A thread for the non brits!

[Miss Phode]

Re: A thread for the non brits!

No, I'm serious. Why is there a Queen and Prime Minister? I guess this goes back to MOG's question about their responsibilities. They don't actually have anything to do with running the government?

it means are you being sarcastic.

to take the uirine is a term over here for being sarcastic. But we dont call it urine.

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: A thread for the non brits!

I dont want to open the link as I am at work. WIll open it at home one day.

OK, open it at home cause I was having a little debate over this at LCBB. I think he's Aussie. But, this is a character for a Car Insurance company ad, he's a pretty cool little dude...don't worry nothing offensive at that link.

[Richt]

Re: A thread for the non brits!

No, I'm serious. Why is there a Queen and Prime Minister? I guess this goes back to MOG's question about their responsibilities. They don't actually have anything to do with running the government?

Tony Blair is basically responsible for running the country. But he sort of has to run certain things via the Queen (I think), even I dont know. I am not a very good teacher am I? lol

[Miss Phode]

Re: A thread for the non brits!

I've been wondering that too! I think he's supposed to be British, but then he gets confused and says "mate". Umm...hello??? get your fake accent straight already!

OK, Rich, check out this Gecko, is this a Brit Gecko or an Aussie Gecko?

http://www.geico.com/video/pie_h.htm

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: A thread for the non brits!

No, I'm serious. Why is there a Queen and Prime Minister? I guess this goes back to MOG's question about their responsibilities. They don't actually have anything to do with running the government?

You're gonna make him mad!

[Binsk]

Re: A thread for the non brits!

Sorry Rich, its just that William and Mary had both their images on money and Charles has been so gahgah over Camilla that he may request the same.

As for MoG's question, I think that the confusion is that in the US the President is the head of the state and the government.

Whereas, in Canada and Britain there is a separation between these positions. That's why you are said to be fighting for the Queen and not the elected party which you might not agree with. Normally the Queen or her representative would perform all state functions, and the business of government is left to the elected party. By having a figure head of state, you have a continuity with the past and cerimony that should not be tainted by dirty politics. The Queen's position is one of ambassador more than ruler, she very very seldom has any say in government appointments or influences law. I can only think of 2 occasions. She is also the head of the Church of England (Anglican) and should be a model of good Christian behaviour. Hope this helps.

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: A thread for the non brits!

Sorry Rich, its just that William and Mary had both their images on money and Charles has been so gahgah over Camilla that he may request the same.

As for MoG's question, I think that the confusion is that in the US the President is the head of the state and the government.

Whereas, in Canada and Britain there is a separation between these positions. That's why you are said to be fighting for the Queen and not the elected party which you might not agree with. Normally the Queen or her representative would perform all state functions, and the business of government is left to the elected party. By having a figure head of state, you have a continuity with the past and cerimony that should not be tainted by dirty politics. The Queen's position is one of ambassador more than ruler, she very very seldom has any say in government appointments or influences law. I can only think of 2 occasions. She is also the head of the Church of England (Anglican) and should be a model of good Christian behaviour. Hope this helps.

OK, most of that would make sense, except the "untainted" part!

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: A thread for the non brits!

I've been wondering that too! I think he's supposed to be British, but then he gets confused and says "mate". Umm...hello??? get your fake accent straight already!

But why would a Gecko be British? Wouldn't a Gecko be more likely to come from Australia? And what does any of this really have to do with Car Insurance?

[Richt]

Re: A thread for the non brits!

Ladies, I have to go home now. Its been fun talking to you all again, its been a long time.

See you all next week no doubt.

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: A thread for the non brits!

Hey, you have a computer at home!

Have a great weekend Rich! Thanks for the lessons!

[Miss Phode]

Re: A thread for the non brits!

You're gonna make him mad!

I'll be good

[Binsk]

Re: A thread for the non brits!

MoG, an example would be if you had a really corrupt or immoral government that had been elected (like the Third Reich), the country (or state) should not be associated with their corruption or immorality, and the head of state has the power to disolve such a government and form a new one. Now we know that the British royalty is not without its scandal, but I think that's why the positions were separated after Magna Carta so that the current Royal would not have absolute power and that the current government would not have absolute power and that there would be a balance of power, however over the years, the monarchy has become less and less involved with governance and more involved with ambassadorship (advertising) of Britain and the ceremony aspect.

[Miss Phode]

Re: A thread for the non brits!

Tony Blair is basically responsible for running the country. But he sort of has to run certain things via the Queen (I think), even I dont know. I am not a very good teacher am I? lol

Not a very good teacher at all

[Binsk]

Re: A thread for the non brits!

My hubby is an Aussie, and they do say "mate" as well. It's so confusing mate.

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: A thread for the non brits!

MoG, an example would be if you had a really corrupt or immoral government that had been elected (like the Third Reich), the country (or state) should not be associated with their corruption or immorality, and the head of state has the power to disolve such a government and form a new one. Now we know that the British royalty is not without its scandal, but I think that's why the positions were separated after Magna Carta so that the current Royal would not have absolute power and that the current government would not have absolute power and that there would be a balance of power, however over the years, the monarchy has become less and less involved with governance and more involved with ambassadorship (advertising) of Britain and the ceremony aspect.

I'm sorry, I did understand what you meant, I just was referring to the fact that the royal family is not w/o scandal, or at least speculation of scandal. Charles and Camilla for one example! And the therories behind how Diana died..that sort of thing.