As a Canadian, I have no interest in my so called monarchy either.

I enjoy your show immensely but leave our Royal family alone, unless your live with a monarchy which YOU don't and having had Labour as a government for over a decade you'd understand why we do not wish to be a Republic!

Discrimination or the allowance of Royalty to marry Catholics - was removed, so that it wouldn't be discriminatory.  However, many Catholic gay priests may find transferring to the Church of England which allows gays and lesbians to be a relief, instead of teaching what they don't practice.  In Ireland, the government will now take over 50 percent of parochial schools.  According to the Irish government the abuse of 17,000 orphans by brothers, nuns and priests and now directly related to the Vatican, stashed billions of dollars around the world. They didn't even have the ethics to invest in Ireland which is basically bankrupt.   Same so called devout people are some of the largest tax exempt landowners in Ireland!

Many Catholics will look in admiration of the large churches where royalty is married in England.  They should, as they were once Catholic.  And, many Catholics may find the rites and rituals similar and feel comfortable in joining the Church of England.  Whereas the Catholic church denies Holy Communion to ALL, except Catholics; denies gay and lesbian weddings, but has sexual abuse cases in the billions, the Church of England has a much less discriminatory policy.

When people call me anti-Catholic - I call them anti-Christian, anti-Jew, anti-Muslim.  When I am called a Catholic Basher - I call them Christian Bashers, Jew Bashers, Muslim Bashers. 

The days of let's share our Catholic faith while denouncing others in a diminutive smile is over, especially with the pedophile scandals that are on going.  But, thanks be to god, there are individuals who will look at these situations as the victims's fault.  After all, if these kids weren't there, there would be no scandal. 

Not an Englishman myself (a Catholic however), but I find the piece on the British monarchy confusing and even a bit misleading, and therefore probably unhelpful, unless you want to cast it as a humorous (of some kind) interlude.

Confusing because the monarchy and its rules are rooted in the history of the country, and so without historical context both are close to unintelligible to an audience with only democratic traditions. Misleading because "head of state" to your US audience will mean something quite different that to the Brits; you let that misunderstanding stand until the very end, and then only cryptically clear it up (sort of).

Finally, is this really news? You make it sound like a major affront to Catholics, women and commoners in general. In theory you're right; in practice it's hardly worth a second thought, Lawrence's solemn, accusing tone notwithstanding.

The closest we have here in America would have been the Kennedy's

I too had a problem with this bizarre rant last night that I would put on the level of Limbaugh or Coulter! Yeah, many countries sought freedom from the Catholic Popes in the 1500's, who the hell want's to drudge up a 500 year old argument?

As a Canadian, I take great offence when you say we should be "ashamed" to be part of the Commonwealth. Really? The country where we have Universal Health Care, official Bilingualism, multiculturalism and gay marriage?

I know a lot of Americans do not understand the Queen as head of state, lots of Americans have said to me why don't you have a revolution like we did? Well, we did, except we did it on paper instead of having a war, it was called the British North America Act. The Queen does not have any real say in Canadian affairs or politics. All it means is that we have a Parliamentary System, instead of a Republic. It is a system of government and law, that's all, don't get your Irish Catholic up in arms.

Now, as for the Commonwealth Nations not agreeing to a Human Rights Council, that's shameful!!! Please feel free to criticize our current Right-Wing Prime Minister, he is an "elected" official and really could use some criticism once in a while, our media is too nice!

I actually blame our close association with the US for our current crop of Neo-Cons. It is your ugly and completely oppressive American media and culture that has led Canada down the path of divisive fear and smear politics recently.

I like to remind Americans that is your country that was bankrolled by slavery in it's early days, the effects of which you still feel today, from slavery to segregation to the Tea Party, racism against African Americans runs deep and long in your ugly country!

I find it quite rich, the country that did not enter WWII until 1941 (until you were attacked) says we should be ashamed? The country that declared war in Vietnam and Iraq, twice! says we should be ashamed? The country whose President, Bush, caused the financial meltdown, which we are all still feeling, says we should be ashamed?

