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Monarchies are Nothing But Drains on the State (Anthony J Candil, USA, 09/22/22 3:51 am)

I cannot refrain from answering our dear friend Consoly León Arias.

Yes, everything she mentions is true, but it's also pure theory.

Monarchies are neither a symbol of unity nor of the permanence of the State. There are many other ways to represent unity and permanence. A republic is a perfect example.  See our own case in the US, or France, Italy, or Germany. Does anyone dare to say that unity and permanence are not well represented?

True, monarchs must exhibit exemplary conduct. They should be the best citizens in their own countries. The reality is they are not.

Consoly mentions the "sacrifices" the monarchs make to compensate their privileges. What? Can Consoly mention one and only one sacrifice Philip VI has made? And Juan Carlos?  Again, this is pure theory.

Taxes? It is a very laughable question. They cheat, evade, have funds out of reach in tax havens and so on. And sometimes they even steal from their subjects, or create Ponzi schemes to do it, for example Philip VI's sister Infanta Cristina.  And where is she? Totally free and happy living under her great privileges in Switzerland. What sacrifice has she made?  Living in Switzerland?

And Mr Juan Carlos? He is not allowed to live in Spain and his sacrifice has been exile in Abu Dhabi, surrounded by luxury and other privileges not worthy of speaking about instead of being in jail. And who pays for his luxurious life abroad? The Spanish taxpayers.

Who pays for Prince Andrew's life and style? The British taxpayers.

Amazing.

Certainly one of their privileges is immunity against the law. A president of the Republic is not, and I hope we are going to prove this here by jailing the "Donald."

Sincerely, monarchies are not worth all the trouble.

JE comments:  Juan Carlos recently returned for a visit to Spain, to see his son the King for the first time in over two years.  I am not clear on whether his legal troubles have been dropped.  Can someone clarify?  At the very least he did not fear arrest in his homeland.

As for royal "sacrifices," I believe Consoly León Arias means the absolute loss of privacy and the requirement to constantly be on display.  Many would gladly make this particular sacrifice.  The great Mel Brooks said it best:  It's good to be the King.

So how much does a monarchy cost?  The short answer:  a lot.  Paul Levine (next) has details.

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