Tony's speech at the Labour Party conference
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Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Personally, if joining the Euro would be better for our economy than keeping the Pound, then I'm all for it. Unfortunately it is almost impossible to find a non-biased assesment! The problem I see, is that you must look at whether this is going to be good in 5+yrs 10+yrs 20+yrs. Changing to a Euro currency is darn near irreversible. Regardz Colin J Davies
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**The minion's version of "Catch :bob: "It's a real shame that people as stupid as you can work out how to use a computer. said by Christian Graus in the Soapbox
I agree. But how many politicians look further ahead than the next election? ;) As you say, once you're in, getting out would be VERY difficult indeed.
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I agree. But how many politicians look further ahead than the next election? ;) As you say, once you're in, getting out would be VERY difficult indeed.
Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: I agree. But how many politicians look further ahead than the next election? True, however the politicians pander to the majority who also want short term gains. Thus the whole idea of majority rule is ridiculous. Regardz Colin J Davies
*** WARNING *
This could be addictive
**The minion's version of "Catch :bob: "It's a real shame that people as stupid as you can work out how to use a computer. said by Christian Graus in the Soapbox
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Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Exactly what so many people here are scared of So why did UK integrate the European Union? :confused: Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: I certainly don't want taxation policy decided by a bunch of Eurocrats IMO, I don't believe it would go as far, but we need an unification in some domains, as the Foreign Policy, the Defence or the scientific research. Unless we don't want to keep an important role in the World. "Union makes Strength". Great Britain believes it can keep a predominant position by constantly aligning itself to the US, but it's an illusion, it's like the fly of the coach[^] Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: You ARE paranoid if you really believe there is some plan to undermine public opinion on the USE outside of the UK Karl. It's hard not to be paranoid when it's about UK behaviour! Isn't it a british tradition to manipulate the others to fight for the british cause? ;P;) Since its adhesion, the UK has always made everything possible to slow the European Integration. Why do you think that UK is considered as the American Trojan Horse inside the EU? That's so sad. If the three main powers of Western Europe could have a common vision, great achievements could be done. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Murdochs papers would have a field day with someone like you If I could, I think I would nail this bloody bastard b y the balls on a barn door. His hatred against France and the French is ignominious[^], quiet racist, and his manipulations of the crowds for his own profit is sordid.
In every work of genius we see our own rejected thought. - François Rabelais
>So why did UK integrate the European Union? Trade. And trade alone. There is a massive difference between a union of trading partners and a federal superstate of political partners (or "regions" as we would become). We were sold the idea of the "Common Market" as a massive trading opportunity - not as the first-step towards relinquishing power to Europe. Also, the vote (1975?) was very close IIRC. People are probably more Euro-sceptic now than at any other time thanks to the media pushing peoples buttons! ("Brussels wants to ban our sausages! Our chocolate!" etc., etc.). >IMO, I don't believe it would go as far, but we need an unification in some domains Of course it would! Who are you kidding! You either have a political union/superstate or you don't! I agree with much of what you say Karl, I just don't immediately see what the UK will get out of this. Sure, a common defence policy and a European army is a good thing - protection of Europes borders should obviously be shared. Combined, Europe would have a formidiable fighting-force - especially if the UKs forces were at Europes disposal... Foreign policy? Mmmmm. Not sure about that. Would Europe agree on a common Zimbabwe policy for example? Or would Chirac invite that bastard Mugabe to Paris for a holiday just to rub our noses in it? And don't get me started on Iraq! A lot of people here don't want to see our economy being sapped of money to fund social development in poorer parts of Europe. A lot of people are angry at the fact that there seems to be one set of rules for some countries (France) and another set for others. Plus there is a vocal conservative section that doesn't want to see us dragged into what they view as a Socialist superstate where we would have little influence over taxation, social policy, etc. And there are many, many people who, if given the choice, would rather be another star on the US flag than another on the European one. The "special relationship" may seem like a joke to you, but people take it VERY seriously indeed. I feel an affiliation to the US that goes very deep indeed and sometimes when I hear other people laughing at the US/UK relationship I wonder if there isn't a little jealousy involved. Perhaps we should join NAFTA and be done with it. ;) To be perfectly frank Karl, there is nothing that you have said that makes me keen to jump on the European bandwagon. Your attitude seems to be "you need us so get with the program" - what about the benefits for this country? Why should pe
