Well no one in America really cares lol

Sigh...another reader who speaks for America.

Nikolaus20
I'm sorry being as I am British I was just going on the impression I get from the rest of the Americans who write on here :)

Agreed. MSNBC, just let us know when they get rid of that ridiculous British monarchy..........otherwise I just don't care.

I'm an American who cares. I find it appalling that my fellow citizens will attack an institution that has worked for the British for nearly a thousand years. When our Constitution is that old, maybe we'll have the right to make snide remarks about the monarchy. In the meantime, we should just respect it as a choice of the British people (not to mention a dozen countries of the Realm around the world).

The snub by Queen Sophia is childish, although it probably plays into local politics. I doubt that many people outside of Spain knew that it has a monarchy. Around the world, "The Queen" refers to Queen Elizabeth II.

Maybe England will give back Gibraltar as soon as Spain gives back Ceuta.

I agree Barry; I'm another American who cares as well. The British have been allies of the US for many, many years regardless of the history we share. Nickolaus, there are many in America who care about our neighbors across the pond. God Bless the Queen on her Diamond Jubilee. We all have a lot of hard times ahead, we need to learn to live with and help each other; it's the only way we can solve the problems we now face.

Test

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy earlier this year raised Madrid's long-standing demand for the return of Gibraltar -- a British territory on the Mediterranean Sea -- during talks with U.K. counterpart David Cameron.

I'm wondering about Spain's priorities here. Don't they have more urgent business to deal with, namely their debt? It appears they may be using the same distraction techniques that are being used by the present leadership here in the US to try and get the people's focus off of the economy, high energy prices, and jobs. At least Spain can tap nationalism to do the job. Here we get lame attempts like supporting same sex marriage.

Spain needs to give it a rest. Gibraltar has belonged to the Brits for over 300 years, the Spanish need to move the hell on. This is about as ridiculous as the Argentines wanting the Falklands they never had in the first place that is populated by Brits.

Wow, Svenolafson you're good. I mean to use this story as another way to criticize Obama really takes some skill! And to demonize same sex marriage as well...kind of a demagogue's hat trick I guess.

Actually, there are Americans that care. Plus Queen Elizabeth's a cute old lady...especially when she puts on her diamond studded boxing gloves and steps into the ring.

Well, if Sofia isn't going....neither am I.

That is the way to hurt the Queen...........refuse her tea and finger sandwiches.

wa - comment #1 - if NO one really cares, why are YOU making a comment? I would think that, if you don't care, you wouldn't have taken up your precious time in making one.

I imagine that considering that Spain is bankrupt, they probably want the income from Gibraltar.

Normally the two royal families get along quite well as they are related by blood through common descent from Queen Victoria. Somehow I doubt the decision for Queen Sofia not to attend was her own. The families have vacationed with each other in the past. Don't forget, the Queen did not attend the civil marriage service of Charles and Camilla as she felt it was inappropriate for her, being the head of the Church of England. That doesn't affect her personal relationship with her son and his wife. I think it must have been much the same reasoning when it comes to Queen Sofia.

I am an American who values the relationship between the USA and GB. I would rather read about the Queen than the Kardashians, Snookie and Lindsay Lohan.

I think that the only people who should decide this issue are the people living in Gibralter. And since they have said NO in two referendums, I would say the issue is decided and the Royalty needs to consider their real roles today in generating world peace.

Wow, Queen Sofia.. what a clever, intelligent, and non-emotionally charged way to keep dialoge open.

Smart move!

Maybe Sofia thinks that kind of crap is boring and said "to hades with that, I'm not going." Maybe if any real reporters were on the scene they might do something unheard of, like ask her.

I know I wouldn't go. Life is too short for tea, crackers, and listening to old folks drone on and on and on

I'm an American with great respect for GB due to the fact they have been one of the few countries to back us up when called upon. And the monarchy is rich with history. Childish of Sofia. Even I'm excited for the Jubilee. And one person who posted that when someone says "The Queen", only one person comes to mind. That rings true for me as well.

