Well if by they you mean the monarchy, I think symbolic actions are about all they have been relegated to do at this point in history, and they seem to be crushing that:
In the royal tradition, a sword like this is seen as a symbol of sovereignty. The Senate originally commissioned the sword to the[!] mark the change of reign from Elizabeth to Charles.
They are telling you that you are on your own and better look for reliable alliances fast.
As far as my limited understanding of Commonwealth and UK politics goes the monarch does actually have some pretty extensive rights, but they come along with a damn near 100% chance of a constitutional crisis if enacted.
So if you are looking for something more material I believe the executive and legislative branches of the respective governments are your tree to bark up at. The monarchy seems to be doing all they can in this particular instance.
Which is not much, in that we agree, but symbols are not worthless either. There is a reason every monarchy, religion, and ideology has used them throughout history.
Canada needs allies now probably more than ever in its history. What we see here coming from the monarchy is not a meaningful gesture of alliance. That’s what I’m bitter about. It’s monarchs doing what monarchs do after they’ve squeezed all the benefit from colonial conquest - they bandy meaningless symbols about. That benefits them, because conveniently, it costs them nothing to ‘stay out of politics’.
As a Canadian, it’s truly frightening to see world leaders reluctant to simply say the words ‘we stand behind Canada’.
What does the word ‘Commonwealth’ even mean if the British monarchy can’t say that and mean it.
What we see here coming from the monarchy is not a meaningful gesture of alliance. That’s what I’m bitter about.
They aren’t allowed to make any meaningful gesture of alliance, that was my entire point. There have literally been wars fought specifically to take these responsibilities away from them. The ball is in the parliaments court now.
What does the word ‘Commonwealth’ even mean if the British monarchy can’t say that and mean it.
A loose collection of anglophone colonies and their motherland. Its importance declined along with the power of the British monarchy. Which didn’t really bother anyone so far because there were things like the five eyes and NATO to fill the gap.
Yes, planting trees, playing dress up, and giving ceremonial swords will fix this.
I’ll uncross my arms when they do something that makes a material difference.
Well if by they you mean the monarchy, I think symbolic actions are about all they have been relegated to do at this point in history, and they seem to be crushing that:
They are telling you that you are on your own and better look for reliable alliances fast.
As far as my limited understanding of Commonwealth and UK politics goes the monarch does actually have some pretty extensive rights, but they come along with a damn near 100% chance of a constitutional crisis if enacted.
So if you are looking for something more material I believe the executive and legislative branches of the respective governments are your tree to bark up at. The monarchy seems to be doing all they can in this particular instance.
Which is not much, in that we agree, but symbols are not worthless either. There is a reason every monarchy, religion, and ideology has used them throughout history.
Canada needs allies now probably more than ever in its history. What we see here coming from the monarchy is not a meaningful gesture of alliance. That’s what I’m bitter about. It’s monarchs doing what monarchs do after they’ve squeezed all the benefit from colonial conquest - they bandy meaningless symbols about. That benefits them, because conveniently, it costs them nothing to ‘stay out of politics’.
As a Canadian, it’s truly frightening to see world leaders reluctant to simply say the words ‘we stand behind Canada’.
What does the word ‘Commonwealth’ even mean if the British monarchy can’t say that and mean it.
They aren’t allowed to make any meaningful gesture of alliance, that was my entire point. There have literally been wars fought specifically to take these responsibilities away from them. The ball is in the parliaments court now.
A loose collection of anglophone colonies and their motherland. Its importance declined along with the power of the British monarchy. Which didn’t really bother anyone so far because there were things like the five eyes and NATO to fill the gap.