BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Den
Date: 09 May 07 - 08:55 AM

How'd they do? My money would be on Phil to beat the Queen over that distance.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 09 May 07 - 08:37 AM

As Thomas Paine put it,

"The difference between a Republican and a Courtier is, the one thinks Monarchy IS something, the other knows it is nothing...."

And let's hope someone manages to record clandestinely what the ould Chooky Embra says "off-the-cuff", so you Americans will learn what he really thinks of you (and all the rest of the polloi).

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 09 May 07 - 08:19 AM

I watched the Kentucky Derby on TV on Saturday. The queen and Prince Philip were in attendance. I tuned in maybe 5 or 10 minutes before the actual race but the coverage began long before that, so I might have missed something.

I saw a brief glimpse of them on the screen but the commentators didn't mention them. The commentators were too busy talking about the horses and owners.

After the race was over, I watched several replays, further commentary, an interview on horseback with the winning jockey, etc., but there was no further attention paid to the Queen and Prince.

In short, it's no big deal. The Queen's visit is mainly of interest to habitual celebrity-watchers, but HM is far less interesting than many of her relatives.

The visit is also watched by people who are eager to see what new gaffe GWB will commit next. He didn't disappoint us.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 09 May 07 - 02:45 AM

I've had great admiration for her restraint and dignity in a demanding position, since I learned that she allowed Freud to paint her portrait and didn't have his head for the insult.

Such dignity demands respect.

I think that for most in the US she is accepted as a person we assume to have some proper place in her own country, even though we don't understand that position, and she has held the position without doing a whole lot to embarass herself or her country.

I hope she will be treated with respect, and for those who find it appropriate, with whatever affection they can muster.

For the majority here, she's "just another celebrity" and not really a big attraction, although we can perhaps at least hope that she won't - as most of our home-grown celebs seem inclined to do - assault anyone while drunk, be busted for illicit drugs, or make ignorant pretences at political wisdom beyond the limits of her intelligence and maturity.

I hope she's enjoying her visit.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Beer
Date: 08 May 07 - 10:24 PM

I'm with you Dickey.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: GUEST,since you asked
Date: 08 May 07 - 09:49 PM

"If I were reincarnated I would wish to be returned to earth as a killer virus to lower human population levels."

- Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, leader of the World Wildlife Fund - quoted in "Are You Ready For Our New Age Future?," Insiders Report, American Policy Center, December '95

RICHMOND -- Britain's Queen Elizabeth II met privately Thursday with four students injured in the April 16 shootings at Virginia Tech....

The queen and Prince Philip, along with Gov. Tim Kaine and first lady Anne Holton, met privately for about eight minutes in the Capitol with the four injured students and their families and with other Tech students, faculty and administrators. Those who witnessed the queen's interactions with the students described the meeting as warm and personal....

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/115685

Since you asked, the queen and Prince Phillip are in my country, seizing on a tragedy in order to promote the English system of citizen disarmament and emasculation. Phillip SAYS he wants to be reincarned as a virus to kill you, yet there he is in Virginia, acting sad. Personally, if I'd had eight minutes to meet privately with the queen and Phillip, they'd now be only a memory. I would have emerged from the room, covered in blood, and I'd've said "People don't kill people, boots kill people." My defense would be that I was temporarily sane.

Elizabeth Saxe-Coburg-Gotha's family is Nazi. Her grandson wears swastikas. The family is a plague. Why the hell doesn't England do the world a favor and eradicate them?

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: EBarnacle
Date: 08 May 07 - 09:37 PM

All of our visitors make us happy....












Some by arriving, some by leaving.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: heric
Date: 07 May 07 - 09:49 PM

I like her a lot. Bitchin tough woman who's got a job to do and does it. She could drive from Texas to Florida and back without using Depends I have no doubt. Tougher than our astronauts.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 07 May 07 - 01:45 PM

It is certainly thoughtful of her to participate in the celebrations at Jamestown.

Surely with the money she's got she could do better with her wardrobe.

In one of the pictures I saw she looked like a sofa.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Rog Peek
Date: 07 May 07 - 09:34 AM

I'm sorry, this is supposed to be about US reaction, I really should keep out of it!

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Rog Peek
Date: 07 May 07 - 09:28 AM

Kendall

I agree with you on Tony Bliar, but I really can't think of anything the queen has done to deserve my respect. For goodness sake, I don't even know her.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 May 07 - 09:10 AM

I understand that Britain now belongs to a US racing tout. Seems like Liz made a bad bet at Churchill Downs....

