Posted on 06/10/2005 1:42:23 PM PDT by quidnunc
As the dust settles after the explosive referenda at the heart of the European Union, interested parties from all sides are peering nervously into the crater, trying to figure out what remains of the European "project." E.U. heads of government will meet next weekend to map an immediate route out of the debris. In the Brussels bunker, of course, the familiar instinct has kicked in — pretend nothing has happened. Incredibly, the official plan is that the other E.U. countries should simply carry on ratifying the constitutional treaty that was essentially detonated by the French and Dutch voters.
In the real world, whose characteristics are not readily recognizable to the inhabitants of the bureaucratic fantasy theme park that is the European Commission, serious reconstruction work must now begin. The "No" votes should in fact provide a real opportunity for Europe to revisit the very purpose and meaning of its union. Whatever else they have shown, the popular rejections ought surely to prompt a serious effort both to devolve power from an overweening Brussels and to reconnect the E.U. with the voters of Europe. All that is a question for the Europeans themselves to decide.
The United States, however, has always had a vital national interest in the direction Europe takes, and the events of the last month provide an opportunity for much needed reflection in Washington about the transatlantic relationship. Many of the countries of Europe have been reliable allies over the last 50 years or more. A healthy functioning relationship with this other pole of Western civilization, with its similar values and objectives, remains important to the United States. But it is time for Washington to reevaluate the best way of bringing that about.
-snip-
(Excerpt) Read more at weeklystandard.com ...
When I saw this on the new threads page, I read it as peeing....
It took me a second or two ... ;^)
"Studied neutrality, with a bias towards supporting the will of the peoples of Europe, should now guide the institutional U.S. approach towards the E.U."
What if the will of the peoples of Europe is anti-Americanism? Are we supposed to support that or be neutral towards it?
Call me old fashioned, but I think that we should be doing what we can to PUNISH our political enemies (France, Germany, et all.) and REWARD our political friends (UK, Poland, Italy, etc.). If the EU, German, and French governments don't pay a price for opposing us, they will be right back at it in a matter of no time, you can bet on it.
Of copurse, this is why nobody wants me running the country :)
What Europe can do for us; Stop being socialists, pay for your own defense, and pay your fair share for your medicine.
>I think that we should be doing what we can to PUNISH our political enemies (France, Germany, et all.)
Best way to do that is neutrality. Active punishment brings trouble. Just sitting back and watching them implode is cleaner and in the end far more satisfying.
hopefully quickly
"Just sitting back and watching them implode is cleaner and in the end far more satisfying."
I'll give you that, my friend, watching the EU circus these last couple of weeks has been VERY satisfying.
Personally, I hope for an awaking (I and believe it will happen).
America could use an ally in our war with Islam.
Bttt! Agreed to a hopeful awakening and rising up against corrupt elites in power.
What the U.S. can do for Europe is principally to lead by example. As the author points out, meddling or merely cheerleading tends to be counterproductive.
a "Boo-****ing-Hoo" bttt:
Europe turmoil as treaty collapses
TIMESONLINE | 06/13/05 | Philip Webster
Posted on 06/13/2005 6:20:38 PM PDT by Pikamax
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1422234/posts
From Europe to America: the populist moment has arrived
Spiked on Line.com | 13 June 2005 | Frank Furedi
Posted on 06/13/2005 9:17:54 AM PDT by robowombat
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1421938/posts
Myth and Reality in the EU: "Europe" is dead. Long live Europe.
The Wall Street Journal Opinion Journal | June 12, 2005 | Bret Stephens
Posted on 06/11/2005 9:21:36 PM PDT by quidnunc
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1421231/posts
US concerned about EU crisis
08.06.2005 - 09:19 CET | By Honor Mahony
http://www.euobserver.com/?sid=9&aid=19269
Lithuania may hold referendum on the euro
10.06.2005 - 09:48 CET | By Elitsa Vucheva
http://www.euobserver.com/?sid=9&aid=19299
Irish to become official EU language
13.06.2005 - 18:38 CET | By Honor Mahony
http://www.euobserver.com/?sid=9&aid=19313
Their economies have been poor, unemployment high, and they rely on foreign markets. This makes them heavily export-dependent. I remember a time in the 1980s when the Japanese seemed to think they had us right where they wanted us (example, I recall seeing a book, "The Japan That Can Say No"). They learned otherwise.
The moron politicians who are anti-American can say whatever they want. They'll find some audience -- just as their US comrades have -- but are headed out of power, probably to stay. That's just a consequence of their taking an infeasible line. The key is to guard against the success of their comrades here.
(Stop) Hillary Clinton for President in 2008
'Civ | February 29, 2005 (a little joke) | 'Civ
Posted on 02/28/2005 9:31:31 AM PST by SunkenCiv
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1352749/posts
"The key is to guard against the success of their comrades here."
Amen, brother.
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