The passing of the head of the British monarchy has been front and center of most news outlets this week. Most of us can’t begin to relate to the idea of having a queen or a king reigning over us based on them having chosen their parents well.

American children have long pretended to be princesses or princes, queens or kings, caught up in the fantasy of the perceived glamour and power of these roles. But in reality, it seems the primary function of the monarchy is purely for show and glitz rather than any sort of true elective power. That doesn’t mean the monarchy has no influence. The idea of the monarchy continuing has often been debated, and while it is more expensive than the Pennsylvania Legislative body, the British public seem determined to have it continue.

Maybe the monarchy is able to block change the same way the jesters in Harrisburg stop the bills that would require them to quit accepting gifts (bribes) or to install term limits. The queen had to die to lose power, and most of our elected officials feel they deserve the same.

We are not British subjects (our forefathers made that decision about 250 years ago), so we can’t truly relate to how important or how insignificant the monarchy really is, but let’s give Queen Elizabeth II credit for this wonderful quote: “If we resolve to be considerate and to help our neighbors; to make friends with people of different races and religions; and as our Lord said, to look to our own faults before we criticize others, we will be keeping faith with those who landed in Normandy and fought so doggedly for their belief in freedom, peace and human decency.”

That may have come from her own mind or from that of the royal speechwriter, but regardless, it strikes right at the heart of the matter of how to solve many of the problems in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Butler County, Pennsylvania. We don’t need a king or a queen to dispense that knowledge to us. We can learn it from our children every day. Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin today. Rest in peace, Queen Elizabeth.

– RV