On a more comical note, W is hosting a white-tie dinner for Liz & Phil. Seems like (true!) Laura talked him into it....

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: GUEST,Billy
Date: 07 May 07 - 08:59 AM

Why James the first but Elizabeth the second? If we're talking about Great Britain it should be James the first and Elizabeth the first. But of course we're talking about England.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 07 May 07 - 08:04 AM

Lived in the UK all my life, up to now (60 years) and I have never set eyes on any of them , except the Duke of Edinburgh once, in 1964, and Lord Louis Mountbatten, just before the IRA assassinated him. Apart from that----Zilch !! And I live near Windsor Castle !! I guess Liz and I have different schedules ! No, you can have 'em, America---for a lot of us Brits, they are a total anachronism, an historical throwback, and an expensive irrelevance in a modern democratic society. The example set by the Dutch, and to a lesser extent, Spanish ,Royal Families, is much more practical for any country wishing to retain a monarchy in this day and age.A country that can"t rescue a few tearful wimps from a bunch of bandits like the Iranians doesn"t DESERVE to have a high profile, high status Royal Family, in the first place.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: kendall
Date: 07 May 07 - 07:51 AM

I'm not a royalist, but she deserves a damn site more respect than Tony Bliar.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 06 May 07 - 08:19 AM

I'd love to know what she thought of the menu ; )

Did I mention my kitchen made tea and scones for the (previous) Archbishop of Canterbury on his recent swing through town? No pressure there.......

You got pigs in Canada? BBQ's not all that hard. Tell me what kind you like and I'll post a good recipe or 3 in the Mudcat foodies thread.

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 06 May 07 - 08:15 AM

There has certainly been some news coverage, but her visit has caused no great stir. The front pages go to Paris Hilton and the latest American Idol cast-off. There is a great deal of good will for the Queen. Unlike when George W travels out of country and half the people hold their noses when he walks by. (If they're even allowed to get close enough to see him without proving their approval.)

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: dianavan
Date: 06 May 07 - 04:38 AM

Dani -

I wish they had pulled pork sandwiches in Canada. In fact, its the Southern dishes I miss most up here in the North. Gin and tonic is also my favorite drink. I guess I have at least one thing in common with the Queen.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 05 May 07 - 01:32 PM

As has already been said, if you like her, you can keep her - and the rest of the royal twits, as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: GUEST
Date: 05 May 07 - 12:46 PM

Wonder of wonders! I'm with Don Firth on this one.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 05 May 07 - 12:14 PM

Thank you. She's doing a very good job.

It's just nice that we can all get along for a change. Gives me hope for the future ;)

Don't you wonder what Thomas Jefferson would think of it all?!

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 05 May 07 - 11:55 AM

We in the UK pay the Queen a lot of money to be charming!

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Alice
Date: 05 May 07 - 11:24 AM

In case you don't know what I mean by Church Lady Hats, here is an example The Crowns of Hat Queens (church ladies)

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Alice
Date: 05 May 07 - 11:17 AM

She certainly does promote the wearing of hats, and I like to wear hats. Hats are out of fashion pretty much in the US except for Church Ladies.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Dickey
Date: 05 May 07 - 09:42 AM

I think the Queen deserves respect myself.

Did you see that black lady give her a bear hug?

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Donuel
Date: 05 May 07 - 09:21 AM

dyslexics of American (DOA) welcome the queer old dean.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 05 May 07 - 08:00 AM

By accident, we visited Jamestown over the holidays last winter, and got there just as they were putting the finishing touches on all the new exhibits, sprucing the sites, and BEFORE all of the crowds to celebrate the 400th this year.

I felt pretty ignorant. If I was taught anything about Jamestown in school, it certainly didn't make a big impression, but that visit did. Very well done, so much of the site there to see and imagine, and the way it's all presented makes it very easy and nice to see and learn. As someone on record as HATING tourist sites of all flavors, I just loved it, and can't wait to go back and spend some time AFTER the crowds have gone ;) The chapel especially was interesting.

Yesterday NPR did a lovely little piece on her visit, and I could just picture she and her husband in the horse-drawn carriage. They talked about James I being Elizabeth's great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather.

I think it's cool, part of learning about our history, and I'm glad she came.

As a chef, THIS is what I was most interested in:

http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSN3025070320070502

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 04 May 07 - 11:39 PM

"Does she know any nautical songs?"

You might be surprised. She once suggested to Helen Creighton, who had "collected" the eventually-famous "Nova Scotia Song" (Farewell to Nova Scotia), that that song was derived from a certain Scottish song (Banks of Jeddore?), and Helen Creighton, upon looking into it, decided Her Majesty was right. (Or maybe Ms. Creighton just wanted to keep her head on her shoulders ... ).