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Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: I agree. But how many politicians look further ahead than the next election? True, however the politicians pander to the majority who also want short term gains. Thus the whole idea of majority rule is ridiculous. Regardz Colin J Davies
*** WARNING *
This could be addictive
**The minion's version of "Catch :bob: "It's a real shame that people as stupid as you can work out how to use a computer. said by Christian Graus in the Soapbox
Kent Brockman, News anchor on The Simpsons: "I've said it time and time again people - democracy doesn't work!" ;)
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>So why did UK integrate the European Union? Trade. And trade alone. There is a massive difference between a union of trading partners and a federal superstate of political partners (or "regions" as we would become). We were sold the idea of the "Common Market" as a massive trading opportunity - not as the first-step towards relinquishing power to Europe. Also, the vote (1975?) was very close IIRC. People are probably more Euro-sceptic now than at any other time thanks to the media pushing peoples buttons! ("Brussels wants to ban our sausages! Our chocolate!" etc., etc.). >IMO, I don't believe it would go as far, but we need an unification in some domains Of course it would! Who are you kidding! You either have a political union/superstate or you don't! I agree with much of what you say Karl, I just don't immediately see what the UK will get out of this. Sure, a common defence policy and a European army is a good thing - protection of Europes borders should obviously be shared. Combined, Europe would have a formidiable fighting-force - especially if the UKs forces were at Europes disposal... Foreign policy? Mmmmm. Not sure about that. Would Europe agree on a common Zimbabwe policy for example? Or would Chirac invite that bastard Mugabe to Paris for a holiday just to rub our noses in it? And don't get me started on Iraq! A lot of people here don't want to see our economy being sapped of money to fund social development in poorer parts of Europe. A lot of people are angry at the fact that there seems to be one set of rules for some countries (France) and another set for others. Plus there is a vocal conservative section that doesn't want to see us dragged into what they view as a Socialist superstate where we would have little influence over taxation, social policy, etc. And there are many, many people who, if given the choice, would rather be another star on the US flag than another on the European one. The "special relationship" may seem like a joke to you, but people take it VERY seriously indeed. I feel an affiliation to the US that goes very deep indeed and sometimes when I hear other people laughing at the US/UK relationship I wonder if there isn't a little jealousy involved. Perhaps we should join NAFTA and be done with it. ;) To be perfectly frank Karl, there is nothing that you have said that makes me keen to jump on the European bandwagon. Your attitude seems to be "you need us so get with the program" - what about the benefits for this country? Why should pe
Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Would Europe agree on a common Zimbabwe policy for example? Or would Chirac invite that bastard Mugabe to Paris for a holiday just to rub our noses in it? And don't get me started on Iraq! Yep, Europe should have a common policy on such points. Chirac should never have invited Mugabe. It has always been cleat to me Chirac is a moron, he just looks sometimes brilliant because he faces a bigger moron (currently known as GWB). The franco-british competition in Africa is a big obstacle to the progress of this continent, it's time we stop that non-sense. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: lot of people are angry at the fact that there seems to be one set of rules for some countries (France) and another set for others That's funny, knowing that UK negociates exemptions for most of the european rules (Euro, Schengen agreement,or the appliance of the Human Right Act). Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: A lot of people here don't want to see our economy being sapped of money to fund social development in poorer parts of Europe These people don't seem to understand it's in the interest of all, like the Marshall plan, by creating new economic partners and boosting the trades. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: The "special relationship" may seem like a joke to you, but people take it VERY seriously indeed No, I don't take it as a joke, on the contrary. UK being annexed by the US would make the things clear once for all. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Give me some good reasons! You are european, your history is european, your economic partners are europeans. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: but are we not too disparate a bunch to ever agree on anything? Things change. In 1945, who could have forsee that France and Germany would be so close before the end of century? Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: However, it may not be smaller countries combining that causes this - it may be that corporations become so large and powerful that the idea of a country seems a bit old-fashioned Yes, I also believe the disappearance of national states is possible. However, if corporations replaced them, it would be the worst future possible, replacing democracy by oligarchy. You crying over the lack of democracy in EU, wouldn't
