for "noblesse oblige". Imagine the guilt of white American liberals watching PBS pledge drives, and refine, deepen, and cement that over centuries and you have that British sense of obligation and patronage that (at least, traditionally) pervades the upper class. But even so, by every account I've heard Americans are certainly not stingy with private giving. The attitudes may be slightly different, and we may chafe at giving certain types of unnecessary "handouts" admittedly, but our upper class is quite free with the checkbook generally speaking.
The British monarchy is a lovely thing in its present form...not terribly controversial or political...handled with grace and restraint...not threatening towards personal liberty...and generally a uniting force where both right and left leaning folks can feel a sense of uniting nationalism (the good sort!) and pride in country. Long life to Her Majesty. The Prince of Wales on the other hand does not engender any enthusiasm in me for the coming decades of British monarchy.