First of all, for the record, I am sitting here and typing this in the best of moods, with nothing but love, peace and understanding in my heart towards all (yes, even the  royals). Sure, it's a heated debate, but that's what keeps it interesting.

Julian, I just don't concur with your view that they are a vital asset. In my opinion they are a millstone. Of course a nation's history is vital, but I don't think you've been paying attention to what I've been saying ââ'¬â€œ namely, that there are aspects of it to which we have become slaves. Chief among these is that our identity is somehow bound up with that of the royals, and that they embody all that is good and true in the British character. 

The bottom line, as Ian pointed out way back, is that the monarch's role in the process of government is indefensible. But I feel we need to make that mental break with them before our elected representatives grow the balls to face the issue (and the way events have been unfolding over the past months that might happen sooner rather than later). 

Furthermore, their immense wealth will always guarantee them an influence they simply don't deserve (eg, Charles mouths off his ill-informed and antiquated views about architecture and scuppers yet another forward-looking development) and I believe they will need to be rationalised (to give it a more sanitary feel) so that any lingering power is excised and they become a quaint and harmless reminder of the nation's former glories. As for their so-called PR work, if it makes them happy let them do bits here and there, though I suspect somebody like Bobby Charlton could do as good a job.   

So call me a republican if you will. I can take it. These are my views. I state them as clearly as I can, and have tried to apply a little thought to them. If my thinking is lacking, feel free to bring it to my attention. But while I could reasonably be accused of many things, I am confident that being a bigot (a heavy word word, so lightly thrown) is not among them. And, frankly, I'm confused as to how you have come to this conclusion when all I have done is disagree with your opinions. Perhaps you could enlighten me so that I might endeavour to become more open minded.

Cookie, I have never knowingly been involved in 'bitch slapping,' although the other day I did have to speak quite sternly to Ludo (a friend's dog; walking her for a favour) when she hared off after an innocent squirrel. Does this count?

WM, I have never met your ex, but she sounds like my kind a gal.