NY Honours list

RedAsABeetroot said:
I think they have their place but for me I like it when they are awarded to people who've given their time and effort to charities and their communities.
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I agree with you, but I still wouldn't want to accept the award as it stands - it needs a major re-think, its tainted by association with the current setup - it needs to be an award from society, to society.
 
afcb_acklam said:
just read an article listing people that have turned down honours - steven hawking & david bowie amongst them
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I've read the list in previous years, and I have a lot more respect for those who decline it because they feel they have done nothing to deserve it - I am paraphrasing here but French & Saunders said something like "We were being paid and having fun, there were people who devoted their lives to causes and they deserved the award." Bowie (from various biographies) just didn't understand what it was for - his work/art was his life and expression his passion.
 
swordtrombonefish said:
I've read the list in previous years, and I have a lot more respect for those who decline it because they feel they have done nothing to deserve it - I am paraphrasing here but French & Saunders said something like "We were being paid and having fun, there were people who devoted their lives to causes and they deserved the award." Bowie (from various biographies) just didn't understand what it was for - his work/art was his life and expression his passion.
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I'm not sure if many people remember the TV show Secret Millionaire. I found that cringeworthy in that people would go on the show and give away what to them was small change to causes where some people had devoted years of their time and effort for nothing. Even if you costed the volunteers time at £10 per hour they would have given far more than the "Millionaire" but were expecting nothing in return.
 
As a few have said the so called honours system belongs in a bygone era. I think it's also designed to reinforce the idea of royalty and keeps establishment in place.

Get rid of the system, move government out of Westminster (which is crumbling and not suitable for a modern society) and revamp politics starting with removing FPTP.

It won't happen of course. Too many have it very good and don't want change.
 
BJ close friend Joanna Lumley gets made a dame too.

But the most ridiculous is Daniel Craig being awarded the same honour as the 007 in Flemings books, one traditionally given to service men and woman.

Makes even more of a mockery of something that has passed its sell by date.

The whole thing is driven by cronyism and populism.
 
We absolutely should have an honours system to recognize achievement and excellence and to inspire the nation.

This remains true if we're a republic or a monarchy. I really don't see accepting honours as an endorsement of the monarchy. You receive it from the head of state, whoever that may be.

That said, the current system does smack of cronyism and should be reformed. However, the gongs should still be handed out. No problem with abolition of hereditary titles though.
 
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