Soooo where's my invitation?

man from uncle.......Good one!

Losmuertos

Believe me there are far more Americans that still have respect for GB than what idiots on these posts show. Most of us are watching your back and know you are there for us. Our politicians make us look bad right now but believe me we (most Americans) still love and respect you all.

I am old enough to remember when The Queen became Queen. I was a very young girl and loved all the regal goings on. I had a color book with all of the different things that happened. Wish I still had it to show to my kids, grandkids as well as great grandkids. Congratulations on 60 years.

Now now my friends, there is no reason to be nasty or uneducated about thee things. Firstly, both Queens are remarkable in their own rights. To Barry from NJ, I would inform you sir that because the title "queen" refers to Queen Elizabeth in America, doesnt mean that it has the same effect around the world. That is just haughty anglo-saxon thinking. I apologize. There are many monarchies around the world and in fact, The Spanish Monarchy enjoys far more popularity as a whole in Europe than the British Monarchy does. As Americans, we may have college degrees but that does not mean we are very well educated or even cultured. To that extent, most people OUTSIDE of the United States KNOW Spain has a King--Juan Carlos I. In fact, while we were fighting the British Monarchy in the 1700's, Spain sent their Navy (little known fact) to aide us in our struggle for independence! King Charles III of Spain helped finance our war and sent his royal army to defend Pensacola, fight all along the Mississippi River and the final siege of Yorktown. Not to mention the Spanish Monarchy ensured that supplies could be provided to the Continental Army via the Mississippi. Just because, the Spanish Monarchy isn't British doesnt mean they are inferior. In Fact, both King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia speak several languages and have done FAR more for their people than the British Monarchy has in recent times. King Juan Carlos gave his people a democratic government and has traveled the world more than any other monarch. This is not a questions of who is better. But let's be fair and at least have an education of the real facts before we go online and bash others.

With regards to Gibraltar, an Anglo-Dutch led invasion took it by force in 1704. This resulted in the permanent exodus of the ORIGINAL inhabitants of the land. It has remained British ever since. This was cemented after the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. The people who live their now are not the original ethnic peoples of the land and they will hold on to what they know which is all things British. This is similar to what happened between Mexico and the US when we migrated and outnumbered them in Texas and then claimed independence from Mexico. However, the "Gibraltarians" that live their now, have a legal right to decide and that decision should be respected..

Lastly, the news (everywhere) is always biased one way or another. The Spanish Government (who must approve all actions of the Crown) discouraged Queen Sofia from attending the diamond jubilee. In reality, Queen Elizabeth and King Juan Carlos and cousins (So is Queen Sofia & Prince Phillip) and they get along extremely well. Elizabeth called him Juanito and he calls her Lilibeth. The dispute is between the politicians not the family itself.

Lastly, please dont knock either Queen Elizabeth or Queen Sofia. Both are remarkable and lovely ladies. Queen Sofia is a concert pianist, archaeologist, and pediatrician. And before anyone took notice of Princess Diana's humanitarian work as incredible as it was; Queen Sofia was quietly crisscrossing the world doing the same work long before.

Long Live Queen Elizabeth and Long Live Queen Sofia! Blessings to both!

I used to care. But now I do not.

But I do blame George Bush.

You will not get much respect from our people since in America we have our own faux royalty.

They feel entitled to not just making a huge profit but also to dip into the pockets of every working person within this country. All the while the laws within this country have been changed to the advantage of those who are living off the labors of others.

This process of transference does not only include wealth, which would be outrageous enough in itself, but also includes the political spectrum leaving a system in place of taxation without any representation for the majority of citizens within our country.

You will elicit very little interest or sympathy from Americans who are being held hostage to a system of diminishing expectations for the majority of its' citizens while the wealthiest few keep demanding more money and influence to lord over the many.

@ JohnDom

kind of a demagogue's hat trick I guess.

