Why I Watched The Royal Wedding
(... or a repeat of it on BBC, since I wasn't inclined to get up at 4AM and I could then fast-forward through the slow bits.) It's been interesting to watch the opposing sides battle as far as people's enthusiasm for the British royal wedding. I have to say, I understand some people's opposition -- glorifying rich folks and all that, thoughts that monarchies are outdated -- but I was far more attentive than I expected. And I have my reasons. Here's what I think. There are some things we Americans simply do not understand. We very carefully removed any semblance of a monarchy from our government 240 years ago and we've (mostly) stuck by that decision. The British, on the other hand, have ruling families that can be traced back for generations. This isn't just tradition, but true history -- centuries of history -- being honored by a truly modern couple. While they may not have the same technical political power that was once held, they have influence...