Monarch should pay its own way, Letters, Dec. 30, 2011.
I quite agree with letter-writer Sean Murray who suggested phasing out the monarchy in Canada. At some time in the future it will happen against all the misplaced patriotic noises of the Monarchist League.
For instance when Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent appointed Vincent Massey to become our first Canadian-born Governor General, the monarchists howled in protest since before that time all our governor generals were titled aristocrats sent from London.
Then we had our famous flag debate. “What, no Union Jack?!” Again, the Monarchists were out in full cry.
Do you think we could ever go back to having the dukes, earls or lords coming out from England to govern us poor unsophisticated Canadians? Or should we even give up on our maple leaf flag?
Until such a time when we finally get our full independence, some things could happen right now. An example would be getting our own pledge of allegiance, as the Australians have done.
There is no reason why we can’t have distinguished Canadians on our coinage.
We could stop the profuse use of the royal this, queen that or crown something or another.
Hey, Canada, it’s grown-up time, eh.
Lloyd Davies
Saanich