Reprimanding Europe

Herald Sun ^ | 1st February 2005

[naturalman1975]

PRIME Minister John Howard was right to put the Europeans in their place at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

He spoke out in defence of US President George W. Bush who came under criticism for his Iraq policy. Mr Bush was not present.

Mr Howard aimed particularly at the recalcitrant French and Germans.

He accused some of the Europeans of having a "negative mindset" that he said was "ridiculous".

Mr Howard told journalists later: "Some of the criticism by some of the Europeans is unfair and irrational and I have said so."

Equally valid was Mr Howard's justification for the US's unilateral invasion of Iraq.

He had history on his side when he said it was unrealistic to rely on organisations such as the UN to resolve conflicts.

Indeed, in the absence of an effective international organisation, twice last century the Americans, English and Australians were involved in rescuing the Europeans from themselves – militarily and economically.

In Switzerland at the weekend Mr Howard also took a swipe at the Europeans' incorrigible selfishness, citing as an example the European Union's decision to resume subsidies on wheat exports.

But then, Europe has always put self-interest first.

[Sax]

Can we erect a monument right outside the UN with these words engraved in to it? Please?

"History proves it is unrealistic to rely on organizations such as the UN to resolve conflicts.

Indeed, in the absence of an effective international organization, twice last century the Americans, English and Australians were involved in rescuing the Europeans from themselves – militarily and economically."

[Noachian]

...twice last century the Americans, English and Australians were involved in rescuing the Europeans from themselves – militarily and economically."

And, it looks like we'll have to do it again soon.

[Maneesh]

John Howard is proving to be America's # 1 ally and says it like it is. The Australians are a great people and probably the closest in mindset to Americans outside of America. We need to support Australia in every way we can, Australian wine is fantastic BTW.

Howard and Bersculoni are refreshinig in their candor and say it like it is unlike the self aggrandizing gogglydegook from "Old Europe" and the impotent UN.

[Alex Marko]

Absolutely correct. I would like to show our appreciation to australia and italy. Maybe send them a statue like the french did to us.

[A Ruckus of Dogs]

Take a vacation there. You'll see some great stuff and contribute to their economies.

[Alex Marko]

How about a 100 ft tall statue of GW in a cowboy hat in Sydney's bay? or perhaps next to the leaning tower of Pisa? (snicker)

[blanknoone]

US's unilateral invasion of Iraq.

This would be funny if it weren't so sad. Surely this Aussie paper is aware of Autralia's contribution, as well as that of their British commonwealth brethren and multiple other countries. I wonder when they will realize that them throwing around 'unilateral' says much more about their own biases than it does about GWB's global leadership.

[An Old Marine]

Europe has always put self-interest first

I don't find fault with Europe for watching out for their own self interest but the Euro's go beyond that. They have no problem of stabbing America in the back for even the most temporary advantage. Worse Europeans have a tendency to behave with incredibe stupidity them expecting America to bail them out when their follies come ohome to roost.

[A Ruckus of Dogs]

Worse Europeans have a tendency to behave with incredibe stupidity them expecting America to bail them out when their follies come ohome to roost.

And we're stupid enough to do it. Look at Kosovo.

[An Old Marine]

No argument.... Its time for the Europeans to learn how to handle their own issues. We certainly have serious obligations to nations like Britain and Poland but my position is that France and Germany are no longer allies in anything but name.