No..... a hat trick would have required 1 additional point.

Let's hope Gibraltar stays under British protectorat or it will end up like the rest of the Costa Brava and such and look like sh.t.

This b!tch in Spain does not have the sense nor the class to carry Queen E's umbrella.

Sven

You do need help. Obsessed much?

Barry-NJ yeah, as childish as "freedom fries".

When the French came up with the guillotine, they had the right idea. These monarchs are no more than overly-expensive Disney World type exhibits. The last examples of the truly wealthy and selfish pretending that they deserve something better than the least of us because God or bloodlines say so. History has moved on and leaves them with skipping lunch as the only avenue to indicate their displeasure at not owning a rock with monkeys. Don't they have enough monkey subjects already?

Why would any citizen of the USA particularily care? First, there is no such thing as 'royalty'. Secondly, men of my family died fighting against that brand of medieval dictatorship, so that we would never have to pretend to believe in that crap, nor 'bend a knee'. All that you have here, is two old women (admittedly rich from countires that admire the 'quaintness' of an old custom) acting silly. But there is no such thing as a queen. Not sure why this even made USA press?? Can't understand why so many of the newer USA families seem facinated with these foreign families. But, whatever... to each their own.

@ gmainco: actually, it's more like, of course (!!) we as Americans respect and admire and 'have England's back'... and vice versa... but as Americans, we really don't give a rat's ass about some old woman or women, still stuck believing failed 1532 A.D. concepts.

Ferrosynthesis,

You do need help. Obsessed much?

No, just pointing out the way two countries try and redirect the attention of their populations away from what is really important, to a majority of the citizenry, towards an issue that is not all that important in the grand scheme of things. Both issues stir up the populations' emotions. One, Spain, stirs up nationalism. Kinda like how the Argentinians invaded the Falklands when their economy went South. The other, the US, is trying to stir up the emotions of the electorate so the focus comes off the economy, jobs, and high energy prices by the President coming out in favor of gay marriage. My point was he could have at least come up with something better. I don't know. Maybe wanting to take back the Panama Canal?

Where is Gibraltar?

enclave on the south of spain, just like Melilla and Ceuta would normally be a part of Morocco. Spain took control of these two cities (and a few other islands) in the mid 1800's, and now considers them to be part of Spain proper, not just legally, but historically.

This is in comparison to Gibralter which became an english territory in the 1700's, but Spain doesn't consider that into account and states that Gibralter is spanish. It is interesting on how the language changes when the dispute is turned around against them.

Secondly, men of my family died fighting against that brand of medieval dictatorship,

The British monarchy is not a dictatorship. Even in 1776, despite the infamous reference to King George III as a tyrant, the real power lay with Parliament.

meow?

also to dip into the pockets of every working person within this country.

Would you happen to have some facts or data to back that up?

Wow, Losmuertos, you judge an entire nation by a few MSNBC posters?!?! So, based on your 'logic', anyone British should be considered d*cks since you posted here.

Ru-780672

Wow Ru so much hostility, anyone would think I offended your great grandmother or something, I think you need to relax a little bit and not get so worked up by such a simple (and non-offensive) statement as “Well no one in America really cares lol” it was just a simple observation which wasn’t meant to be taken that seriously (notice the use of “lol”?) personally I think it’s nice to be shown that I was wrong (about this) and that some in America do care. But still you really need to chill

PS I’d also like to thank Gmainco for directing such a nice post to me too.

Barry NJ,

We kicked that 'Red Coat' trash out of here over 200 years ago, we do not owe them anything. I would like to see Spain take an Armada over there and reclaim Gibralter, or maybe a one on one battle between the Queens. Go Spain!!!

CBurroughs ... where did I say, or imply, that we "owed" the British anything?

As for "Go Spain", let's remember which country was our ally during WWII and which one sat out the war as a neutral.

as emasculated as the Royal Navy is right now, it still has far more power than anything that the spaniards can muster up. The RN's training is also much stronger. Any 'war' wouldn't last long, and spain wouldn't be happy with the results.

