What about the right not to be inundated with all the drivel about royalty in the first place.  But I guess it puts people to work: makers of tea towels, tea cups, papparazi and I'm sure what's his name and what's her name will carry on in the fine tradition of his grandmother (see below)

http://www.johnpilger.com/videos/stealing-a-nation

or this at the 25 min. 55 sec. point showing Elisabeth greeting the dictator Suharto http://www.johnpilger.com/videos/the-new-rulers-of-the-world

No I can't get too exercised at the loss of republicans rights to also party.  I worry more about the loss of rights documented in this film: COINTELPRO 101 and what is discussed at this site http://www.olywip.org/site/page/article/2011/04/06.html about the nature and significance of the COINTELPRO program and how it continues now to target environmentalists or eco-terrorists as they are termed.

No, I say long live the Queen, fascist regime.

Monarchies still exist in the 21st century?   

In fact they're under attack everywhere.

http://www.theonion.com/video/cias-facebook-program-dramatically-cut-agencys-cos,19753/

The term "invention of tradition", introduced by E. J. Hobsbawm, refers to situations when a new practice or object is introduced in a manner that implies a connection with the past that is not necessarily present. A tradition may be deliberately created and promulgated for personal, commercial, political, or national self-interest, as was done in colonial Africa; or it may be adopted rapidly based on a single highly publicized event, rather than developing and spreading organically in a population, as in the case of the white wedding dress, which only became popular after Queen Victoria wore a white gown at her wedding to Albert of Saxe-Coburg.

An example of an invention of tradition is the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster (location of the British Parliament) in the Gothic style. Similarly, most of the traditions associated with monarchy of the United Kingdom, seen as rooted deep in history, actually date to 19th century.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tradition

You might also be surprised about the appearance of 'Scottish' tartan and the kilt!  But you'll have to find that out for yourselves.

http://www.amazon.com/Invention-Tradition-Canto-Eric-Hobsbawm/dp/0521437733

Thanks for that bit of history of which (like so much) I was totally unaware.  BTW I've always been amused by the Brits use of the term 'troubles' to describe a war and how the war department became the ministry of defence.

*growl*

If it's any consolation - Guiness is good for you

http://worldradio.ch/wrs/news/switzerland/rumor-of-swiss-chef-for-royal-wedding-ruffles-feat.shtml?24150

Shocking and there are such good English and Swedish chefs!

@Marksist Guinness may be good for you / me but I think it's all still too raw for some people. The "troubles" were some of the worst times I remember it tore people and families and friends apart. Her visiting Croker is just too much, why couldn't she go to the Mansion House or Aras an Uachtaràn or something.. keeping the visit stately?

I'll shut up now..

Please do Not shut up.  Don't know about these places you suggest - will google or wiki.  As for the troubles I am sure you are absolutely correct and it's good the height of the tensions has decreased though i read a few years back that Catholic youths were still being indiscriminately targeted and killed in NI (haven't read about this recently so I'm not up to date).  I have absolutely no time for the Royals - some worse than others - think they are a drain on the taxpayer and give a legitimacy to a political-economic system I have a lot of trouble with.  Plus the Queen has shaken hands with dictators and blessed (by some arcane royal right going around the law courts decisions: http://www.johnpilger.com/videos/stealing-a-nation) the selling of the Chagos Islands (Diego Garcia) for an American airbase to attack Yugoslavia, Iraq etc. displacing the natives.  No, I have no time for them and would like to seem them end up as in Sue Townsend's (Adrian Mole fame) 'The Queen and I' (even if you don't agree with me, read the book - it's hilarious).http://www.amazon.com/Queen-I-Sue-Townsend/dp/B000H2N7R4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1302701315&sr=1-1

@David regarding your questions: ''Manics, how do you feel about her visiting Croke Park in view of the history of that place, AND her laying a wreath at the Garden of Rememberance in Dublin?''

This is a dangerous and feckless decision. I think it's completely irresponsible of both the British and Irish authorities to allow this to happen. The lunatics who murdered Ronan Kerr would LOVE the publicity attached to killing Elizabeth Windsor. It's sheer madness to even think of doing this.

I honestly don't believe the hostilities will ever truly go away. If you ever walk through Belfast you can literally see the division in the community, one pitted against the other. It's really that clear however compared with the 70's & 80's it is miles away from what it was. My opinion regarding the british royal family is this - I think it is an archaic institution that appears to have little or no basis in modern society. England is welcome to them, it is their monarchy and they are welcome to it. But I really believe that these forced visits firstly by Charlie Windsor and now Betty Windsor shouldn't happen and if they must keep it stately.

I have just heard she will visit Cork (the rebel county)... I take it all back this could get interesting....

http://www.heraldonline.com/2011/04/07/2972028/british-queen-unveils-plan-for.html

Probably right.  I circumnavigated Ireland (I claim I discovered Ireland just as Columbus discovered America) by car in'85 ending up in Belfast and Portadown (sp?).  I was shocked and surprised by barbwired police stations, Land Rovers full of soldiers, doors open and guns at the ready, six foot long guns etc.  Yet people went out for dinner as we did in a pizzaria and carried on as normal.  The most shocking moment was when strolling somewhere (a University?) I overheard somes sort of older security person saying something about how he would have shot the lot. He saw me and noticed I'd overheard him and gave me an embarrassed but menacing look ( I guess my look of shock and disgust gave me away).  I survived and made it back to Hollyhead and eventually Belgium and continued to discover other lands.

Cheers,

mark

I just love symbols (and cymbals).  Kind of like the apologies of psycopaths and sociopaths.  So endearing!

http://youtu.be/KInvdKF5-0Y

http://youtu.be/bJwTejGSb5k

With regards to the wedding...since its doesnt impact me, or my life, let em get on with it. - "disinterest" is probably the best way to describe it for me.

To those who are not invited.... so fekkin what??? Who cares?

With regards to official visits... well, I cant blame Liz, since she is so detatched she probably has no real idea about the implications or ramifications surrounding a people of another land... it's the advisors and the Gov't of both sides that should know better. (but then when can we count on any politician to "know better")... again...- "disinterest."

Coming onto the last subject of the "troubles"...or "sectarian violence" (as it was also known)... it a long hard road, and frankly there will A "unified country" would be grand, but I doubt it will happen in my lifetime...shame cos that would be one hell of a party, to put any wedding celebrations to shame.

But with all this venom floating around.... and If you're feeling up-tight ...here is a video of my cousin singing.... she has the voice to relax anyone...

Royal Refuseniks, how to party and how to just carry on.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-13091768