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Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Would Europe agree on a common Zimbabwe policy for example? Or would Chirac invite that bastard Mugabe to Paris for a holiday just to rub our noses in it? And don't get me started on Iraq! Yep, Europe should have a common policy on such points. Chirac should never have invited Mugabe. It has always been cleat to me Chirac is a moron, he just looks sometimes brilliant because he faces a bigger moron (currently known as GWB). The franco-british competition in Africa is a big obstacle to the progress of this continent, it's time we stop that non-sense. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: lot of people are angry at the fact that there seems to be one set of rules for some countries (France) and another set for others That's funny, knowing that UK negociates exemptions for most of the european rules (Euro, Schengen agreement,or the appliance of the Human Right Act). Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: A lot of people here don't want to see our economy being sapped of money to fund social development in poorer parts of Europe These people don't seem to understand it's in the interest of all, like the Marshall plan, by creating new economic partners and boosting the trades. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: The "special relationship" may seem like a joke to you, but people take it VERY seriously indeed No, I don't take it as a joke, on the contrary. UK being annexed by the US would make the things clear once for all. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Give me some good reasons! You are european, your history is european, your economic partners are europeans. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: but are we not too disparate a bunch to ever agree on anything? Things change. In 1945, who could have forsee that France and Germany would be so close before the end of century? Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: However, it may not be smaller countries combining that causes this - it may be that corporations become so large and powerful that the idea of a country seems a bit old-fashioned Yes, I also believe the disappearance of national states is possible. However, if corporations replaced them, it would be the worst future possible, replacing democracy by oligarchy. You crying over the lack of democracy in EU, wouldn't
>That's funny, knowing that UK negociates exemptions for most of the european rules... And France can illegally refuse to import Brirish Beef and get away with it? Mmmm. >These people don't seem to understand it's in the interest of all... Having us subsidise poorer countries may well help us in the long-term - it may not - but the tax burden in this country is already high enough without asking us to dig deep for the poor East Europeans, etc. >UK being annexed by the US would make the things clear once for all. Ho ho ho. Predictable. Perhaps us joining NAFTA isn't such a bad idea! >You are european... No, I am English first, British second. I don't feel European even though sometimes I'd like to! Island mentality again I'm afraid. >your history is european... And what a bloody history that is. >your economic partners are europeans Not all of them are - half perhaps, the rest are American, Japanese, etc. Besides, we are already in the common market - whilst joining the single currency would make things easier - why would we want to go any further??? >In 1945, who could have forsee that France and Germany would be so close... True, but that still doesn't mean you're going to get 20 odd countries to agree on foreign policy, defense, immigration, social justice, taxation, etc. etc. etc. >However, if corporations replaced them, it would be the worst future possible, replacing democracy by oligarchy. I agree. It is already starting to happen - WTO/IMF, etc. But I still don't see how by joining a USE my voice is going to be any louder! >or is there differences from England to Scotland You'd have to ask a Scot. :) I know many Scots who want Scotland to be independent - so how they'd feel about then being swallowed by a Federal Europe is anyones guess. Look at the Irish - they are the best Europeans in Europe! And they are only a short hop away from England! (an Irish friend of mine once said that by all rights Ireland should be located in the Med!). I am actually quite pro-European - I think there is a lot of rubbish printed in the papers about Europe - but even I am sceptical about the vialbility of a United States of Europe. I want my elected representatives to be closer, not further away!
