So you're contending that a constitutional monarchy, which is the system in the UK, further divides the rich and poor? Explain to me, then, why the UK has scores of billionaires who make the queen look like a pauper. Scores of people who came from nothing, like Duncan Bannatyne or Peter Jones, who went on to become unbelievably wealthy through hard graft. Explain to me how, if a caste system is created, HRH Princess Michael of Kent has to work as an interior decorator for the very "commoners" who you contend never had a shot at gaining equal status. Explain to me, then, why there is a comprehensive social safety net in place so that UK citizens don't go without food, shelter, healthcare and primary and secondary education. Explain to me, then, why the USA, a republic, has an exceptionally poorly educated population (for example, the incorrect teaching in both your middle school and high school about the presumption of innocence) who doesn't have access to free healthcare and shelter. Explain to me how year after year university graduates obtain good paying jobs at banks like the Royal Bank of Scotland, the very same bank that employs Peter Phillips, HRH Princess Anne's son.

Your statement that HM The Queen "got away with" not paying taxes is ludicrous. HM The Queen didn't pay income tax because, by law, she was not required to since, by constitutional convention, the sovereign and the heir apparent were never required to pay taxes in order to sustain the financial health of the monarchy. Is that self serving? Yes. Is it legal? Yes as parliament voted on it. The 1992 Memorandum on Royal Taxation demonstrates that HM The Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales pay tax on a voluntary basis, they are not required to by law but they do so anyway. All other members of the Royal Family have always paid income tax as they do not fall under the sovereign/heir exemption.

And if Americans find being born into the "right family" offensive, what do they make of the Trumps? The Hiltons? The Rockefellers? The Bushs? Name a successful family who made their money through their own work and they get tarred and feathered with the same brush. They're all members of the Lucky Sperm Club and to suggest that a monarchy is any different is illogical.

A monarchy is different than all of those filthy rich families because no member of those families is entitled to a government position by birth. A lot of Americans do object to those who are born with a silver spoon in their mouth, but a monarchy takes such a concept to an absolute extreme.

DaytimeFan, you're perfectly entitled to think that British culture and government are superior to what Americans have. But if you're the one who is going to dish out the criticism, then you really shouldn't get upset when some folks in America feel their ways are better, or aren't enthralled with British society. I personally don't love everything about America, but I feel very blessed to be one of its citizens. If the U.S. is such a backwards country, then there certainly wouldn't be scores of people wanting and waiting to move here.

Edited March 24, 201213 yr by Max

Everyone ignored this (unfair!) but can someone tell me again if Aisha Tyler is supposed to be some sort of moderator? I have seen her a few times and she's so serious and dour. Didn't she used to be funny? I think it's probably a good thing her talk show never happened.

She's a stand up comic who has done some "dramatic" acting. I think Chenbot is still meant to be the moderator. But you know, at least Aisha isn't all that ghetto.

A monarchy is different than all of those filthy rich families because no member of those families is entitled to a government position by birth. A lot of Americans do object to those who are born with a silver spoon in their mouth, but a monarchy takes such a concept to an absolute extreme.

DaytimeFan, you're perfectly entitled to think that British culture and government are superior to what Americans have. But if you're the one who is going to dish out the criticism, then you really shouldn't get upset when some folks in America feel their ways are better, or aren't enthralled with British society. I personally don't love everything about America, but I feel very blessed to be one of its citizens. If the U.S. is such a backwards country, then there certainly wouldn't be scores of people wanting and waiting to move here.

Two things,

1) The monarchy is NOT the UK government and no one in the Royal Family is part of the government. As I said there are 3 parts to the UK constitution: Sovereign, Government and Judiciary.

2) You have not answered to a single point I have made. That's fine, it's a long winded argument that ultimately will get neither of us anywhere, however, it also demonstrates that there isn't a credible counter argument to be made other than to throw your hands up and chalk up how you "feel" and how "upset" I appear to be and how many are "wanting and waiting to move" to the United States.

This is obviously the end of the road in terms of this discussion because there's nothing left to discuss. I've made my case and I stand by it.

