Fake Scots Titles

[Mike M.]

Ah, but what of the famed Kentucky Colonelcies?

[madmacs]

Well just to add my 2c... which probably isnt even worth that much...

If I misrepresent myself as an engineer... doctor... land surveyor... lawyer... etc etc etc... then i'm doing something wrong...

Whether it is a misrepresentation by the seller or not, for the individual to assume something because it was sold to them doesnt remove THEIR obligation to do their due diligence... would they consider walking round calling themselves Chief of Police, Mayor, senator, congressman, or any number of other titles? No, because they KNOW it to be incorrect.

In many cases I suspect that most of the people using a title know it didnt come for $30... and as for the Laird/Lord thing... until recently a Lord was allowed to sit in the House of Lords... that would have meant someone claiming not only to be a Lord, but also a polititian in the UK ( and before anyone says anything... i know the law was changed).

[EagleJCS]

Ah, but what of the famed Kentucky Colonelcies?

Living in the Commonwealth and actually knowing a few KY Colonels personally, I need to comment on this: Except for Harlan Sanders*, I haven't heard of anyone in recent years making use of their Honorable Kentucky Colonel title to promote themselves as something they're not. (A Kentucky Colonel is commissioned by the Governor, is an honorary status, has no official military or civil duties, and carries no pay or other entitlements.) I'm sure if someone were to misuse their commission in some way, the certificate could be revoked.


* Col. Harlan Sanders was from a different day and age and people were more 'forgiving' of the percieved use of the title. Folks (both the recipients and the general public) understood it to be honorary and generally didn't try to get something out of it that they weren't entitled to.

[macwilkin]

Living in the Commonwealth and actually knowing a few KY Colonels personally, I need to comment on this: Except for Harlan Sanders*, I haven't heard of anyone in recent years making use of their Honorable Kentucky Colonel title to promote themselves as something they're not. (A Kentucky Colonel is commissioned by the Governor, is an honorary status, has no official military or civil duties, and carries no pay or other entitlements.) I'm sure if someone were to misuse their commission in some way, the certificate could be revoked.


* Col. Harlan Sanders was from a different day and age and people were more 'forgiving' of the percieved use of the title. Folks (both the recipients and the general public) understood it to be honorary and generally didn't try to get something out of it that they weren't entitled to.

Well said and spot on. Texas and Nebraska have their "Navies", and Arkansas their "Travelers", which are totally honourary awards.

T.

[gilmore]

Living in the Commonwealth and actually knowing a few KY Colonels personally, I need to comment on this: Except for Harlan Sanders*, I haven't heard of anyone in recent years making use of their Honorable Kentucky Colonel title to promote themselves as something they're not. (A Kentucky Colonel is commissioned by the Governor, is an honorary status, has no official military or civil duties, and carries no pay or other entitlements.) I'm sure if someone were to misuse their commission in some way, the certificate could be revoked.


* Col. Harlan Sanders was from a different day and age and people were more 'forgiving' of the percieved use of the title. Folks (both the recipients and the general public) understood it to be honorary and generally didn't try to get something out of it that they weren't entitled to.

In Georgia attorneys are called "Colonel," being officers of the court, though it is old fashioned epithet rarely used in seriousness. It is wickedly fun, however, to see the puzzlement and discomfort of Yankee lawyers new to Georgia addressed in this way in court.

An attorney friend once told me he was puzzled and confused when the judge before whom he was appearing kept addressing the opposing counsel as "Mr Speaker," when his name was Murphy. Later he learned he had gone up against the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives.

[macwilkin]

In Georgia attorneys are called "Colonel," being officers of the court, though it is old fashioned epithet rarely used in seriousness. It is wickedly fun, however, to see the puzzlement and discomfort of Yankee lawyers new to Georgia addressed in this way in court.

An attorney friend once told me he was puzzled and confused when the judge before whom he was appearing kept addressing the opposing counsel as "Mr Speaker," when his name was Murphy. Later he learned he had gone up against the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives.

Good for Georgia!

T.

[Jock Scot]

Gosh it seems that the USA has its very own "minefield" when it comes to titles and protocols! I expect every country has, in its own way?

[Detroitpete]

Gosh it seems that the USA has its very own "minefield" when it comes to titles and protocols! I expect every country has, in its own way?

And to my mind--utterly ridiculous. Sure professional titles and military titles (when approriate and for active service) make sense. But Grand PooBah Sir Knight of the_______ ? Doesn't make sense to me.

Perhaps it is my American--and Yankee experience that makes this hard for me to understand. If one is a member of some organization which uses odd titles in it's membership--then fine and dandy. But these 'titles' are for use only within that organization, are they not?

Again, this is all ONLY my opinion--but I think there's enough self engrandisement in US society. Adding to it with fake titles is superfluent.

But then again, my main interest in Heraldry--the heading of this forum--is the procedure for manipulation of symbols and the symbology reflected in the art under a specific vocabulary.

[macwilkin]

And to my mind--utterly ridiculous. Sure professional titles and military titles (when approriate and for active service) make sense. But Grand PooBah Sir Knight of the_______ ? Doesn't make sense to me.

Perhaps it is my American--and Yankee experience that makes this hard for me to understand. If one is a member of some organization which uses odd titles in it's membership--then fine and dandy. But these 'titles' are for use only within that organization, are they not?

Again, this is all ONLY my opinion--but I think there's enough self engrandisement in US society. Adding to it with fake titles is superfluent.

But then again, my main interest in Heraldry--the heading of this forum--is the procedure for manipulation of symbols and the symbology reflected in the art under a specific vocabulary.

Yes -- fraternal titles should only be used in in conjunction with that particular organization. To the "profane", some fraternal titles may seem silly, but rest assured, there are reasons and symbolism behind him.

Although this American has no issue with genuine titles that are rightly bestowed. We could do with a lot more tradition, INMHO. George Washington, for example, saw nothing wrong with heraldry and the American Republic, and frequently displayed his personal arms on everything from his table service to his coach.

T.