Published: 11/6/07, 2:25 PM EDT
By JILL LAWLESS
LONDON (AP) - Strong environmental measures, tougher anti-terrorist powers and containment of Iran's nuclear ambitions are among the British government's priorities for the next year, unveiled with pomp and pageantry Tuesday by Queen Elizabeth II.

The annual Queen's Speech - a lavish mix of ceremony, symbolism and political showmanship - was a chance for neophyte Prime Minister Gordon Brown to set his stamp on the legislative agenda after a rocky few weeks in which he considered, then rejected, an early national election.

Seated on a gilded throne before hundreds of lawmakers and ermine-clad peers, the queen read a speech outlining the government's program.

The queen has no say in the legislative program, and the speech is written for her by the government. But the event is rich in symbolism.

The monarch is not allowed in the House of Commons, so the event is held in Parliament's upper chamber, the House of Lords, where the queen sits on a throne wearing a crown studded with more than 2,000 diamonds.

Lawmakers are summoned from the Commons by an official known as Black Rod - but only after they slam the door in his face to symbolize their independence.

In another symbol of the traditional hostility between Commons and crown, a lawmaker is held at Buckingham Palace as a "hostage" during the ceremony to ensure the monarch's safe return.



What a load of crap!!

Why is it a load of crap?

As usual, you are talking out of your ar5e.

If you had the slightest idea of the historical occurences that went to make up the whole procedure, you may have a little less derision on the spectacle.

Obviously a little lacking in attention were we?

Why a load of crap Fanta? You like to delve into history. Why not take a look at the backgrounds of these traditions.

We dont worship a Queen!!

Remember?

We think the whole idea of worshipping an emperor, a queen, king whatever completely ridiculous!!

All men are created equal and absolute power corrupts absolutely! All that ****, ya know??

How much of your National budget does "The Queen," suck up???

Fury,

In our history we kicked the Britts out!

We didnt just wait around for them to leave!!

Our traditions and history are not linked to a commonwealth status!!

Sorry

Ahem.

I would consider not claiming our American system is superior to the European parliamentary system, because look who is the president of USofA....

This guy speaks worse english than my friend from Poland. And said friend does not speak english at all...

First off .. we dont "worship" the Queen, as much as some of you "worship" my accent.

... and while we are at it

Definition of worship ...

Ardent devotion; adoration ...

Isnt that what you do to Bush?

So, get off your knees, and stop worshipping your Govt, Fanta, and you may see, from the top of your head the realities of your situation.

How much of YOUR national budget does the US govt take up for its jollies?

How much of YOUR national budget does the US govt extort from the people to go to an illegal war?

How ...

You see Fanta, your blindness and childish attempts to get attention are becoming really boring and monotonous.

Try something else, like "How much support does your govt give to ex-soldiers, trying to go back to school?"

Fanta, we've already discussed this. I don't worship the Queen she's a figurehead. The only Royal I had any great respect for was the Queen Mum (my C in C). You had to love her, she was great.

A percentage of 1% goes to the Queen and then only for State visits. (Like any visiting dignitary she gets all kinds of perks and goodies, even your Pres gets the same perks and goodies when he visits). Did you know that the Queen is one of the world's wealthiest women, all done on her own.

Besides, that I wouldn't scoff to loudly at a dictatorship of any kind, fanta. Our beloved pres here has taken on more than a shadow of dictatorship here.

Elizabeth Windsor in her own right is the 8th richest woman in the world, and as the Queen she is the 2nd richest woman in the world.


But its ok guys, Fanta has not been getting much attention lately and he needs this sort of "sensationalism" to get anyone to notice him ...

Feeling a little lonely, are we Glen?

Almost forgot something.

"Fury,

In our history we kicked the Britts out!

We didnt just wait around for them to leave!!

Our traditions and history are not linked to a commonwealth status!! "


There are other nations out there Fanta. They also have their own history separate from American history.

Personally I'm glad to see you all took Fanta to task on his commentary. It was quite disrespectful, and unnecessary. This is the kind of unthinking, callous disregard for the values and traditions of others that only can foster a mutual disrespect.

I thought the post was interesting until the last line where it all was quite spoiled by the disrespect. I was very disappointed.

But its ok guys, Fanta has not been getting much attention lately and he needs this sort of "sensationalism" to get anyone to notice him ...

Feeling a little lonely, are we Glen?



I always suspected, but really, Are you stupid???

The envy that drives yalls spite toward America is showing Europe!!

As timorek pointed out and Ive seen, you arent even a good represetitive of the English or their attitude toward America!

If any disrespect is shown here comes from the few (minority) of Europeans on this site that disrespect us (their idols) everyday!!

Your arguement about Bush doesnt even hold water. 30% approval rating doesnt mean we are proud of him, nor that he is popular!

Do they tech Math in Europe? Let me help, that means 60% dont like him!!

Grasping for straws there in your quest for popularity?

Psst....

Your god also said,

The speech also promised legislation to shore up faith in the banking system after the run on troubled mortgage lender Northern Rock in recent months, and to give lawmakers greater say in sending British troops to war.

Seems as if your economy isnt doing so well either!!

And,

In a 418-0 vote, lawmakers in the State Duma approved legislation under which Moscow would temporarily abandon its obligations under the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty, a 1990 pact that has become one several issues straining Russia's relations with the United States and Europe.

If your not nice, we wont come save your Queen!!


Again???

Sometimes being disrespectful towards others and their countries and heritage sheds a bad light on one's own. Are we all simple and can't show common courtesy?

"Your arguement about Bush doesnt even hold water. 30% approval rating doesnt mean we are proud of him, nor that he is popular!

Do they tech Math in Europe? Let me help, that means 60% dont like him!!"


That would be 70% don't like him. I guess that they don't t-e-a-c-h (not tech) math skills in States either.





Sorry Fanta. I know it's a typo on the spelling but it was an open door.