Well its never been put to the test and I hope it never does, but in theory yes, that is what would happen, if for some reason a rougue extreme radical govermment took shape.

Really? I'd think one Oliver Cromwell would have a thing or two to say about that

While the monarchy isn't always an issue of the political left versus right, it's a pretty safe bet that most of those braying for abolition are socialists. I've often found that leftists have a great deal less respect than those on the right for anyone who dares disagree with them. For the right, politics is about finding the right policies for the times. For the left, politics is about turning society on its head and b*gger the consequences!

As well as a lack of respect for the opinions of others, leftists generally have no sense of humour about their politics. Those who disagree are, to the ardent lefty, of unsound mind and must be re-educated. Those who don't know what's best for them must have what's best forced upon them by legislation. If there's a significant portion of Canadian society who support the monarchy and another significant portion who don't really care one way or the other, they must be re-educated!!!

Given the vitriol spouted by a couple of anti-monarchy posters here, I find it hard to imagine the undecideds being swayed their way. Most Canadians, whether born or imported, don't have that class warrior chip on their shoulders anyway. In a society in which almost everyone is, or self-identifies as, middle-class, what is the point? You have to be pretty chippy to allow a kneejerk hatred of monarchy to get in the way of pragmatism and a sense of history.

And hey, if we're going to mention Oliver Cromwell... As Lord Protector (just an old-fashioned version of president), he had far more power than the king he deposed. General Monck was a loyal roundhead and could easily have succeeded Cromwell. Instead, he restored the monarchy to prevent future abuses of power of the sort in which Cromwell indulged.

wow, so anyone who supports the monarchy is right wing, anyone who wants rid is left wing. All left wingers are have no sense of humour, chips on their shoulders and want to force their opinions on others.

Hmm, not the socialism that my grandfathers lived in shoeboxes for.

He's confusing militancy with socialism and being left wing. Lots of people do that - especially in the press.

And you're right there, the so called 'left' is extremely intolerant of others' opinions and quite frankly should shut hell up and keep their bankrupt ideology to themselves.

So the fact that this is an inherited position doesn't bother you at all? Are there any other areas of public life that you feel should also be based on this principle?

That's what I don't like about it. If you're born a US citizen you could one day become president, whether you're black, white, male, female etc. Its not a perfect system (Pair of Bushes) but its better than the monarchary.

I don't think its 'chippy' to suggest that every citizen should have at least the theoretical chance to lead their country.

How does the Queen "lead the country"? Bring back the good 'ole days when they went into battle with their subjects.

It's a bullshit system, but it is a system. Once you get past the "it's not fair" aspect, it just mirrors life - some are lucky, some are not.

My mother used to work in a hotel on the marina during Cowes week each year. Royalty came in regularly. She always said that, based on what she saw, she wouldn't swap her life for theirs. Be honest, once you had gotten over the ability to purchase new frocks, would you really want a life that you cannot escape from where you have to attend the mind-numbing "events" that they have to? I know I wouldn't.

Yes...although England briefly became a Republic back then, the monarchy was uninterupted in terms of blood line.... after the execution of Charles I by Cromwell, the crown went to the son of Charles I ......Charles II when the monarchy was restored. Thus maintaining the uniterupted bloodline.

Couldnt have put it better myself Clay buster!

raging socialist here.

Gee, LV, I'd never have guessed! Still, it does make me wonder why you're a redneck, sophisticated or otherwise. My wife is a redneck from a proudly redneck family. Despite the family hailing from SK, the spiritual home of the NDP, I doubt there's a single one of them that isn't a solid Tory.

The values they treasure as rednecks are self-reliance, a willingness to work hard and a healthy distrust of too much government. They're just about okay with socialized medicine but the gun registry, any further attempt as a National Energy Plan and any imposition of central power is not to their liking. They sure ain't socialists....

Lemonfish - doesn't it bother you that a naturalized US citizen does NOT have the right to be president? Shouldn't there be a single standard for citizenship? Or that you have to be over 35 to be president? Heck, in WW2 there was a 24-year old Brigadier in the British Army! Just to wind up the lefties, that 24-year old was Enoch Powell...

Presumably, like LV, they're anti-monarchy, the Royal family being a branch of government and all. To us pinkos, lovers of big administrations, a few dozen extra people on the payroll performing ceremonial duties is neither here nor there.

reminds me of me.

But surely the royals would be first up against the wall when the revolution comes. q.v. the Tsars of Russia and all that?