I'm an American who cares. I find it appalling that my fellow citizens will attack an institution that has worked for the British for nearly a thousand years. When our Constitution is that old, maybe we'll have the right to make snide remarks about the monarchy. In the meantime, we should just respect it as a choice of the British people (not to mention a dozen countries of the Realm around the world).

The snub by Queen Sophia is childish, although it probably plays into local politics. I doubt that many people outside of Spain knew that it has a monarchy. Around the world, "The Queen" refers to Queen Elizabeth II.

Wow, Barry, I bet you're so proud of this comment. It's very hypocritical of you to apologize on behalf of those Americans who are oblivious to, or disrespectful of, the British Monarchy, and immediately after you brag about how much you are oblivious to, and disrespectful of, the Spanish Monarchy.

The Spanish Monarchy is as timeless an institution as the British one and at times has been as powerful; at other times even more powerful. Without delving too deeply into any given issue, it was under the Spanish Monarchy that the last Muslim government in Europe perished, that the European exodus to America started, and more recently, that Spain was given back its democracy. If you think the British Monarchy deserves the respect, praise, and recognition that you demand of the rest of Americans, then don't belittle another European monarchy that carries as much tradition and historical significance. I personally don't care much for European monarchies either way—they're just a vestige of times past—but I wouldn't self-congratulate me for acknowledging the grandeur of one of them while blatantly bragging about how little I care about the other one.

If you're an American who cares, then don't be so proud of your Anglocentrism. The English-speaking world does not have a monopoly over historical significance.

As for "Go Spain", let's remember which country was our ally during WWII and which one sat out the war as a neutral.

And while we're at it, let's remember that this was because Spain had just gotten out of a bloody civil war the year WWII started, and the fascist regime emerged victorious. It wasn't their choice not to be our allies. Let's also remember that the Spanish Monarchy was instrumental in toppling this regime.

I don't see why you look so far back, though. Spanish is a staunch ally of ours nowadays. They were every bit as eager to have our back in the War on Terrorism as Britain. That mustached guy showing up next to Blair and Bush in so many 2003 pictures? That was Aznar, Spain's then president. That's why they got hit with terrorist attacks, just like Britain. In fact, the March 11 Madrid bombings were more deadly than the 2005 London bombings.

A person of weak stature talks about other people

A person of average stature talks about objects

A person of high stature talks about ideas

I really don't care about two rich people thousands of kilometers away who really are insignificant seeing that they don't really DO anything besides get paid millions. I could care less about the Gibraltar issue since it is a rock

It was a really pointless move on the part of Queen Sofia. There is little if any chance that Britain will ever give up Gibraltar and snubbing Queen Elizabeth II on such a festive occasion certainly is not going to change anything. All it does is make Queen Sofia look a little childish. Gibraltar is far too strategic a place for the British to ever willingly give it up. They have been there for a very long time and have no incentive to cede control. Holding Gibraltar allows Britain to guarantee free access to the Mediterranean Sea and giving that up would make little sense. Besides, it is not like Spain does not still maintains a few colonies of their own, so they are not exactly in a position to complain.

It is only right that the once greatest sea power in the world, who trounced the Spanish Armada quite smartly, and the strongest military power in Europe should provide protection to the Strait of Gibralter. Queen Sophia should be thankful that Spain still honors the monarchy--they almost eleminated it 20 years ago. She ought not be snubbing her most influential and powerful European ally. Get over it and enjoy the party!

Completely disagree - if anything, the monarch should represent their people above all else, which is what Queen Sofia is doing. Her people want Gibraltar back, so why should she pander to some old British woman who is part of the conflict just because? Good on her............

Either they are both queens, or just two old women. One or the other, period.

