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Elton John receives prestigious UK award

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By PAN PYLAS

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rainman1 Nov. 11  12:48 pm JST:

"and which country in the world can the wealthy/connected NOT buy or directly influence?"

I actually think that we, as a global community should reject our own nations honors systems and make changes e.g. suggested by some comments above. Not unique to Britain, every country has versions of this.

When I was collecting my last hard-earned degree, there was some plonker getting an "Honorary Degree" for...as far as I could see just being rich and successful. He clearly didnt need it. But it gave he who had everything else - more.

I think honorary degrees should only be awarded to people who missed out on their education. Some big-shots have over 10 honorary degrees. That is obscene and an insult to graduates who sweat for their degrees.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It is offensive to minority people.

Yeah, yeah, everything’s offensive to somebody these days. There’s even moves to remove the Jim’s Hendrix plaque from that hotel in London because he stopped supporting the Black Panthers. Cry me a river.

For gods sake, it’s a quaint old British tradition which nobody takes very seriously. Its all theater and does no harm.

I’m no fan of Elton and his pompousities but I don’t begrudge him his award. Hell, if Lulu Hamilton can get a knighthood anything goes.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

My bad---taxes on the wealthy in the UK are negligible.

Not bad at all. If he's already paying swingeing taxes in the UK, why would he want to pay even more to the US?

What does he get out of it?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Taxes are pretty hefty on the rich in the UK - But no need to subject yourself to double taxation which is the ONLY problem with a US Passport.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

snowymountainhellToday  02:59 pm JST

. . . and explanation of the U.K and the Republic of Ireland.

Snowy, gotta jump in here--Zichi discussed Northern Ireland; not the Republic of Ireland.

A distinction that even British subjects are aware of., but is basic geography for foreigners.

Back to Elton--I see that he was given some kind if medal; I wonder if he is also given a secret handshake, or access to a room behind a door that is only accessible by another secret door.

Any thoughts?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Guess @starpunk 1:39pm Elton John came to terms with his former ‘self’ many years ago:

- “Elton said in a 1987 interview: "When I became Elton John, it was like a new lease on life. I didn't particularly like being Reg Dwight. It had too many unhappy memories. And, No offense to the other Reg’s out there, . . .”

Thanks for the clarification of dates @zichi:

- “Elton John was knighted in 1998. Now upgraded to the Companions of Honour limited to 65 companions.”

. . . and explanation of the U.K and the Republic of Ireland.

- “Which track do you like best? I listened to ‘I’m your puppet’ the other day. Not bad but I liked the original better.” -

Hilarious @Jimizo 1:46pm: I’ve been curious about another track that popped up in the last 24 hours, “Seattle Slew”, or something like that. Have you heard of it before then?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

cleoToday  02:08 pm JST

So that the US taxman can stake a claim on his money?

My bad---taxes on the wealthy in the UK are negligible.

Elton--stay in Great Britain. Make more records like Yellow Brick Road.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Give Elton any awards available. Give him US citizenship

So that the US taxman can stake a claim on his money?

Why on earth would be consider that an 'award'?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Give Elton any awards available. Give him US citizenship.

Top ten male vocalist of all time.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Unfortunately, it is one of the ways the wealthy and / or connected can buy / gain influence in British politics.

Yep, the whole thing has stunk for as long as I can remember.

Being a British subject I disagree with our current honours system and have done so for many decades. 

So, you were not born in the UK.

I love Elton.

Which track do you like best? I listened to ‘I’m your puppet’ the other day. Not bad but I liked the original better.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

A British subject is practically a foreigner in the UK, right? Would be subject to immigration controls and do not have the automatic right to live or work in the UK.

If your parents were born in the UK or a British colony then you are probably a British citizen. And also in your case, having been born in the UK, you should be a British citizen automatically.

Unless your father was a diplomat working for a foreign country,

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Back on topic please.

Sir Reginald Dwight got knighted in 1998. I thought you couldn't get any greater honor than that. Besides, when it comes to rock'n'rollers and charity - how about recognizing Sting for his rainforest activism and Peter Gabriel who long has been a human rights champion?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Likewise @RegBilk. British National Treasure. Successful in five decades - active in six. I couldn't give a damn what non or 'quasi' British 'subjects' think

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

zichiToday  10:56 am JST

Being a British subject I disagree with our current honours system and have done so for many decades. 

So, you were not born in the UK.

I love Elton.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

and which country in the world can the wealthy/connected NOT buy or directly influence?

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Why is that @zichi? Not hurting anyone - Doesn't mean anything outside the Commonwealth.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Well done, Elton! He’s been ‘knighted’ since 2019 so some confusion over the ‘Order of Companions of Honour’ and its 65 (living?) members: Sir Paul, Dame Judi, . . .?

Also of note (but for some unknown reason, not worthy(?) of a separate article here), Cambridge-born, Australian entertainer and current U.S. residency, cancer survivor, philanthropist & charity activist, Olivia Newton-John.

Her new full name is Dame Olivia Newton-John, AC, DBE, but the post-nominal letters "AC" stem from the Companion of the Order of Australia, which she was awarded in June 2019.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

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