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Peace
Date: 04 May 07 - 11:28 PM

She's visiting the State named for the first Elizabeth.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: gnu
Date: 04 May 07 - 07:32 PM

Anyway, anyhoo, anyhow.... she waves better than anyone. So, ah, royally.... hmm hmm hmm!

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Alice
Date: 04 May 07 - 05:41 PM

Your question was if she means anything to the American public. Most of the American public are interested in the type of celebrity that goes with a Princess Diana, but not with a head of state like the Queen. If a person can sell the cover of People magazine, then the American public is interested. I don't think the Queen sells magazines. Unfortunately, the public here is interested in movie stars, young and beautiful celebrities, and scandals. Some individuals here would be interested in her visit, but that is a minority.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Rog Peek
Date: 04 May 07 - 05:32 PM

As a dyed in the wool English republican:

While she's over there, she's not over here. Perhaps you'd like to keep her!

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 May 07 - 04:58 PM

I suspect more welcome than some I could name.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: kendall
Date: 04 May 07 - 04:49 PM

As far as I'm concerned she is as welcome here as any other head of state.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: dianavan
Date: 04 May 07 - 03:21 PM

I'm with you, Don.

I have to respect the way she's handled her position. She is certainly a responsible (if not duty bound) role model for her country. Her sense of duty seems to have interferred with some of her personal decisions but, all in all, she's done a marvelous job.

I'd probably go to see her hat.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: gnu
Date: 04 May 07 - 03:20 PM

No, I haven't seen her but I'll keep a sharp lookout. Does she know any nautical songs?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, adrift in NYC


Yes, she does indeed, Charley..... "Britannia Rules The Waves" comes to mind immediately.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: GUEST,MarkS
Date: 04 May 07 - 02:55 PM

How is it possible for Queen to be in Virginia? I thought Freddie Mercury died.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: GUEST,MarkS
Date: 04 May 07 - 02:55 PM

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Don Firth
Date: 04 May 07 - 02:49 PM

My Canadian brother-in-law met the Queen and Prince Philip some decades ago and said that they were both quite charming.

As a American, I would accord Queen Elizabeth II the full respect due someone who represents quite a long and varied history and tradition. Along with that, she seems to be a very nice lady. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that, if she'd had the choice, she probably would have picked a much different course for her life. But since she got stuck with the job, I'd say she's handled it quite well and with great dignity.

Besides, unlike a few of her predecessors, I don't recall that she's had anybody beheaded (although the thought may have occurred to her from time to time).

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 May 07 - 12:18 PM

Yeah, Seamus, but you're famous and such traffic congestion is to be expected.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 04 May 07 - 11:45 AM

I have to get to a gig in W'msburg this evening, and it'll probably bugger up the traffic royally.

Seamus

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 May 07 - 11:15 AM

By the way, I understand she rides. How is she at barrel racing, does anyone know?

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 04 May 07 - 11:13 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFCpsxb6m8s

This song done frequently at Mr Happy's Come-all-ye by Anna & Phil

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 May 07 - 10:20 AM

No, I haven't seen her but I'll keep a sharp lookout. Does she know any nautical songs?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, adrift in NYC

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: artbrooks
Date: 04 May 07 - 10:20 AM

Americans have considerable interest in the British royals, and she is attracting some moderate-sized crowds. My wife said this morning, "You know, we'd be there if we lived closer to Virginia." I asked her if she'd be wearing a white dress with a blue sash, like the one her grandmother wore at Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 May 07 - 09:39 AM

I have a great deal of respect and admiration for her, personally, not so much as "the Queen." In the 1980s, when she was on a horse buying trip in WY, the people of Sheridan came out in droves,many of them older and waving the British flag as she drove by.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Wesley S
Date: 04 May 07 - 09:31 AM

All I can say is that she better have the proper paperwork if she plans to stay. I don't want my social security going to support her jewelry habit.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Amos
Date: 04 May 07 - 09:22 AM

Ron!


The Queen is not "another face". She's the whole head. Really now--if you're gonna use youor fellow humans as symbols, what could be better than a good, solid Queen? Never have humans packed so much significance onto so small a frame!!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: Alice
Date: 04 May 07 - 09:20 AM

"does she still mean anything to the American public?"
Not in my lifetime (last 55 years) has the queen meant anything to the American public.

Subject: RE: BS: Queen in Virginia - US reaction?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 May 07 - 09:16 AM

She is just another face. No one really cares.