Gibraltar was ceded to Great Britain "in perpetuity" in 1713. The people of Gibraltar do NOT want this to change. They have rejected the Spanish claims as recently as 2002. I can only assume that you would agree to give Texas, New Mexico, California, etc. back to Mexico should they make claim since we've only had these territories since the mid 1800's.........

Excellent point BG.

Both my feet, pre-revolutionary Scotch Irish paternal and 20th century England to Boston and Canada maternal, come from ancestors somewhere in the British Isles, so I can kind of relate. But it's more than that. Elizabeth is some pistol when you think of it and has weathered a 60 year career. Very "American woman"! She's smoothed over the children's "indiscretions", wars and economic blights, shed the colonial era without losing the friends, is briefed every day and participates with Parliament and the Prime Minister in affairs of state - -not just a ceremonial robe, she! And ya know what else? We're young America. Europe is old, and has its own formula. Sofia squaring off at her, missing this event, but no doubt maintaining the manners of High Tea is a skill, long perfected. They'll rise to the occasion if they're called to sit in the same pew at some other monarchy's wedding or funeral and exhibit proper respect and aplomb. It's not ours, But I get it. Frankly, I'm not too crazy about some of our shirtless scratching and spitting in public sometimes. We could use some polish.

Olde Sarge-3494014- It was the weather that trounced the Spanish Armada, but I cede your point.

How about this, Britain will give back Gibraltar after Spain gives all the gold back to the Indians in the Americas.

Right on Danny H - - centuries later, objections on the grounds of unfair or immoral are only sanctimony. Everyone's guilty. No ACLU rights activist or "disenfranchised" slum-dweller here would give back 2" of territory to the Indians: pardon me "Native Americans". Actually the whole Armada vs. Brittania thing enhanced our family tree. Everybody up til then looked like "Rowena" or "Eric the Red" and blue eyes were the thing. Up springs my Nana on my Mother's side with these enormous, flashing, dark brown eyes and splendid wavy, dark brown hair: family humor includes "the Armada got shore leave".

Big deal, a disagreement in theme park land. Who goes to sporting events to watch the mascots?

Danny H-1459688 well, if that's the case then the Britons have much more to give back, they stole a bit more than the Spaniards.

I'm certain Hyacinth Bucket would love to take Queen Sofia's vacated spot at Q.E.'s TupperWare Party.

BTW, there is ONLY ONE Queen: The Queen Of Disco, Donna Summer. Rest In Peace, Donna. I love you.

Sorry old Sarge... I dont know where you are getting your facts from. Just because you hear so much about the British Monarchy in the US doesnt mean they are the most popular in the world. The Spanish Monarchy enjoys far more support in Europe then the British Monarchy does and is viewed FAR more favorable. King Juan Carlos doesnt just sit around his palace. He is a member of some of the most prestigious and elite think tanks in the world. He was a frequent asset to President Clinton with resolving conflicts in the Middle East and had the guts to tell Hugo Chavez to "shut up." Spain did not almost give up monarchy 20 years. The King was the most powerful monarch of his time and granted the Spanish full democracy and the people overwhelmingly voted to keep the monarchy. Finally, Queen Sofia did not snub Queen Elizabeth. The Spanish Government did. It was the politicians that forbade the Queen from attending Queen Elizabeth's jubilee.

Where are your statistics that most Americans don't know where Spain is? Perpetuating the "America is der her stupid" stereotype at its finest.

Dan...maybe not, but I have a feeling that most know to spell America using a capital 'A'. I believe that the majority of us can also construct a correct phrase...as I am still trying to figure out what "is more less Gilbraltar" means. While I support your pointing out that Spain does hold foreign land, I am tired of the assertion that we, as a nation, are uneducated.

They defeated the Spanish Armada-a large fleat of ships. An armadillo is an animal.

TJ = You obviously haven't read Sellar's and Yeatman's '1066 and all that', a very famous '50s spoof history of England. The armadillo is what the armada was called - both Spanish words, see :) Just like the Magna Carta was designed to carry large quantities of runny mead :)

TJ,

The Penguin was using sarcasm. Also, it's 'fleet'.

oh great, the spelling police have arrived...

