Post by: jbp20717 on May 17, 2004, 05:03:00 AM
I mean, Australia had a referendum a few years back on whether they should become a republic or remain tied with Great Britain and they decided not to become a republic - I would have expected any people in that sort of position to choose to become a "real country" (to quote from South Park), so why is it they didn't?
This question also refers to other Commonwealth nations too, of course, though I know others aren't as linked with Britain as Australia is.
Post by: green_beetle on May 18, 2004, 02:11:00 AM
well in the beginning good ole Aus was connected with the home land alot.
in WWI britain declared war with germany, it was seen as Australia's responsibility to help out britain by sending troops.
during wwi a famous battle was fought in turkey.
the Australian troops and New Zealand troops, showed great mateship and a sense of nationhood between each other. many australians died during this time.
in WWII britain again called on Australia to help them again. this time Asutralia had grown up from the experiances from world war one and had lost some of the mother love with britain. Australia sent their troops to help the british in the middle east.
during the time they were in the middle east the japanese had started their invasion of the pacific region, the dutch east indies (indonesia) was finally overcome by the japanese and the Australian defense group wanted to call the Aus middle east troops back home, to help defend from the Japanese in indonesia(indonesia is the closest neigbour to australia).
Britain refused so Australia sent them home anyway. this was one key element that helped lose the connection with the British commonwealth.
Australia called for the US to help and they did. Aus had better ties with the US at this time until, the american troops stole all our troops wives. then we got pissed off, So we hated them.
So this Australia became more independent to the commonwealth.
We didnt become republic due to the fact that Australia has a very Large coastline and quite a small population. this makes it hard to defend.
we had a good relationship with the commonwealth during world war one because australia in those times had a very very small population.
Post by: rms2001 on May 18, 2004, 02:33:00 AM
At one time the sun never sat on the British empire Great Britain was once the most powerful nation in history. Kinda all started to snow ball down hill on them after they lost the US to farmers with pitch forks. But Im sure they can still pack a good punch if they need to.
I guess the real question is, can Austria really govern it self? And would it really be a good idea for this to happen? Im sure a lot of good could come from it, but I can also see a lot of bad that could come from it.
Just my 2¢
Post by: melon on May 18, 2004, 12:54:00 PM
The vote was very close in australia and give it a few years untill the older (more patriotic to GB), section of the population dies and the next vote will see oz as an independent country.
I dont know what the queen brings as the royal family is a laughing joke in the UK.
Although i did see a brilliant program about body language of the powerfull leaders of the world. Blair was definetly Bush's bitch but it was crazy whenever anyone met the queen. They were crapping themselves (bush and clinton included), it was so funny watching the most powerfull men in the world piss over blair (chirac as well) then act like naughty schoolboys in front of the queen.
Im not a lover of the royal family (the only pupose i can see is for tourism), but she does hold something over people, i just dont know what or why?
Post by: Banj on May 21, 2004, 01:24:00 AM
Having a monarch used to be a symbol of identity for the Brits however I think we can all agree that the Winsor family is nothing more than a fucking embarrasment to our counrty..........and don't even get me started on Princess Diana.
Post by: Banj on May 21, 2004, 02:23:00 AM
Post by: moistness on May 21, 2004, 05:38:00 AM
| QUOTE (Banj @ May 21 2004, 11:24 AM) |
| I'm a British subject and I can honestly say that I don't know any monarchists. To most people in Britain a monarch is an outdated concept, a throwback from the middle ages when kings and queens (Boddacea) lead their troops into battle. Having a monarch used to be a symbol of identity for the Brits however I think we can all agree that the Winsor family is nothing more than a fucking embarrasment to our counrty..........and don't even get me started on Princess Diana. |
The royal family has been doing the same shit since the dawn of time, just that at one time the shitty paparazzi would have been beheaded or sent to the tower for the crap they dig up! Its really none of the royal subjects business! Can you imagine what would have happened to king henry viii's butler if he sold the press rape or adultery allegations????
Post by: moistness on May 21, 2004, 07:48:00 AM
| QUOTE (Arvarden @ May 21 2004, 03:44 PM) |
| Hung drawn and quartered? |
Exactly!
