[Griff]

Something in my head is really offended by over-the-top events. I was a lector at a cathedral Mass a couple belief systems ago. A priest asked me how I liked it, expecting me to gush, but I was a country church, everybody is equal before the Lord, guy. I found it wholly unattractive and not the least bit spiritual. The same always went for Popes, Cardinals (excepting Ozzie Smith), and incense. The ceremonies around our elected officials strike me the same way. The intent is to create a mystique around the office so they can be effective, but it makes me less likely to submit to "authority". What draws people to support opening public coffers for nonsense like royal weddings when the actual work of government is cut to the bone. It is always sold as something to "take peoples mind off their problems". Take a walk, watch a movie, or read a book. <shrug>