Your Email:

Subject:

Message:
Entry: The Crown of Disenchantment Link: http://www.takimag.com/blogs/article/the_crown_of_disenchantment#28419 Post contents: I add my agreement to that of R. J. Stove: I enjoyed Andrew Cusack's article, and think that it serves an important purpose. Just this week Nepal, via a constituent assembly heavily made up of Maoists, voted to "dismiss" the centuries old Nepalese monarchy, a move, I believe, that will come to haunt that nation (which has absolutely no experience whatsoever in democratic government). For many monarchy is seen as passe, a thing of the past. I disagree strongly; in the 20th and 21st centuries it continues to serve as a unifier of a nation, a symbol of a nation's heritage, culture, and history. Traditionally, heirs apparent and presumptive receive a battery of training and preparation, schooling and education, so that when they assume the reigns of (whatever may be left of) power, they can exercise it with wisdom, moderation, and justice. Certainly, in the past their have been "bad" monarchs---the stories abound. But likely than not, most kings have been "good" and wise, and have led their nations with mercy and common sense. Again, there have been "playboys" and wastrels in the lot, but they are the exceptions, I think, that confirm the rule. And republics? The record is not so clear, even in the USA. In the depths of every heart of every true traditionalist there is a bit of sentiment for a king, for kingship, and for that means for a nation. I say this as an "old republican" raised to admire Washington, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Robert Taft, but it remains true.... Sent at: 2008 11 20