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>That's funny, knowing that UK negociates exemptions for most of the european rules... And France can illegally refuse to import Brirish Beef and get away with it? Mmmm. >These people don't seem to understand it's in the interest of all... Having us subsidise poorer countries may well help us in the long-term - it may not - but the tax burden in this country is already high enough without asking us to dig deep for the poor East Europeans, etc. >UK being annexed by the US would make the things clear once for all. Ho ho ho. Predictable. Perhaps us joining NAFTA isn't such a bad idea! >You are european... No, I am English first, British second. I don't feel European even though sometimes I'd like to! Island mentality again I'm afraid. >your history is european... And what a bloody history that is. >your economic partners are europeans Not all of them are - half perhaps, the rest are American, Japanese, etc. Besides, we are already in the common market - whilst joining the single currency would make things easier - why would we want to go any further??? >In 1945, who could have forsee that France and Germany would be so close... True, but that still doesn't mean you're going to get 20 odd countries to agree on foreign policy, defense, immigration, social justice, taxation, etc. etc. etc. >However, if corporations replaced them, it would be the worst future possible, replacing democracy by oligarchy. I agree. It is already starting to happen - WTO/IMF, etc. But I still don't see how by joining a USE my voice is going to be any louder! >or is there differences from England to Scotland You'd have to ask a Scot. :) I know many Scots who want Scotland to be independent - so how they'd feel about then being swallowed by a Federal Europe is anyones guess. Look at the Irish - they are the best Europeans in Europe! And they are only a short hop away from England! (an Irish friend of mine once said that by all rights Ireland should be located in the Med!). I am actually quite pro-European - I think there is a lot of rubbish printed in the papers about Europe - but even I am sceptical about the vialbility of a United States of Europe. I want my elected representatives to be closer, not further away!
Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: And France can illegally refuse to import Brirish Beef and get away with it I agree, as soon as UK promises not to poison us anymore ;) Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Perhaps us joining NAFTA isn't such a bad idea! Yes, it's perhaps a good one. I don't have any moral objection about that, but it's time to make a choice, once for all. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: And what a bloody history that is. Yep, that's why we have to be united, to stop that. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Not all of them are - half perhaps, the rest are American, Japanese, etc Exports - partners: EU 58.1% (Germany 12.5%, France 10.2%, Netherlands 7.7%, Ireland 7.3%), US 15.4% (2001) Imports - partners: EU 51.7% (Germany 12.7%, France 8.6%, Netherlands 6.7%, Benelux 5.1%), US 13.2% (2001) (Sources: CIA) Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: that still doesn't mean you're going to get 20 odd countries to agree on foreign policy, defense, immigration, social justice, taxation, etc. etc. etc I never have said I was in favor of the immediate integration of Eastern countries. IMHO they aren't ready. I would have favored a second Union, an eastern one, sustained by the Western one. These countries (and I can't blame them) are more eager to please the US than their european neighbors. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: still don't see how by joining a USE my voice is going to be any louder! And I don't see how your voice could still be loud when wedging between the two US. The time of the British Empire is gone. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Look at the Irish - they are the best Europeans in Europe! Isn't it a proof that the "insular mentality" argument isn't convincing? :)
In every work of genius we see our own rejected thought. - François Rabelais
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Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: And France can illegally refuse to import Brirish Beef and get away with it I agree, as soon as UK promises not to poison us anymore ;) Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Perhaps us joining NAFTA isn't such a bad idea! Yes, it's perhaps a good one. I don't have any moral objection about that, but it's time to make a choice, once for all. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: And what a bloody history that is. Yep, that's why we have to be united, to stop that. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Not all of them are - half perhaps, the rest are American, Japanese, etc Exports - partners: EU 58.1% (Germany 12.5%, France 10.2%, Netherlands 7.7%, Ireland 7.3%), US 15.4% (2001) Imports - partners: EU 51.7% (Germany 12.7%, France 8.6%, Netherlands 6.7%, Benelux 5.1%), US 13.2% (2001) (Sources: CIA) Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: that still doesn't mean you're going to get 20 odd countries to agree on foreign policy, defense, immigration, social justice, taxation, etc. etc. etc I never have said I was in favor of the immediate integration of Eastern countries. IMHO they aren't ready. I would have favored a second Union, an eastern one, sustained by the Western one. These countries (and I can't blame them) are more eager to please the US than their european neighbors. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: still don't see how by joining a USE my voice is going to be any louder! And I don't see how your voice could still be loud when wedging between the two US. The time of the British Empire is gone. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Look at the Irish - they are the best Europeans in Europe! Isn't it a proof that the "insular mentality" argument isn't convincing? :)
In every work of genius we see our own rejected thought. - François Rabelais
>I agree, as soon as UK promises not to poison us anymore British beef is probably the safest in the world now. France still broke the law and was allowed to get away with it because of their dominant European position. That sucks IMHO and is a taste of what's to come. >but it's time to make a choice, once for all. Why? Why can't we enjoy unfettered free trade with everyone and carry on as we are? Who says we have to make a choice? If you and the rest of your federal supporters want to move forward with your USE then go for it - we're not stopping you. >Sources: CIA Oh the irony! :) :) :) >I would have favored a second Union, an eastern one, sustained by the Western one. "sustained by the Western one" - so the rest of Europe repairs the damage done by Communism? Mmmm. >The time of the British Empire is gone. ha ha ha. Someone had better tell Chirac that "the time of the French Empire" has gone. The French are just as bad at believing they are still a world power as we are Karl, and you bloody well know it! ha ha ha ha. In fact, it's something us Brits and you French share - a certain arrogance that we know best - wouldn't you agree? ;) >Isn't it a proof that the "insular mentality" argument isn't convincing? A lot of our "insular mentality" is a hangover from WWII Karl - it may be a few more generations before we lost it too - the Irish don't really have that baggage. Besides, I think there were immediate benefits for Eire to sign up to the Euro - I don't think it's so clear cut here. I'm still not sold on how being closer to Europe is going to make my life any better. I still don't see how you are going to let people have a voice when more and more power becomes centralised.
