[kwlug-disc] RMS talk hosted by UW CSC tomorrow

[Mikalai Birukou]

> I am Canadian, and I take offence when monarchy is blamed for our ills,

Prince's actions, ills, ill actions are not "ours", these are not ills 
of my Canadian people. I am not responsible for them, and neither are 
you. I even don't blame the monarchy for prince's ill deeds.

> and when our ancestors are ridiculed for the choices they made in

Stop. No one said anything about ancestry here. Let's not apply vogue 
looseness that may be twisted any way one wants.


Epstein was a social predator. Just remove sexual abuse, and we may find 
similar predators in high positions peddling vogue-wrapped bullets that 
destroy social lives of others. They don't attack the powerful. They 
don't bring social progress.

> challenging times.  We are no better than they.
Statistics says that there is less domestic violence. Modern, we inch 
towards progress. Let's not underestimate ourselves.
>   Yes, John A MacDonald
> loved the monarchy, but he had his reasons, and we have benefited
> from his work ever since.

Again, we are not looking back here. We are looking into the future. 
Progress of social norms requires signalling. And I am suggesting a 
strong signal: sacrificing our beloved monarchy in favor of equal 
justice as a principle, and condemning violence against women. And even 
the Queen will admire the gesture in support of all women, all over the 
world. C'mon! I agree, just getting rid of monarchy brings nothing. But 
there is a bargain position here.

Let's imagine. UofW administrators start a motion. Real threat to move 
Canada away from monarchy is seen as a good reason to make prince fly to 
USA to "face the music". Monarchy does the right thing, it becomes a 
moral pillar. Wow! We'd be all proud of adherence to justice. Even 
brothers from Québec will be proud! We'll keep the moral Queen!

We can dream, can't we? Till then, God save the queen! ... in the UK :)