Agreed. What US president will want to go to war over Taiwan? Would it turn out like the Falklands War, probably not.

The US might be able to project military power that far but I think China would push North Korea to start a second front. They would want to draw more of our resources away from the Taiwan area to weaken our support to our ally.

With China and Russia kind of supporting Iran they could encourage a third area of contention causing more of our assets to be diverted.

Not looking good on that scenario.

I dont think that US foreign policy includes the defense of Taiwan since it recogonizes only one China. But I also dont think the US would abandon Taiwan. I DO know that China's policy is to deny sea access to that area which is they're building up their military!

If anyone thinks this is bad, wait until China starts demanding the return of Taiwan

Not quite the same situation since Taiwan is not the possession of another country.

and as far as China is concerned, you can't demand something back that is already yours.

Sorry, but I didn;t see an argument on the side of Queen Elizabeth. Why are you telling her to "get over herself"?

Stupid post. What does Kate have to do with this? She is a commoner who married into a royal family (not saying anything against that". Queen Sofia (please note the correct spelling of her name) is the Queen of a nation, and one that is well-respected in her own country. The fact that you do not know who a world leader is and yet know who Kate is just proves that you pay more attention to the gossip columns and tabloids than actual world events. I would be more careful when you ask a question like "who are you again"? And while I do not agree with the refusal of the invitation, we also have to understand that there are political and social issues at play. To boil this down to a simple "snub" is crazy. The Queen did not go to the ceremony for her own son, Charles, when he re-married to Camilla. If a leader, no matter what form that leadership takes, actually takes their role seriously, they have to put aside personal relationships and friendships to actually govern or rule. This is a case of diplomacy. If there is a conflict, diplomacy does not appear to work if the two opposing sides are breaking bread together.

FYI, Queen Sofia is the Queen of Spain, she was born in Greece and belongs to the royal family of Greece and Denmark her father was the king of Greece and her brother was the deposed last King of Greece, her family belongs to one of the eldest royal families in Europe older than Queen Elizabeth's linage her titles are also recognize by the Dutch royal family. Her absence is a big impact in the mutual diplomatic relations between Spain and England.

Whatever. I do KNOW Spain lost the island to Britian after a war, which was one of many wars between the European powerhouses of their day, which was England, Spain, & France. I also know all 3 set up colonies everywhere and repressed and abused the colonies. If she has a beef with England who owns Gibraltor, maybe she should study some history. Another point, what is royalty? Who says? There was a time no one could question or defy the royal family or the royal class. Having a figurehead, like England and Spain is OK if it gives the people some sense of tradition or history, but let's face it, all it ever was about is domination and control. After Franco, who beat the communists for control of Spain and who kept a tight lid on politics until he could rebuild his country, died, King Carols, who inherited the thrown, wisely gave over all political and military power to a civilian government, resembling the English set up of the royal family. So, she can say what she wants like anyone, royal or not. So can I. Also, I do NOT pay much attention to NON NEWS, you know the gossip columns, talking heads on radio or TV, or trash news like Murdoch's newspapers or TV shows, like Fox. So, I may not know all there is to know about Queen Sofia but I have a right to my opinion, and I don't like hers or yours.

There is one technicality eric and lilli do forget. Queen Sofia is the Queen Consort of Spain. She is not actually equal to Queen Elizabeth II of England. Queen Sofia married to her current title.

However, I do agree that it is probably not truly in Spain's best interest for her not to attend.

There have been some interesting comments on this topic, so now it is my turn. Given the economic situation on the continent, it would seem that it is not in Spain's best interest to have the Queen Consort of Spain to be absent from this luncheon. Any excuse short of illness, death or national tragedy in Spain (and it's a little late for that) is a slap in the face.

