News, Local and Distant

Yesterday,it was the birthday of Queen Elzabeth II , the queen of England. She has just turned eighty years of age with a long stretch of impeccable service to her country behind her .Some say that she never steps a foot wrong , that she is dignified, aloof from the crude clumsiness of political debate and truly 'majestic'
in her demeanour . She walked about in Windsor where she has one of her many stately homes. Elizabeth smiled and waved ,amidst groups of loyal well wishers. The usual crowd ,who when graced by her presence will tell stories that they 'met the queen' and of how 'special' she seemed but also how ' ordinary ' and 'down to earth' she really was, etc .

Such is the pomp and ceremony , magnified a million times by the 'authority'of the news media ,that people, who by privilege of birth , with no real distinguishing features or accomplishments can appear like demigods . The very fact that one stands near such a demigod reinforces the status of a monarch. Anyway she is our
head of state and adds to the prestige of this great city,London ,possibly the greatest capital in the world.

After all,there are not many monarchs left in the world and a royal family is a living link with the past ,part of a nation's heritage ; an integral part of a peoples' psyche . Also Britain being one of the richest countries in the world is a great democracy where the ruling political party swears allegiance to the crown although in actual fact the monarch does not have exutive powers.

I used to sympathise actively with republicanism but come to think of it , what difference would it make ?. The royals would not have their official positions but nonetheless would probably still have colossal amounts of wealth . And a republic does not necessarily prevent an unequal society . There will still be individuals
that own disproportionate and vulgar amounts of wealth.

Now let's look at one of her contemporary counterparts ,abroad in a distant land .

King Gyanendra , the monarch of Nepal,one of the world's poorest countries is one of a royal family of a 237 year dynasty.He is not celebratiing a birthday , more likely he is mourning the possibility of losing his reign or even his head.In Nepal , he imposed himself by direct rule for the past fourteen months ,overriding any parliamentary rule of the country .Nepal has been suffering a maoist rebellion during the last decade, with little coverage in the west. Even the Maoist guerillas have agreed to do business with the major political parties , given the chance. The king's decision to take total power has resulted in civil unrest and riots in the capital Kathmandu.Curfews have been imposed and up to fourteen people have been killed by police or security forces. This martial law has not deterred the protesters.The king broadcasted a message to his people yesterday , partially capitulating and stating that power will be returned to 'the people' . However , the concensus of public opinion , the seven political parties, guerillas included , suggests that this is not enough. It appears that the majority want this king ousted all together rendering his status as powerless and obsolete .

In his broadcast , King Gyanendra praised his military servicemen for their'Discipline and valour' not mentioning any regret about the fourteen dead and countless injured . As I write ,reports are still being dispatched from Kathmandu of riots continuing. It looks like his days are numbered. The Maoists are willing to lay down their arms and negotiate with the other parties ,but all facets of the protesting parties seem to agree that this mornarch is not wanted whether as total ruler or even as a titular. I congratulate my brothers and sisters of Nepal in moving forward , but at a heavy price as is usual with such social change.

Meanwhile our Liz is enjoying her birthday week. But even if many are opposed to her position ,as seems to be the case in in 21st century Britain, they,and she know that in such a highly developed ,rich country , whether she and her clan stay or go , it will be timely ,and with the utmost of diginty .

Could our Queen offer any advice to her doomed counterpart of Nepal ? I am sure she knows the precarious existence monarchs lead .She is well up to date with public opinion and her agents are expert at the sophisticated techniques of marketing a monarchy in modern times only too well .




The history of England in the story of Prince Charles I could offer King
Gyanendra a very valuable and urgent education. King Charles I in seventeenth century England also imposed himself severely on the ruling parliament and was seen as a tyrant . The English civil war ensued which resulted in the King literally losing his head.

Elizabeth and her promoters have the advantage of this historical lesson. I hope King Gyanendra sent her a birthday card ,to which she could have responded with some private words of advice befitting only those of such axalted , royal status.Failing this only the wisdom of an idividual of higher social status than either
of these two mere demigods is needed .Only Athena , goddess of wisdom can save him.

Goodbye Gyanendra . Happy birthday Liz.