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>I agree, as soon as UK promises not to poison us anymore British beef is probably the safest in the world now. France still broke the law and was allowed to get away with it because of their dominant European position. That sucks IMHO and is a taste of what's to come. >but it's time to make a choice, once for all. Why? Why can't we enjoy unfettered free trade with everyone and carry on as we are? Who says we have to make a choice? If you and the rest of your federal supporters want to move forward with your USE then go for it - we're not stopping you. >Sources: CIA Oh the irony! :) :) :) >I would have favored a second Union, an eastern one, sustained by the Western one. "sustained by the Western one" - so the rest of Europe repairs the damage done by Communism? Mmmm. >The time of the British Empire is gone. ha ha ha. Someone had better tell Chirac that "the time of the French Empire" has gone. The French are just as bad at believing they are still a world power as we are Karl, and you bloody well know it! ha ha ha ha. In fact, it's something us Brits and you French share - a certain arrogance that we know best - wouldn't you agree? ;) >Isn't it a proof that the "insular mentality" argument isn't convincing? A lot of our "insular mentality" is a hangover from WWII Karl - it may be a few more generations before we lost it too - the Irish don't really have that baggage. Besides, I think there were immediate benefits for Eire to sign up to the Euro - I don't think it's so clear cut here. I'm still not sold on how being closer to Europe is going to make my life any better. I still don't see how you are going to let people have a voice when more and more power becomes centralised.
Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: British beef is probably the safest in the world now At last! Do the UK have implemented traceability now? Are there also regular visits of the cattles by veterinary services? :confused: Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: we're not stopping you In fact, yes, you are. The EU can't evolve if any of its members agrees to this evolution (and that's absolutly normal). The best solution would be to create a new set of Nations, creating there a "two-speeds" Europe. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Oh the irony! Indeed! :) I was unable to find quickly british sources, and I knew the CIA website had the info I was searching for. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: the rest of Europe repairs the damage done by Communism Yes, as the US did for western Europe after WW2. Letting these countries alone would create a new division through the continent. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: In fact, it's something us Brits and you French share - a certain arrogance that we know best - wouldn't you agree Ah yes, I do! And I also believe it's the main reason of our opposition through centuries. After all, English are just incomplete French ;) But frankly, I believe its more and more a cliche to say France tries to take over the World through UE. Since WW2 and the decolonization wars, I think we learned we aren't a superpower anymore :) But I don't think we are ready to stop to open our mouths :-D Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: A lot of our "insular mentality" is a hangover from WWII I know that, UK had the chance to have the Channel between the Kingdom and the Wehrmacht.
In every work of genius we see our own rejected thought. - François Rabelais
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Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: British beef is probably the safest in the world now At last! Do the UK have implemented traceability now? Are there also regular visits of the cattles by veterinary services? :confused: Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: we're not stopping you In fact, yes, you are. The EU can't evolve if any of its members agrees to this evolution (and that's absolutly normal). The best solution would be to create a new set of Nations, creating there a "two-speeds" Europe. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Oh the irony! Indeed! :) I was unable to find quickly british sources, and I knew the CIA website had the info I was searching for. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: the rest of Europe repairs the damage done by Communism Yes, as the US did for western Europe after WW2. Letting these countries alone would create a new division through the continent. Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: In fact, it's something us Brits and you French share - a certain arrogance that we know best - wouldn't you agree Ah yes, I do! And I also believe it's the main reason of our opposition through centuries. After all, English are just incomplete French ;) But frankly, I believe its more and more a cliche to say France tries to take over the World through UE. Since WW2 and the decolonization wars, I think we learned we aren't a superpower anymore :) But I don't think we are ready to stop to open our mouths :-D Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: A lot of our "insular mentality" is a hangover from WWII I know that, UK had the chance to have the Channel between the Kingdom and the Wehrmacht.