Edited March 24, 201213 yr by DaytimeFan

So you're contending that a constitutional monarchy, which is the system in the UK, further divides the rich and poor? Explain to me, then, why the UK has scores of billionaires who make the queen look like a pauper. Scores of people who came from nothing, like Duncan Bannatyne or Peter Jones, who went on to become unbelievably wealthy through hard graft. Explain to me how, if a caste system is created, HRH Princess Michael of Kent has to work as an interior decorator for the very "commoners" who you contend never had a shot at gaining equal status. Explain to me, then, why there is a comprehensive social safety net in place so that UK citizens don't go without food, shelter, healthcare and primary and secondary education. Explain to me, then, why the USA, a republic, has an exceptionally poorly educated population (for example, the incorrect teaching in both your middle school and high school about the presumption of innocence) who doesn't have access to free healthcare and shelter. Explain to me how year after year university graduates obtain good paying jobs at banks like the Royal Bank of Scotland, the very same bank that employs Peter Phillips, HRH Princess Anne's son.

Your statement that HM The Queen "got away with" not paying taxes is ludicrous. HM The Queen didn't pay income tax because, by law, she was not required to since, by constitutional convention, the sovereign and the heir apparent were never required to pay taxes in order to sustain the financial health of the monarchy. Is that self serving? Yes. Is it legal? Yes as parliament voted on it. The 1992 Memorandum on Royal Taxation demonstrates that HM The Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales pay tax on a voluntary basis, they are not required to by law but they do so anyway. All other members of the Royal Family have always paid income tax as they do not fall under the sovereign/heir exemption.

And if Americans find being born into the "right family" offensive, what do they make of the Trumps? The Hiltons? The Rockefellers? The Bushs? Name a successful family who made their money through their own work and they get tarred and feathered with the same brush. They're all members of the Lucky Sperm Club and to suggest that a monarchy is any different is illogical.

One thing I love about living in america is the unadulterated freedom (for the most part) but I DETEST the lack of a real safety net, and the propaganda that is perpetuated about history, and about the rest of the world (especially Canada and the UK's medical system) Also, the hubris and superiority attitude of many in the US grates on my nerves to no end. However, I have to say, you only get that unadulterated freedom in the US if you live in an unincorporated rural area like I do. But if you live in a town or city, then you are saddled with city ordinances, and of course, those HORRENDOUS Home owners association regulations. And I also detest the hypocrisy of the Republican party, who claims to be for getting government out of people's private business... yet totally support legislating morality and those restrictive Home owner's associations. A good example... I saw a house in Kansas City that I LOVED the color of, and stopped and asked the owner what paint she used. She told me that she had to fight TOOTH AND NAIL with the HOA to paint her house that color, she had to involve her attorney and everything. And here is a picture of my house... painted that very same color. See the ridiculousness of HOA's? As if anyone with eyes would consider this color detrimental to property values:

Edited March 24, 201213 yr by alphanguy74

Everyone ignored this (unfair!) but can someone tell me again if Aisha Tyler is supposed to be some sort of moderator? I have seen her a few times and she's so serious and dour. Didn't she used to be funny? I think it's probably a good thing her talk show never happened.

She hosted Talk Soup after, I believe, Greg Kinnear. She's had mild success since then. She had an arc on the last season of Friends, which I think wasn't too well received. Recently she's done more politically commentating (she was a frequent guest on Larry King Live over its last year or so on the air). She used to be a regular guest on Stephanie Miller's progressive radio show, which she was fabulous on.

I think she's pretty funny and smart. Certainly an improvement from Leah Remini.

I mostly remember her from Ghost Whisperer. I don't know, I just hate seeing a comedian have to go into this dour role.

Anyone see this no makeup premiere? A mess! Please dont do it again

Edited September 15, 201213 yr by Cheap21

Sharon has fabulous skin. As she said, "all bought and paid for"...but also very good to start off with. I thought Julie, Aisha and Sharon looked great. Sarah looks like Sarah. But Sheryl, my goodness does she need a chemical peel!

Julie looks very natural without the makeup but when she puts it on, it makes her look like she's had quite a bit of work, which suprisingly isnt as apparent without the makeup

Such copycats. Kathie Lee and Hoda did this 2 years ago!

What did you think of their celebrity guests without makeup?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-6-LxPAGK0

Julie looks very natural without the makeup but when she puts it on, it makes her look like she's had quite a bit of work, which suprisingly isnt as apparent without the makeup

ITA.

They set Sheryl up with this whole exercise. And you know damn well she needed a robe on.

I loved the idea and thought it sent a good message. I thought they all looked good.

OK, why does "no makeup" seem to mean "no toothbrushing, no lotion, no hair-combing, no bath, etc" ???

Edited September 17, 201213 yr by All My Shadows