God Save the Queen

I am a monarchist. I'm not sure how many people my age are, but I suspect that of those who have actually thought about the issue, I'm probably among the minority. A monarchist isn't necessarily the same thing as a "royal watcher". (I happen to be both.)

Why am I a monarchist? There are two reasons, really. First of all, I feel that the fact that our Head of State is the Queen gives us a sense of tradition and stability. With a country so comparatively young, it's a foundation we can stand upon. Secondly, it is an indisputable fact that marks us as being different from our neighbours to the south.

Please don't misunderstand me; I am far from being anti-American. But it's like having an older brother whose shadow you can't seem to get out of. Canada is not known for being the sort of country that vigourously toots its own horn. With the proximity of the United States, and its influence, media and culture drifting northwards, Canada is in danger of being slowly assimilated. In my first class this morning, two students were debating over political candidates: Clinton versus Obama. I wonder if they know who the Leader of the Opposition is here in Canada?

With so much talk about the United States possible having "the first woman president" or "the first black president", it occurs to me that my students might not realize Canada's similar barriers have already been broken. Certainly, one can argue that Kim Campbell was really just a sacrificial lamb, but she will forever be recorded as Canada's first female Prime Minister, taking the job in June of 1993. And while we haven't had a black Prime Minister, our current Governor-General, Michaëlle Jean, is both black and a woman. Since the Governor-General is the Queen's representative in Canada, she actually outranks the Prime Minister. While neither of these individuals were elected to their posts (Kim Campbell became Prime Minister after Brian Mulroney abandoned both the top job and the sinking Progressive Conservative ship he'd run aground; the Governor-General is an appointed position), it's still pretty impressive.

We do things differently here. Our political system is just one of the ways we "aren't American", and while each system has its pros and cons, I think the differences (including the monarchy) between us ought to be protected. It's a matter of sovereignty.

Just my opinion. Yours may vary and be equally valid. *grin*