It is possible to be a Republic and still enjoy the spectacle of the Royals. The Americans who had a war with Britain to gain independence still love their dose of Royal pageantry. The two are not mutually exclusive.

Even the Queen is encouraging Australia to get a move on towards the inevitable.

I thought Kate looked fantastic. She conducted herself with dignity and class. Her sister Pippa looked great too. The way that Kate lowered her eyes as William saluted the guards, showed me that this lady knows her stuff. She has more class than many of the actual Royal family members (not bad for a commoner). But this should be a positive day for everyone, so well done Kate. Look after her William, she's a keeper!

As for the Republicans; well it's the same old tripe over and over again. Come up with some solid reasons why we should become a republic (and I mean real benefits to the Australian people as a whole, not just your usual bitching and moaning routine) and I'll listen to you. Actually, I probably won't listen to you at all.

The fact of the matter is that when Queen Elizabeth II ends her reign (for whatever reason) THAT will be the time for us to consider our Republican options. Until then she remains the Queen of Australia.

*Radar* you seem to be confused. *Lizzie Winza* is the individual who signed off on the destruction of Australian families and the kidnapping of children, otherwise known as the "Stolen Generations," amongst her other possible "Crimes against Humanity."

Is that not correct?

Is she not the individual who approved the "forcible transference of children from one group to another?"

At the very least, that's playing it a bit fast and loose with the "Genocide Convention Act" don't you think?

And that after the HORRORS of WWII.

OOOoooooo! How disgustingly awful!

I call it, "The Tin Pot Law of the Transplanted Genocidal Pom."

The following is an extract from Australia's Claytons Constitution:

PART III - THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

(Provision as to races disqualified from voting.)

25. For the purposes of the last section, if by the law of any State all persons of any race are disqualified from voting at elections for the more numerous House of the Parliament of the State, then, in reckoning the number of the people of the State or of the Commonwealth, persons of that race resident in that State shall not be counted.

..

CHAPTER VII - MISCELLANEOUS

127. Aborigines not to be counted in reckoning population (Repealed by No.55, 1967, s.3)

Pelican, you wrote;

<< It is possible to be a Republic and still enjoy the spectacle of the Royals. >>

Yes. That’s what we’ve got now, for intents and purposes isn’t it? I mean, in what significant way is Australia not a republic?

<< Come up with some solid reasons why we should become a republic (and I mean real benefits to the Australian people as a whole, not just your usual bitching and moaning routine) and I'll listen to you. >>

My sentiments exactly, Radar. If we are to officially become a republic, I want to know how it would be significantly different and better than what we’ve got now. Otherwise, forget it!

We’ll just have to put up with King Bigears after Liz departs!

I’d prefer that to some half-baked republic which doesn’t do anything to get our daft political masters off of their addiction to never-ending continuous growth and onto a sustainability-based platform, and quite likely even entrenches the expansionist paradigm even more than it is now, if that is possible!

THAT is the essential change that we need in Australian politics, economics and social thinking. If a republic can’t do it or at least take us more that direction, then there is NO POINT in becoming a republic!

Ludwig,
"THAT is the essential change that we need in Australian politics, economics and social thinking. If a republic can’t do it or at least take us more that direction, then there is NO POINT in becoming a republic!"

That is the way I feel too. I found the wedding quite a pleasant chenge from the norm, but am no monachist.

I want the republicans to show that we will benefit from the change, not go to all that expense for nothing. Our system is not perfect butt here are a hell of a lot worse. I'm not into buying a 'pig in a poke'.

If they can't demonstrate an advantage, then forget a republic.