If you are going to paint a broad brush here, let me paint a broad brush of the typical American, one that is loud, boorish, unrespectful and completely ignorant of other cultures, don't be that American.

I often wish my fellow Canadians were not so hypnotized by the disgusting American media machine that pumps out garbage like the Khardasians, Jerry Springer, CNN, or radical right-wing pundits. I think it is ruining our Canadian psyche.

Anyway, please leave Canadians out of your misguided rants, I think you should apologize. Feel free to criticize our elected politicians, they have a lot to be ashamed of! But, in no way am I going to feel guilty for having a system of government that is not your system. You think we should have a Republic like yours, where nothing gets done and you hold elections and campaigns constantly? No wonder America is in the shape it's in!

Mr. O'Donnell, as a fan and regular viewer I was amazed and saddened by your rant on the British Royal Family. When it comes to the treatment of "catholics" take a look at the Church of Rome. If the Royal Family have absolutely no use other than that they add stability and continuity to their country, not something to be sneezed at in these turbulent times, then they serve a purpose that cannot be measured in dollars and cents. Not to be overlooked they serve at the 'pleasure' of their country. You have damaged your objectivity and credibility.

Your interview with Chris about JFK was excellent!!! Recently, I finished reading JFK & the Unspeakable and agree with Chris that President Kennedy showed exceptional leadership and courage during his presidency especially in the Cuban Missile Crisis. I wonder why President Kennedy never won a Nobel Peace Prize? Looking forward to reading Jack Kennedy, Elusive Hero.

What a low blow. I have been a fan of your show, but attacking an ancient culture for at least attempting to give women and other religions equal, if symbolic, footing is ridiculous. As a person proud of their English, Scottish and Welsh roots (yes, those are three different cultures), I have to wonder if you'd think it was okay to point and laugh at an African or Arab country's traditions? No matter what your target, prepare to lose viewers when you viciously mock their heritage.

The channel I love intelligently examines culture and allows the viewer to draw their own conclusions based on facts. You evidently need a lesson on using humor to make a point from the always decent Ms. Maddow. This isn't in the spirit of MSNBC and you should apologize for your immaturity.

I agree with this story.  I feel sorry for countries that have monarchies.  They are book smart and educated, but they are so ignorant.   As imperfect as my country is, I'm glad I don't live in England, where every day you are told you are less than an "elitist class".  I don't get this level of ignorance.

Yeah, Luna. I'm so glad we don't have an elitist class here in America based on something unattainable by 99% of the population. That would be soooooo ignorant.

I did, see above.

Mr. O'Donnell - just listened to your 'rant' on the Commonwealth ... how dare you - if you look around the world, Mr. O'Donnell, you will notice that all those countries with the Parliamentary System of Government (two in particular, Canada and Australia) are doing very well, socially and economically - as compared to your country with your dysfunctional president, senate and congress... Before you 'shame' others for their systems of government - especially commonwealth countries - look at your own government first.... As for comparing these Kardashians to the Monarchy, are you serious!

I love your show, but your piece on the British monarchy was way over the top. The majority of British people love their Queen and her family, and that is their business, not ours.

Lawrence, most of the Irish, including most Roman Catholics, have forgiven the British for past anti-Catholic and anti-Irish transgressions. When will you have the courage to do the same? I should note that in most Commonwealth countries, Queeen Elizabeth and the younger royals are still popular.

As a Canadian who does not spend a lot of time thinking about the royal family, I was shocked how insulting I found your rant comparing them to reality trash.Normally I enjoy your show but found your comments snarky and mean spirited.

I was astounded by all the people who bashed you Lawrence. In America we all have a right to our opinion. If you are from another country and living in America then you weren't exactly happy with where you were living and moved here. America allows anyone to become an American, although I am begining to wonder why? You all are so ready to bash us if you feel is incorrect about your Country of birth. Get a grip!

I love the Queen of England, she stood up for me, when no one else would - against Sandusky's olympian rape club marriage to Ceausescu, in the western world's worst slave trade capital.

Goliath's jackals, will kill her too, and senator Schaefer, to conitnue to profit on their business with Harper. Only the Canadians, thougt she meant, she admired their hockey riots.