Founding fathers fretting

Dear Editor,

American colonists began seeing the disadvantages of being ruled by a monarch in the 1760s. In 1776, they declared their independence from Great Britain.

Modern-day England is ruled by Parliament, a two-house law-making body. It is an amazing constitutional monarchy. Kings and Queens of that country establish good public relations and act as ambassadors.

Celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's "Diamond Jubilee" on June 4, 2012, was a spectacular event in Great Britain. It was televised worldwide.

In spite of the fact that the U.S. is a republic with presidents, senators and congressmen, Americans have watched it with interest.

Queen Elizabeth II's father, George III, died in 1952 and she became England's royal monarch 60 years ago.

Born April 21, 1926, she was third in line for the throne. In 1937 (75 years ago) her uncle, Edward III, abdicated. She became a direct heir at age 11.

Our founding fathers set up a government with legislative, judicial and executive branches. We've had presidents who were related to each of them. However, the office is not based on bloodlines or lineage. Great Britain has the Church of England, but the U.S. Constitution has various safeguards, such as separation of church and state.

I've often wondered if our founding fathers came back to life, how they would react to what is happening in 2012.

Surely they would advise us to deal more adequately with other countries. No doubt, they would be horrified concerning our financial crisis.

Helen Ruth Arnold,

Trenton, Nebraska