Interesting comment underneath an article in the UK Sun, describing the firearms-related security arrangements for the Royal Wedding. “When has one persons life being more valuable than another? Since the beginning of hereditary Monarchy I think is the logical answer. How people can even talk of democracy, equality and rights, while still supporting this archaic and somewhat grotesque system is beyond me. Theres no place for hereditary monarchy in the modern world, none what so ever. As people I wish them all the happiness but their roles and status for me are obsolete, unwarranted and unsustainable.” Note: handguns are banned in the U.K.
There will also only be a “bullet-catcher” for Willy- Kate is on her own if the lead starts flying (because the other guy in the carriage has to tend to the horses).
Maybe if they did the parade AFTER the wedding she would count as royalty too and be worth saving?
And yes, I agree, hereditary monarchy (even a toothless one) is useless for any society that wants to call themselves “civilized.”
The Secret Service Presidential Protection Detail are all supposed to “catch a bullet” for the protectees. Many wealthy and/or powerful people have private security people who are supposed to take the bullet to save their client. Why is this person so wound up about the royal protection?
The “bullet catcher” makes a decision to do so. He is not a human shield.
He CHOOSES to put himself in harm’s way. I’ll respect that has the right to do that.
People bound to the outside of a dictator’s vehicle used as literal human shields against their will would be a different story.
As revolting as I find the concept of monarchy, it’s worth remembering that England is not a dictatorship. If there was enough genuine opposition to the monarchy among the English citizenry, they could eliminate the institution.
Certainly other previous monarchies have divested themselves of royalty with no ill effects, so the Brits must think they get something of value from the Royal Family, whatever that may be.
I’d also second Bob’s comments above – every “civilized” country in the world has prioritized some lives over others, whether it was the Civil War when conscriptees could buy their way out of service, or the publicly-paid bodyguards that most elected officials (and even candidates) have to provide for their personal security.
I have a few questions about this “bullet Catcher” business. First, is “bullet catcher” actually in the job description? Second, how much experience is required? Third, is there any room for professional growth in that position? Finally, what about health and hospitalization coverage?
Oh, and do the royals still have whipping boys? It’s gotta be a bitch for the Windsor HR department to fill that job, too. I’ve been married twice, so I have some experience. Just wondering.
Is there some English wedding coming up? Really? I had not noticed on my tv news. Ralph, I’m awaiting my 3rd divorce in June-don’t feel bad. Of course, I am already engaged…
Oh, I just tuned in the news and saw the Queen herself- Elton John was in the church awaiting the nuptuals.
Royalty is the nearly religious practice of worshiping useless people.
The more protection offered them, and more attention paid to their daily
activities, the more useless they probably are.
Of course, it’s considered an obviosity that their lives are worth defending, while
the hoi polloi are disarmed for fear that they may realize just HOW useless royalty is.
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