Editor:
It was great to celebrate this past Canada Day, and especially acknowledge the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, a welcome celebration on this Sunshine Coast!
Reflecting on this, my sense is that the value of our Canadian constitutional monarchy does not have to do merely with public popularity. This constitutional monarchy embraces a deeply civilized concept of authority. The highest and most sophisticated concepts of authority are not driven by brute force, but by consent and loyalty given by the governed and by respect and dignity demonstrated by the governing monarch. Such a monarch has the potential to visibly symbolize what is highest, best and, we hope, enduring in any society.
Add to this the submission of the monarch itself, firstly to a greater supreme authority and secondly to the subjects served, and we have a deeply internalized order and security resident in respectful members of society. Such an allegiance endures safer and stronger than expressions of authority derived from external pressure or coercion, whether physically or emotionally, popularly or politically induced.
And finally add to this, in the specific case of Elizabeth II, an amazing sacrifice and dedication to a lifetime of service and non-political interference.
For 60 years Elizabeth has prayerfully and graciously adhered to the vows she voluntarily took in her coronation service and consequently commands the utter respect and loyalty of astute citizens. Such a monarch is never reduced to public glamour, fame, show business or stardom in any modern sense of the word.
Long may she live and reign over us.
Dave Ball, Earls Cove
