Is the Aristocracy dead?

The Duke of Devonshire, one of Great Britain's leading peers, just said that he would be willing to give up his title if plans to rid the House of Lords of hereditary peers.

Does the aristocracy have a role to play in modern politics?

I happen to believe so. The aristocracy in Europe represents tradition and longevity in political systems that have experienced much change in the last century alone.  As personifications of long-standing local traditions, I believe the aristocracy play a very important role in keeping those alive a time when globalization is making us abandon uniqueness for mediocrity.

Is every aristocrat worthy, of course not...there are some who forget themselves and the history their shoulders carry...yet it is my sincere belief that these are the minority, not the entire class at large.

Anyone care to share their thoughts?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/7285037/Duke-of-Devonshire-prepared-to-give-up-his-title.html