Corbyn and the Monarchy and Armed Forces.

Jezza was the only politician on Remembrance Day who stayed to applause all those veterans on the march past after the cameras had gone. The others went off for their lunch. It wasn't reported surprise surprise. He went up in my estimation after that and I'm not a fan btw.

It's the attitude that says that attendance says something about you that matters that is so DM not whether you attend or not.

I don't know why we need an Armed Forces Day anyway. To my mind all these sorts of events are a way of normalising the idea of war and conflict and boosting recruitment. These ideas are more fully explored in a report by the Quakers on militarisation quaker-prod.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/store/ad773bc324db6aacbd11526a24d9268b4c8431260273f5d0fc2c452989ca

It is supposedly a free country and yet if I or anybody else shows a lack of enthusiasm for military parades or the royal family, it is implied that we are in some way unappreciative of or disrespectful to our country. I refute that suggestion entirely. Rather than trying to demonstrate patriotism through flag waving and other ostentatious displays, I believe the best way to honour your country and to show your appreciation of it is to try to be a good citizen and to make some sort of practical contribution to the community in which you live.

Perhaps she's a republican, too, merlotgran

With a small q?

Anniebach, Why do you persist in calling our monarch queenie?

Rigby

" Only those whose brains have been washed by the DM POGS.

All this hypocritical pearl clutching - I wonder how many people even knew it was Armed Forces Day today? I didn't and I don't care I didn't. "
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No you wouldn't care Rigby , again that is your prerogative.

I will say that falling back on the Daily Mail to prove your point is so predictable. You really do think anybody who attended an Armed Forces Day event, or is happy to show respect for our Armed Forces is a Daily Mail reader of that I have no doubt.

You and plenty of others.

....and they certainly will do.

Maizie

As for those at Glastonbury ' not giving it a thought' they are not the highest ranked representative of the Labour Party nor the the Leader of the Opposition of our Parliament are they.

Corbyn made a decision that chimes with his beliefs , his prerogative. He is representative of the Labour Party and if that is his choice then so be it. It is up to the public to view his choice.

No, I didn't know about Armed Forces Day, either Rigby. Pretty thoughtless to choose the first day of Glastonbury for it, really. All those thousands of young (and not so young) people not giving it a thought. How disrespectful...

And they wouldn't have to spend endless days shaking hands and making small talk with total strangers. Bet they'd love it...

I'm just going by what Harry said, Annie. Unless you were to strip them of their wealth as well as their 'royal' status I doubt if they would particularly care. They'd still have the same lifestyle. Which is the same as that of a great many wealthy people in the UK.

Or do you think the wealth should be taken along with the titles? That would be truly revolutionary...

Only those whose brains have been washed by the DM POGS. All this hypocritical pearl clutching - I wonder how many people even knew it was Armed Forces Day today? I didn't and I don't care I didn't. It's a modern invention and I'm content with November 11 and Remembrance Sunday being a way not just of remembering but of thinking about and appreciating the armed services. Some of the posts on here have a touch of the NK about them.

Fair enough POGS, even Corbyn can't be a hypocrite seven days a week

Maizie, I think you are mistaken, I doubt the vast number of windsors would be pleased to give up their privalaged life styles.

Which would you prefer William, giving up KP, a future at Buck house and Windsor for a 40 hour a week job not a 40 hour a month job and living off your private income?

I would rather Corbyn did go to Glastonbury than be a hypocrite to be honest.

His decision will be obviously be viewed by the wider public through their own eyes and they will either approve or disapprove of his decision. The general public will at least have an informed knowledge of how Corbyn thinks about Armed Forces Day won't they.

I respect queenie, I respect people with dignity, I am against the cost to the country for her extended family and costs of their security . So less of the porkies please Daphne, surely you can enjoy digging at me with the truth?

Maizie

Anniebach is one of the most disrespectful people on GN about the Queen. I don't think she understands the irony. It gives her an opportunity to criticise Corbyn, so what the hell!

Good for Australia and New Zealand! That's up to them. They also celebrate Anzac Day, which I've never understood, because Gallipoli was disaster. Whatever floats their boat! How about celebrating Agincourt Day?

I really don't see what Corbyn not singing the National Anthem has to do with anything. He's a republican. So are a great many UK nationals. There are even a few on Gnet, I've noticed. It's not actually illegal to be a republican. It is perfectly possible to be a republican and wish to work towards the abolition of the monarchy within the framework of our constitution (remember, Parliament is sovereign and can make any law it likes so long as it has the support of the House).

What is more, if Prince Harry is correct none of the 'Royals' are particularly keen to take on the job, anyway (though I suspect he's not speaking for his dad) so perhaps they're quite relieved at the possibility of a republican in government...

And republicans don't particularly want God to save our queen to rule over us.. it's a bit hypocritical to sing the National Anthem if you feel like that..

I didn't know anything about it until a couple of days ago. Apparently, it was only introduced in 2006(?). I agree with GillT57.

I don't care if the monarchy goes. I can't see it making much difference to my life or my family's life.
As far as the National Anthem goes when Emmeline Pankhurst was imprisoned suffragettes stood up during church services and sang "God save Emmeline Pankhurst"to the tune of the National Anthem! So JC not joining in is nothing.
I think we should have a Public Service day when we honour all those who work in the public sector

Australia and New Zealand also have a day to pay tribute to the armed forces

It was originally Veterans Day,

Agreed paddyann. Most of us support our armed forces, but this parade and special day is a bit like something out of the old Soviet Union or North Korea. I do not mean any disrespect to anyone with family in the armed forces when I say this, it just strikes me as being a bit Daily mail type thing in its purpose. Of course we support our armed forces, the same as we support the Fire service, the NHS and the Police.