Scottish Independence

Well since things are certainly heating up in England I might as well mention Scottish Independence. I hear the concept has resurfaced in political debates. Don't get me wrong. If Scotland really wants Independence, feel free. It's kinda like Quebec talking about separating from Canada. If they really want to go, be my guest. The sky will not fall. Alaska functions quite well separate from the rest of the United States.

Personally I think we as Canadians would be diminished without Quebec and the French similar to how England would be diminished without their Scottish heritage. Even Prince Charles wears a kilt. Which brings us to the fundamental irony.

Back in the days of the mighty William Wallace, England oppressed Scotland. Scotland rose up in rebellion. So how did England quell the rebellion? They put a Scot on the throne. Queen Elizabeth is of Scottish ancestry. So did England really conquer Scotland or did Scotland conquer England? Having a Scot on the throne to me implies Scotland was the victor.

But that's not all. There are some pretty interesting legends about the genealogical heritage of the Queen of England. We are told that the prophet Jeremiah fled to Egypt with the daughters of King Zedekiah just prior to the Babylonian captivity. Well, legend has it that he then went to Spain on the ships of Tarshish and on to Ireland where one of the daughters married into Spanish royalty and the other married into Irish royalty.

Now before you scoff and say there's no such thing as Irish royalty, I'm talking about a long time ago. 600 years before Christ. Con of the 100 battles, Cormac MacArt, Nial of the Nine Hostages. Those kings were the forefathers of the Scottish and English kings. Legend has it that the Queen of England is therefore a descendant of King David through Fergus mor MacEarca and Zedekiah's daughters.

Don't believe me? Where do you think the stone of scone came from? Fergus mor MacEarca brought it to Scotland as a gift from his brother Muircheartach Mac Earca in Ulster. It's all written in the Annals of Ulster so it is. That was the stone of scone that sits in Westminster Abby. It came from Ireland. Legend has it that Jeremiah brought it to Ireland from Israel and it was originally Jacob's pillow or something like that. Personally I don't understand why Jeremiah would bring a huge rock some guy slept on and had a dream but who am I to question tradition. And no I don't think the Ark of the Covenant is in Tara. I think that's in Sudan.

Remember that scene from A Knight's Tale when they're all drinking at a pub in France? The French guys cat call over to the Brits and say Hey England, the Pope is French. (You can tell that was before King Henry started the Church of England.) Anyways the English get a bit choked and in their rivalry they shout back, Yeah well the Pope might well be French but Jesus was English. Kind of a funny line but there are indeed many legends about Jesus' Uncle Joseph of Arimathea coming to the Tin Mines in Cornwall. He certainly could have brought his nephew on one of those trips.

In fact, the other legend is that Zara, the son of Judah, Pharez's twin brother, descendants came to England and the Queen is descendant of him as well. All legends and rumors but interesting nonetheless. And that's not even part of the Davinci code.

So that brings us back to Charles. I don't really understand the concept of a monarchy. When I was working in London many years ago, it was during the royal wedding between Charles and Dianna. The media was all over it. I remember being at work and hearing the media give the play by play as the door opened and they described what Dianna was wearing while the fashion designers raced off to copy her dress. I stopped and said what's the big deal? You'd think it was the freaking first moonwalk or something. The Caribbean guy I worked with laughed but the locals did not think it was very funny. They're like, the monarchy is very important to us. I could see that. I just couldn't understand why.

In Canada we have the Queen's picture on our money. No one really knows why but it's better than having a picture of some American I suppose. Nevertheless, I will say this about Charles. I like him. I respect him. I think he would make a good king if there ever was such a thing. He married Dianna because the Queen told him to. Dianna was indeed the best thing that ever happened to the Royal Family. She was noble. She walked with Mother Teresa and took her glove off to hold a lepers hand. That woman was holy. William and Harry carry that compassionate nobility for future generation.

I've heard talk about how the crown might skip Charles and go directly to William. William and Kate make a great couple but why skip Charles? That man drips competence and he followed his dream. He loved Camile. Surely that means something. The current Queen's husband doesn't share the crown. Things didn't work out between Charles and Dianna. They both had their strengths but they were different. She was young and beautiful. He was older and more mature or shall be say reserved. Camile was his true love and you have to admit that was noble.

Dianna was younger and prettier but he loved Camile. I'm sure there is a rich reward in Heaven for Dianna. She really moved us. Her impression will be felt forever. Yet Charles, he should wear the crown. The people don't need another reality tv show host. Kate and William will have their day. That doesn't mean we should skip Charles. If we did we would be diminished because that maturity and reserved fortitude is exactly what we need right now to save us from the corrupt politicians who want to privatize the crown.

So if Scotland really wants independence they should vote on it. Yet the whole concept of Scottish independence is quite an oxymoron when everyone is signing over their sovereignty to the EU. These are trying times and the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will shrink from their duty and the service of their country for future generation. Charles is the type of man who does not shrink from his duty. There's no reason the Queen can't respectfully pass on the crown now and become an advisor to Charles in this uncertain but hopeful future.