My condolences to the British People on the Death of Queen Elizabeth II. She has been Queen since I was a toddler and I'm sure she brought a great deal of pride and comfort to her nation and her subjects during her long tenure. But one wonders if her death will signal the beginning of the end of the British Monarchy.
In the Modern Era, the concept of honor and prestige based purely on inheritance is a difficult tradition to support. For no other reason, the cost of maintaining the lifestyle of the Royal Family is a hard sell when the average citizen is struggling to make ends meet.
As a naturalist, I have long questioned the role of those who assume artificial titles: kings, queens, popes and self-proclaimed dictators, among others. When we value the life of one individual above all others, the sanctity of life itself is questioned. We can surely admire someone for their achievements without paying undue attention to their birthright. It is, in truth, just another form of mysticism.
