The BDN Editorial Board operates independently from the newsroom, and does not set policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com.
It’s not every day that the descendant of the loser of a major battle, and turning point in history, returns to lavish flattery and praise on the victor.
But, that in a sense, is what Britain’s King Charles III did in Washington, D.C., this week.
The king’s visit, his first official trip to the U.S. since ascending to the British throne in 2022, was heavy in references to America’s 250th anniversary of independence, which is being marked this year. The U.S. declared and fought for independence from England, which was then ruled by King George III, the five-times great-grandfather of King Charles III. Noting that long ago disagreement, King Charles touted the promise of American democracy in a speech to Congress on Tuesday.
He also reminded American lawmakers of the history — and requirements — of that democracy. Namely, that 250 years after America rebelled against a tyrant, this country is built on the rule of law and the principle that executive power is subject to checks and balances.
Interesting that it took a king to receive applause from American lawmakers when he told them how they and their government is supposed to work.
“Distinguished members of the 119th Congress, it is here in these very halls that this spirit of liberty and the promise of America’s founders is present in every session and every vote cast,” the king said. “Not by the will of one, but by the deliberation of many, representing the living mosaic of the United States. In both of our countries, it is the very fact of our vibrant, diverse and free societies that gives us our collective strength, including to support victims of some of the ills that, so tragically, exist in both our societies today.”
A monarch reminded American lawmakers that it is not one person that makes a country great, but rather it is the diversity of thought and backgrounds that makes America great and strong.
King Charles does not have to govern or make the decisions that weigh on a president or other elected leaders. Yet, he spoke more eloquently and directly of the ideals of America — at its founding and today, 250 years later — than the current occupant of the White House.
“Our common ideals were not only crucial for liberty and equality, they are also the foundation of our shared prosperity,” he added. “The rule of law: the certainty of stable and accessible rules, an independent judiciary resolving disputes and delivering impartial justice. These features created the conditions for centuries of unmatched economic growth in our two countries.”
In a message that should be heeded by the U.S. secretary of defense, who has perverted Christianity to tout death and destruction, King Charles also spoke of the importance of religious tolerance and chided those who use religion to justify military might.
“I am inspired by the profound respect that develops as people of different faiths grow in their understanding of each other,” the king said. “It is why it is my hope — my prayer — that, in these turbulent times, working together and with our international partners, we can stem the beating of plowshares into swords.”
King Charles politely didn’t directly blame the U.S. president for conflict in the Middle East, and the”immense challenges” it has brought to the international community, or for weakening global alliances such as NATO.
Instead, he offered a reminder of the ideals of America’s founding, ideals that are being eroded
Trump’s White House, meanwhile, posted a photo of the president and king with the caption “TWO KINGS.”
How ironic in the year that America celebrates its long-ago defiance and liberation from a king.