The majority of Americans have great respect and abiding affection for Queen Elizabeth II. We have all grown up with her and observed, from a different perspective perhaps, her unfledging devotion and loyalty to her duties as queen. She has never failed to represent the United Kingdom in the most dignified way - unlike a few British PMs, and US Presidents.

The pettiness displayed on this very special occasion makes Queen Sofia out to be an old harpie with an ax to grind. Regardless of the circumstances a better example should be set for her own people.

Nasty, just plain nasty!

mbtw... Queen Sofia is an extremely well known and respected person. She is also an intellectual. Queen Sofia is not an old harpie with an axe to grind. She belongs to a constitutional parliamentary system of government and her allegiance is first and foremost to the Spanish people. Regardless of her own personal opinions, she must respect and enforce the will of the people. It was the government of Spain that did not allow her to attend the jubilee. It was not her personal decision but that of the immature politicians. Besides, Queen Sofia doesnt need Queen Elizabeth to help make her more popular. The European continent has a far more favorable view of the Spanish Monarchy anyway. They actually work and drive their own cars and sit on major boards and think tanks around the world from the Bilderberg Group to the Club of Rome.

Yep. Not only does Britain own Gibraltar, they've got a receipt. (Note to La Raza: See the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.)

Once again, we don't need no stinkin' badges. 1 in 6 baby.

Aren't you occupying "stolen" land dear Donna? Every single person today is in an area that was "stolen" from someone else. And just monarchy's or dynasties and democracies as well? And yes, I certainly hope "they" (a bad limo driver and some stupid tabloid photographers" don't kill Kate as well. And yes, it would be a great comfort to a nation during war, strife, economic hardhsip to see their leaders partying, laughing it up, etc. "Liz" and her "predecessors" obviously sucked at keeping a nation together during world war, domestic terrorism, etc. It would have gone so much better if we had some people who were more "real"...

If you don't want Kate being "killed", tell Kate to wear her seatbelt and drive herself. Oh, and drive the speed limit, and not cop the attitude of "I can drive however fast I want because I'm royalty".

The tourism dollars (and the tax revenues) those countries rake in from people watching the royal far exceeds what they pay out to these Monarchs. Were it not the case those royal families would have disappeared long ago. It also gives the countries a focus symbol for faction who are viciously divided as well - especially Spain.

Arrogant enough to "feel bad" for them? Most of "them" don't feel bad about it, so why should you. When those nations go to war, is it the elected leaders that generally hold the country together? No, the people turn to the monarchy to hold them up. And you bring up costs...yes there is a large pricetag, but did you stop for a moment before commenting to think about our own system? You and I pay for city officials, state officials and federal officials. Do you really think that their costs actually exceed our own?

What does this story (and the diplomatic implications that go with it from both sides) have to do with your ignorant views and the "rich"?

You will not get many Yanks understanding your comment Mr Hendricks, but I like it.

Good luck to Chelski, cannot abide those cheating Krauts.

Britain's Economy is in recession.... its not doing that much better than the rest of Europe...

wait... actually Spain was an ally to the US before the UK was. In fact, Spain helped the US fight the British... just letting you know. Actual facts really help.

When was Spain our ally. Before or after they; along with France Lost the battle of Trafalgar to Horatio Nelson. Spain has never won a war against anyone that I know of, El-Cid their great warrior was a mercenary that fought for both sides. They even lost the (Great Armada) battle against England at the Isle of Wight when they tried to enter the shallows of the west end of the Solent. They got Kicked out of this country, also Cuba, Hispaniola. And what do they do now, Pull Out Their Troops at the first time of loss in the middle east. Oh Yes I see how great an influence they are, So How Great is Spain,? the Friends of HITLER. It is a damn good thing England controlled Gibraltar, or we would not have been able to enter the Mediterranean.

T.R. Hendricks

Yes, we AMERICANS are suckers of the first order, just look how super inept con man Obama sucked in millions to vote for his so called change....worked out well didn't it, we are on the absolute brink of disaster