I began converting my office to the magical powers of Access this morning. 100 more hours of work (at least!)…and they’ll sing my praises for years! David, in particular, was amazed at the concept that if, say, a contact who’s in 5 different spreadsheets changes his email address, he won’t have to update it five times!Other than that, the day was uneventful. I hate
I know I said yesterday I would launch into a description of British politics today, but I changed my mind. I offer this anecdote as a substitute:
Today while working, I shuffled some papers around and noticed a large toy sword stuck between two of our desks. “David?” I queried. “You have a sword?”
David: It’s Sadiq’s.
Me: Why does Sadiq have a sword?
David: Because he has to. It’s a rule.
Me: Is it real!? It looks like plastic.
David: No, it’s a toy.
Me: Why…??
David: Yeah, when I first noticed it I thought his kid had left it here. But really, one of the century-old rules of Parliament is that every MP must have a sword in their office for ceremonial purposes.
Me: So he gets a toy one? You can’t be serious. This has to be one of those stories you make up on April Fool’s Day to bait interns.
David: I’m perfectly serious! Ask Sadiq yourself!
Yeah…so instead of bothering to change any of their uncodified constitutional traditional rules, they hand out toys after elections. It’s like how a few years ago they decided to abolish the tradition of the Queen’s Speech being written on vellum and use – gasp – paper instead. Then, there was a public outcry, because apparently there’s only one vellum company in all of
A country with this much history and tradition is really more scary than adorable.
I heard a BBC commentator say the other day that the only reason royalty even exists any more is for tourism.
Am I justified in my worries about the seriousness of the British political system?
6 comments:
Tourism and tradition. The British would go bananas if they had to give up their centuries of royal tradition. It's part of who they are.
British society is still very class stratified. Keeping the royals gives legitimacy to keeping the rest of the country organized in a class system.
Mom
Swords! How cool!
Of course, real would be better, even if it is purchased from a Renaissance fair.
Still, if Sadiq ever commits a felony (embezzlment, say), the yeoman of the guard can knock politely on the door, stride forcefully into the room and pronounce, in Brustian tones, "I have the honor to arrest you in the name of Her Majesty. Pray hand me your sword and follow me to the Tower!"
Alas, a toy sword would be little help in staging an Errol Flynnesque dueling getaway. Doubtless this is the real reason behind the change to plastic. (Do the British still have an economic system based on the stirling pound, or is that, too, now transitioned to plastic?)
Gail
I was annoyed at the road sign thing too at first, but it really is easier for a pedestrian then trying to find those little green sign things. Being on buildings makes them easier to read, even if a bit harder to find.
I love the ceremonial sword bit. Though I'd have to get a real one if they let me. The toy thing is cool though.
As far as royalty goes, I think it's a bit more than just for the tourists. My Bloomsbury Professor complained that if anyone asked her husband what he thought of the royal family he'd always respond "hang the lot of 'em", but he'd always go to the parades and the ceremonies. The royal family provides a great outlet for the tabloids and they also provide a nice way for people to enjoy being British.
Oh man, Parliament is now officially cooler than Congress.
I hope I didn't give the impression that the only reason Britain actually has the royal family is tourism -- that was just the opinion of one commentator. Others disagreed.
So the reason for the street signs is the age of the country. The English are proud of their history and will not change anything, which is also why they have not changed the sword rule. The reason why they have fake swords is for safety, and it is not dumb at all but very serious.
If you think the British political system is a joke why are you there?
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