In every work of genius we see our own rejected thought. - François Rabelais
>At last! It's been like this for a few years now - every safeguard you can think of. There hasn't been a case of BSE for a long, long time. Hence the European decision to remove all restrictions - which France ignored. ;) >creating there a "two-speeds" Europe. This has been mooted for years. There is no excuse not be to moving this forward - using the UK as an excuse seems a bit crazy - if you're waiting for us to jump into Europe, you'll be a waiting a long, long time. Perhaps Tony Blair has convinced other European leaders than UK entry into the Euro (and thus a more integrated state) is a certainty and for them to hang on!!! :) :) >And I also believe it's the main reason of our opposition through centuries. Yep. Centuries of mutual loathing. :) >I believe its more and more a cliche to say France tries to take over the World through UE It is. It's Germany we're worried about. :D :D >But I don't think we are ready to stop to open our mouths We're the same. For many Englishman, admitting that we are not the world power we used to be is almost impossible! Still, we have the worlds 4th largest economy and a load of nuclear weapons! Yippee! Anway, good luck with your European Super-state - I hope it works out. ;) ;) ;) Perhaps in a few decades we might come crawling to you with a begging bowl - or we'll be another state of the US and have towed the UK to the Gulf of Mexico using giant tugs! Now there's an idea! - perhaps we should swap countries with Cuba!!! That would keep everyone happy! The US can have loyal little Britain 90 miles from Florida (seeing as so many Brits holiday there, it would mean cheaper flights) and you Euros can have Cuba and add another Socialist star to your flag! Wow. The more I think about it, the better this idea sounds. Wonder if Castro reads CP... :) :) :)
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>At last! It's been like this for a few years now - every safeguard you can think of. There hasn't been a case of BSE for a long, long time. Hence the European decision to remove all restrictions - which France ignored. ;) >creating there a "two-speeds" Europe. This has been mooted for years. There is no excuse not be to moving this forward - using the UK as an excuse seems a bit crazy - if you're waiting for us to jump into Europe, you'll be a waiting a long, long time. Perhaps Tony Blair has convinced other European leaders than UK entry into the Euro (and thus a more integrated state) is a certainty and for them to hang on!!! :) :) >And I also believe it's the main reason of our opposition through centuries. Yep. Centuries of mutual loathing. :) >I believe its more and more a cliche to say France tries to take over the World through UE It is. It's Germany we're worried about. :D :D >But I don't think we are ready to stop to open our mouths We're the same. For many Englishman, admitting that we are not the world power we used to be is almost impossible! Still, we have the worlds 4th largest economy and a load of nuclear weapons! Yippee! Anway, good luck with your European Super-state - I hope it works out. ;) ;) ;) Perhaps in a few decades we might come crawling to you with a begging bowl - or we'll be another state of the US and have towed the UK to the Gulf of Mexico using giant tugs! Now there's an idea! - perhaps we should swap countries with Cuba!!! That would keep everyone happy! The US can have loyal little Britain 90 miles from Florida (seeing as so many Brits holiday there, it would mean cheaper flights) and you Euros can have Cuba and add another Socialist star to your flag! Wow. The more I think about it, the better this idea sounds. Wonder if Castro reads CP... :) :) :)
Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: Yep. Centuries of mutual loathing It's not totally over yet. I can't wait for the Rugby World Cup :-D Robert Edward Caldecott wrote: The more I think about it, the better this idea sounds I'm not that sure for the second part, the relationship between EU and Cuba aren't very good (http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/030929203217.nwtoxr1h). And dictatorships can't enter the Union.
In every work of genius we see our own rejected thought. - François Rabelais