Diamonds Are Forever

Today marked the culmination of a weekend of celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, celebrating 60 years on the throne. I caught a good hour or so of it courtesy of BBC America and it was quite the sight to see (most of the time I had it on mute. This week, Chez Cigar we're plus 2 with Niece 1 and Niece 2 visiting- and they prefer the odd, foot fetish-y cartoon 'Franny's Feet' with their breakfast.)

Some Americans grumble over the simpering media coverage the Royal Family gets over here (come to think of it, a lot of Britons aren't that crazy about it either) and while there's an undercurrent of disapproval on this side of the pond (Americans having fought a Revolution and all to get out from under a monarchy) I have to say this:

First, there's something to be said for ceremony, spectacle and a deep respect for history. America has none of that yet the Beeb noted that the Royal Flotilla on the Thames was the largest since 1662. 1662. That's crazy... that's insane- and that's worth turning your television on for, I think. America has this tendency to see something historical, tear it down and build a strip mall. There's a lamentable disrespect for history and tradition- except when it gets politicians votes and Americans can be astonishingly ignorant of their own history. The Monarchy, however you might disapprove of it, represents a historical institution that stretches back millennia. You can't help but be kind of impressed by that.

Second, picking a head of state is not all it's cracked up to be. America gets that option every four years and we fuck it up every single time. I don't know how much the Royals contribute to the British economy but they cost less than a pound per tax payer. (At least I think that was the last stat I saw. It wasn't that much, though.) And given the tourist revenue they bring in (empty palaces ain't nothing if you can see a real live one), less than a pound per tax payer is something I'd be OK with. At least it brings in useful money and there are worse things to do with your tax dollars.

Third, Queen Elizabeth is going to be the last of the old school and that's kind of sad. Not to piss all over Charles but QEII has dedicated her entire life to serving her country. That's the kind of dedication we just don't get in leaders anymore- figureheads or real ones. Politicians should take note: this Queen knows how it's done- and people respect her for it. (Grudgingly perhaps, but they do respect her.)

Finally, it's 60 years on the Throne. I have yet to see a Triple Crown Winner or the coronation of a New British Monarch in my lifetime- and considering the fact that her mother lived to 103, we might have plenty more years yet- QEII is 86 and spent most her time waving to the crowds this morning standing up. Could she go another ten, fifteen years and get a Platinum Jubilee? I wouldn't bet against it...

The Queen is having one heckuva party this weekend- the Olympics are coming up fast and the European Championships start next weekend. If England can make a good showing and even win the thing, the Queen could be having the best year ever.