Posted by Guy Stair Sainty![]()

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on 5/9/2009, 22:27:01, in reply to "Re: Architects' leader attacks prince "
88.122.69.193
No it does not and this demontsrates a remarkable misunderstanding of the British Monarchy (or any other for that reason). The only person constrained by Constitutional convention is the Sovereign. No-one else.
And what has inheritance got to do with it. Should the duke of Westminster be denied a voice because he has inherited his property as opposed to buying it?
The entire public, and particularly the public in the area (in any sphere) affected, have a right to speak out on any issue that they please. It is called freedom of speech and the rest of us have the liberty to pay attention or disregard it.
Some people's voice resonates louder because of their position; they may be elected officials or any other person. They could be somneone whose voice is heard more loudly because they are a celebrity, or someone of public attainment. They could be prominent individuals in the arts, or sciences. or in this case they could be one of the largest landlords and employers of architects in the country. Should large developers not ahve opinions on public developments. Or would ytou have them selected for their right to free speech to be constrained on matters over which they have particular expertise or interest?
--Previous Message--
: This is a very important point, Damian, and I
: think a lot of people here miss it. The
: Prince garners a lot of sympathy in this
: forum and even, perhaps, among the British
: public at large for his views on
: architecture. At issue, though, is whether
: a prince should be in a position to thwart
: policy makers simply by virtue of his
: inherited role. It strikes at the heart of
: modern constitutional monarchy.
:
:
: --Previous Message--
: --Previous Message--
: Do I have to be elected too express my views
: about tiddlywinks or the weather - of course
: not!
:
: Agreed.But as I said in my post I would
: expect to be elected or be qualified by
: appointment if I am to have a say on whether
: such and such a development should take
: place or not.Expressing a view is one
: thing,having the power to change it is
: another!
:
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