The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

My late father often reprimanded my loquacious tendencies by quoting Proverbs 10:19: “In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II reminds me of that wisdom because her 70 years as ceremonial monarch of England shows the power of silence. If my parents were still here, they would rightfully remind me that I could learn from her example.

In Great Britain, the Prime Minister — somewhat like our President — is “head of government,” but the King or Queen is “head of state,” a figurehead whose job is to be a unifying symbol...