Knighthoods.

[Theland]

Why do we, as a compassionate society, hand out gongs and especially Knighthoods, to the likes of super rich businessmen, but ignore far more deserving servants of our country?

Did,"Fred the Shred," deserve a knighthood, later stripped of it, for ruining his banking empire, and getting us, the plebs, to bail him out whilst he retired with his millions, and mega pension?

[AuntLydia]

There are lots of 'ordinary' people get knighthoods, especially for charitable work.

[Theland]

I dare say. But you have to agree that the system is cockeyed!
I want to be Sir Theland.
Of the Order Of The Knights Of Failed Ambitions!

[maggiebee]

My husband called them lucky bag awards. Personally think they should only be given when someone goes above and beyond - not for doing the job they get well paid for.

[Theland]

Why so many millionaire businessmen?
Donations to political partys?

[AuntLydia]

Political parties don't give knighthoods. The Queen does.

[Theland]

Recommended by the politicians? Yes?

[johnk]

Donations, YES, buy yourself a knighthood!

[murraymints]

an ex of mines dad..was offered a knighthood for his services to education, was a headmaster in the Midlands, but had gone to Africa and set up several schools and an education programme for children there...lovely chap..he turned it down with a polite reply.."thank you, but my wife is already a lady " back then they meant something...

[DTCwordfan]

You may call me 'Your Nibs', Theland - 'Sir' is too common.

[WELSHYORKIE]

If I ever got one, I would be Sir Prized

[emmie]

many get gongs for doing good works and who knows some might think they don't deserve it and turn them down.

[10ClarionSt]

As far as I'm aware, it's possible to nominate yourself for an award in The Queens' Honours List, but I don't agree with it. As one or two have said, people are getting them for doing the job they're paid to do. Although I'm a Man. Utd. fan, I didn't agree with Alex Ferguson getting a knighthood. I thought that was wrong. He has the recognition for what he's achieved anyway, especially from everyone in football. The awards just stink of cronyism.

[Deskdiary]

Super rich businessmen who run a business/businesses which contribute to the wealth of the country and employ thousands of people all of whom pay tax. Do you mean these types of people?

Why do you think they are undeserving?

[naomi24]

//I want to be Sir Theland. //

Why? What have you done to warrant it?

[Spungle]

Fred Goodwin was knighted under a Labour government, and it took the Tories under David Cameron, to put pressure on the Honours committee to strip him of it. Since 1995, the committee has recommended that 36 people, including the Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe, be stripped of their honours. Honours are normally taken away only if someone has been found guilty of a criminal offence or has been reprimanded by their professional regulator, including a professional register. If you think someone is deserving of a knighthood, Theland, you can always nominate someone yourself.

[tamborine]

buy them via donations to Princes Trust ie £100k

[Spungle]

Emmie, indeed many do refuse knighthoods- David Bowie, David Hockney, Michael Faraday, Lawrence of Arabia, Rudyard Kipling, Francis Bacon and L.S. Lowry spring to mind.