Pourtant, quiconque possède ne serait-ce que l'ombre de quelques valeurs républicaines et égalitaires serait outré des exigences de cette famille d'hurluberlus anachroniques qui continue à se comporter comme si nous étions leurs sujets soumis et obéissants.
Ce genre de comportement choque, humilie et heurte, comme présentement aux États-Unis:
In preparation for a Dec. 7-8 visit to the United States by the duke and duchess of Cambridge, better known as Prince William and Princess Kate, Buckingham Palace alerted U.S. media on Thursday that the royal family expects all media personnel to show “respect” by wearing proper clothing when in the presence of the heir to the throne and his wife.
This was no request; it was a command. “Journalists wishing to cover Royal engagements, whether in the United Kingdom or abroad, should comply with the dress code on formal occasions out of respect for the guests of The Queen, or any other member of the Royal Family. Smart attire for men includes the wearing of a jacket and tie, and for women a trouser or skirt suit. Those wearing jeans or trainers will not be admitted and casually dressed members of the media will be turned away. This also applies to technicians.” Politico’s Dylan Byers reported that the order was delivered through the U.S. Senate Periodical Press Gallery, meaning that the U.S. government passed on to American citizens a direct order from the Queen of England. Amazing.
The insults are multiple. First, the order is not motivated by the royal family’s altruistic desire to have the American press show respect for the American guests of the Queen’s grandson and his wife. It is to compel the American press to show respect for the duke and duchess. Americans are sharp enough to know that a command to show respect is itself an act of disrespect.
(...) Had they bothered, the House of Windsor would have learned that in America respect is earned, not given upon command.
(...) “Respect,” the notice says. It is not respect the royals are demanding; it is deference. And Americans show deference to no one. (...) Respect we understand. Respect is an important part of our republican culture. (...) But deference? That we abandoned when our ancestors picked up their muskets and marched to Lexington green.
Imaginez si un journaliste québécois osait écrire un papier comme celui-là quelques jours avant une visite royale. Personne n'accepterait de le publier et le type serait ridiculisé.
Pourtant, les valeurs de respect, de liberté et d'égalité n'ont rien de ridicule. Au contraire.