I pledge allegiance to the...queen?

[Amby 490]

LONDON — Britain wants students to pledge allegiance to Queen Elizabeth, similar to how Americans say the pledge to the U.S. flag.

A pledge to the monarch, to be said at a "coming of age" ceremony when teens graduate the equivalent of high school, was among several proposals delivered to Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Tuesday to instill stronger citizenship.

Also proposed: a new public holiday to celebrate "Britishness," much like Australia Day, which Australians honor every Jan. 26 to reflect national pride.

The recommendations come as Britons debate the influx of immigrants and question whether Britain's policy of multiculturalism has created separate enclaves within British society. These discussions were sparked by the shock of homegrown terrorists — people born in Britain or who grew up here involved with the July 7, 2005, London transit bombing that killed 52 passengers.

Britain doesn't have a national holiday similar to the Fourth of July or Thanksgiving in the USA. Adopting a version of the U.S. sense of patriotism brought some criticism.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-03...nterstitialskip

The whole time I read this out loud to Neil while sitting at the hospital in the waiting area he said "bollocks" or "####### off" He really wasn't into the idea. He also laughed when I said there should be a holiday to celebrate his "britishness". What do you think?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I think we need to invade UK next. Those poor sods need to be liberated.

[Alex & Rachel 78]

No, no, please no. There are hundreds of better ways to try and instill pride in your country.

[SteveLaura 0]

Will never work. Britain just doesn't really feel that strongly about patriotism. And pledging allegiance to a monarch? Come on. What century is this?

[Peikko 1,575]

Britain is a very mature culture. They certainly don't need to go back to all this flag waving bollocks. Seriously, that's just right wing culture of fear nonsense and probably eminates from 'Daily Mail' readers. Forget it, it'll blow over.

[mawilson 2,133]

Britain is a very mature culture. They certainly don't need to go back to all this flag waving bollocks. Seriously, that's just right wing culture of fear nonsense and probably eminates from 'Daily Mail' readers. Forget it, it'll blow over.

How arrogant.

[Peikko 1,575]

I know.

and? Are you suggesting the premiss is wrong too?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I know.

and? Are you suggesting the premiss is wrong too?

That spelling of premise is my pet peeve

[Peikko 1,575]

I think my sig (if I still have one) hints at the fact that spelling is not one of my all time greatest achievements.

[Alex & Rachel 78]

If you want a national holiday - why not turn a national event that is already well established (Nov 5th, for example) into a holiday? We don't have many holidays in Autumn/Winter anyway, so I think Nov 5th would work pretty well myself.

[Peikko 1,575]

I don't think the British people either want or need a national holiday.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I think my sig (if I still have one) hints at the fact that spelling is not one of my all time greatest achievements.

Oh I don't mind you doing it. There's a long story behind that particular spelling bothering me. Just thought I'd blurt it out, is all

[Alex & Rachel 78]

I don't think the British people either want or need a national holiday.

C'mon, it's an extra holiday! Who would say no to that?

Edited March 13, 2008 by Alex & Rachel

[Peikko 1,575]

Although, they might gratefully accept another paid holiday without prejudice

[SteveLaura 0]

If you want a national holiday - why not turn a national event that is already well established (Nov 5th, for example) into a holiday? We don't have many holidays in Autumn/Winter anyway, so I think Nov 5th would work pretty well myself.

I think Mags would have something to say about that. She doesn't like fireworks. Giving people the day off to throw more isn't going to be popular.