Do you tolerate your neighbours?
@owlwings (43915)
Cambridge, England
December 20, 2007 5:28am CST
We have a huge council house in our street.
The extended family is run by a grumpy old woman with a pack of fierce dogs.
Her car isn't taxed or insured, and doesn't even have a number plate, but the police still do not do anything.
Her bad tempered old man is famous for upsetting foreigners with racist comments.
A shopkeeper blames him for ordering the murder of his son's girlfriend but nothing has been proved yet.
All their kids have broken marriages except the youngest, who everyone thought was gay.
Two grandsons are meant to be in the Army but are always seen out in nightclubs.
The family's odd antics are always in the papers. They are out of control.
Who'd live near Windsor Castle?
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Seriously, today the Queen becomes the longest living British monarch. Let's wish her all the best!
How do you see/think of the British Royal Family?
3 people like this
5 responses
@nannacroc (4049)
•
24 Dec 07
This question just shows that you need to read right to the end before making judgements. I was brought up on a council estate and as I was reading my hackles began to rise, I looked at who had written it and was surprised at this attitude coming from such a lovely person, THEN, I read the last line and found it very funny. So sorry for misjudging without reading the question fully.
I'm muddled about the royal family. I do think they are part and parcel of Britishness but they are the most highly paid people on social security benefits, however they do bring in money fron tourists. I love the pomp and ceremony associated with royalty but I seriously doubt that Charles is the right person to follow the queen as our nominal head of state.
Merry Christmas.
3 people like this
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
25 Dec 07
The important thing is that, in the end, you didn't misjudge! Your puzzlement was natural (and, of course, intended - because I purposely built the discussion that way!)
I wonder if it matters at all what kind of monarch we have. I am rather fond of Charlie (though I don't think he would make a good ruler in the old sense). These days, though, the monarch is a figurehead, most of whose words are written for her (or as good as) and her duties include a lot of paperwork, most of which I believe is simply 'knowledge' or requires her signature. If one analysed it, one would doubtless find that 90% of it might be actually redundant. That being said, our Queen is a very gracious and genuine person for whom one can't help having a lot of respect. She is also amazingly active for her age, as her mother and grandmother and great-grandmother all were.
2 people like this
@pumpkinjam (8540)
• United Kingdom
23 Dec 07
Haha that's funny Mr. O!
I don't know about the royals. I do think they are overrated and they cost us all a lot of money. It's daft when you think about it. Many people who support the royal family are the same as those who would complain about "normal" families who do the same things!
I reckon the Queen is holding on so she can outlive Prince Charles and pass the throne straight on to Prince William! (and who could blame her!?)
I think they are a good tourist attraction and the Queen seems like a nice lady but, of the things they actually do, I don't know if there is really the need any more. I want a monarch who invades places!
2 people like this
@dorypanda (1601)
•
26 Dec 07
No you don't! Are you up for this anarchy lark too then? What about Iraq, the British invaded that.
2 people like this
@pumpkinjam (8540)
• United Kingdom
26 Dec 07
The Quuen didn;t go off on her trusty steed and declare Iraqistan for herself. I just meant that the royal people aren't very interesting. They don't chop off people's heads and go into battle themselves and wotnot. There was that whole thingamy with Prince Harry not being wanted to go to actually fight in case he was recognised but with old fashioned princes and things, they went cos that was their job. He chose to be in the army.
That's all I meant, rather than it being all political and things.
1 person likes this
@dorypanda (1601)
•
21 Dec 07
Oh Mr.O. You're very naughty, consider yourself offically told off for that. ;)
I read the first bit and started feeling sorry for you, then I realised what it was you were saying. Tut tut indeed.
I like the Royal family, it's a shame it's not on TV any more...........
In all seriousness, I do like having a monarchy here in England, it's good that we still have a 'Head of state', the Americans seem to love the Royals too so that brings in tourism, which in turn brings in money. I'm just wondering how old Prince Charles will be when he finally inherits the throne, my guess is 102 maybe.
Some people see the Royal family as an outdated institution but I don't, they do seem to be trying to 'get with the times', well the younger ones do anyway. They seem more normal and approachable than the older ones and I think that that's a good thing because it makes them more endearing, my favourite Royal who sadly is no longer with us, was the wonderful Queen Mother, she always had a look on her face that said "I'm not up to anything..........honest".
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
22 Dec 07
I consider myself well and truly told off! (Hehehe)
Yes, I actually rather like the institution. I am rather wary of the younger ones who - as you say - seem to be trying to 'get with it'. It seems to me that they have less respect for 'the institution' than they should have. Various monarchs (including and since Henry V) have tried to be 'with it' and have failed. Prince Harry seems to be following in the footsteps of his namesake. I am betting on him as the next monarch, actually.
2 people like this
@dorypanda (1601)
•
26 Dec 07
I think there could well be 'Anarchy in the UK' if Prince Harry were to become King. :)
Hmm, the Royals ARE and institution or they LIVE in an institution.........maybe they should live in some type of loony bin the way some of them behave.
1 person likes this
@kitchenwitchoftupper (2290)
• United States
27 Dec 07
It most irks me and makes me snappy when friends send jokes just to get people to reply to them. I find it a most reprehensible and revolting practice! In fact, I believe that MyLot has even admonished others for doing what I have just stated.
Having said that; I now must add, "THANK YOU, Owlwings, for telling the story of the neighborhood you live in"! I am hoping that someone here writes for a newspaper and will pick up the ball and run with your story. You have done a fine piece of writing and pulling this all together. I am strongly suggesting that you begin to freelance for the tabloids. I can see that you have what it takes!~Donna
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
28 Dec 07
LOL, Kitchenwitch. Another reprimand. In my defence, I have to say that I don't make a habit of it but the piece was too rich not to share so I had to work it into a valid discussion somehow :)
@Adoniah (7513)
• United States
27 Dec 07
I suppose you have reason to complain just as we have reason to conplain for what goes on in Washington. From here however, to us, Britain just would not be Britian without Royalty. Just as America would not be America without an idiotic President or Congress. We have a lot of respect for your country even when you have your problems. We know that you do not respect us. You have made that very clear and it is a shame because everyone has there ups and downs. I feel that America has always supported Britain at least since we kicked you out of America that is. Britain does not give America the same courtesy. But then, no country does, so Britain is not alone.
