Comments on: The EU and the case for a ‘non’ (Updated) http://fistfulofeuros.net/afoe/the-european-union/the-eu-and-the-case-for-a-non-updated/ European Opinion Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:42:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Edward http://fistfulofeuros.net/afoe/the-european-union/the-eu-and-the-case-for-a-non-updated/#comment-8362 Edward Sun, 29 May 2005 22:16:11 +0000 http://fistfulofeuros.net/wordpress/?p=1403#comment-8362 "But, isn't it primarily the socialists who are afraid of an embrace of capitalist markets who are pushing for a 'non' vote?" No, this would not be the case. The 'no' cuts across the left right axis completely. What you can say is that the farther you are away from dead centre, the more likely you are to say 'no'. A European Bush would almost certainly be voting no. So would a European Castro, or Chavez. Of course, there are plenty of people - like David - near the centre, who are also against, so even this rough and ready rule of thumb breaks down. It is however difficult to imagine any extremist voting yes. Also there are the 'national questions'. People who want more French say are undoubtedly voting 'no', but actually the 'no' vote will most directly benefit Spain and Poland who will maintain their voting strength. Aznar is over the moon: a victory for Spain, and a big defeat for Zapatero (and the *mallorqui/catalan* Rafael Nadal thrashing everyone in the Roland-Garros). The bigger issue David raises I would rather leave for the post mortum, after we know the result. “But, isn’t it primarily the socialists who are afraid of an embrace of capitalist markets who are pushing for a ‘non’ vote?”

No, this would not be the case. The ‘no’ cuts across the left right axis completely. What you can say is that the farther you are away from dead centre, the more likely you are to say ‘no’. A European Bush would almost certainly be voting no.

So would a European Castro, or Chavez.

Of course, there are plenty of people - like David - near the centre, who are also against, so even this rough and ready rule of thumb breaks down.

It is however difficult to imagine any extremist voting yes.

Also there are the ‘national questions’. People who want more French say are undoubtedly voting ‘no’, but actually the ‘no’ vote will most directly benefit Spain and Poland who will maintain their voting strength. Aznar is over the moon: a victory for Spain, and a big defeat for Zapatero (and the *mallorqui/catalan* Rafael Nadal thrashing everyone in the Roland-Garros).

The bigger issue David raises I would rather leave for the post mortum, after we know the result.

]]> By: Kuch http://fistfulofeuros.net/afoe/the-european-union/the-eu-and-the-case-for-a-non-updated/#comment-8361 Kuch Sun, 29 May 2005 22:03:03 +0000 http://fistfulofeuros.net/wordpress/?p=1403#comment-8361 I am not European, but I find this issue very confusing. I agree that the European political elites have tried to strong-arm this process. Many countries (like Sweden) were not afforded the opportinity of voting like is happening in France today. On the one hand, I agree that they need to have their noses bloodied for not embracing proper public representation in their "club." How many Muslims are in the French National Assembly, even though they make up 8% of the population? Then they complain about lack of assimilation. But, isn't it primarily the socialists who are afraid of an embrace of capitalist markets who are pushing for a 'non' vote? Are they afraid of losing their entitlements? I am not European, but I find this issue very confusing. I agree that the European political elites have tried to strong-arm this process. Many countries (like Sweden) were not afforded the opportinity of voting like is happening in France today. On the one hand, I agree that they need to have their noses bloodied for not embracing proper public representation in their “club.” How many Muslims are in the French National Assembly, even though they make up 8% of the population? Then they complain about lack of assimilation.

But, isn’t it primarily the socialists who are afraid of an embrace of capitalist markets who are pushing for a ‘non’ vote? Are they afraid of losing their entitlements?

]]> By: David Weman http://fistfulofeuros.net/afoe/the-european-union/the-eu-and-the-case-for-a-non-updated/#comment-8360 David Weman Sun, 29 May 2005 21:25:26 +0000 http://fistfulofeuros.net/wordpress/?p=1403#comment-8360 I'm not saying bloody the politicians noses for the hell of, or as a symblolic protest, butto "seize the rare chance to set the EU on a new course, towards democracy and accountability". A shock to the system is needed. I’m not saying bloody the politicians noses for the hell of, or as a symblolic protest, butto “seize the rare chance to set the EU on a new course, towards democracy and accountability”.
A shock to the system is needed.

]]> By: Frans G http://fistfulofeuros.net/afoe/the-european-union/the-eu-and-the-case-for-a-non-updated/#comment-8359 Frans G Sun, 29 May 2005 21:16:12 +0000 http://fistfulofeuros.net/wordpress/?p=1403#comment-8359 "We need to bloody the politician?s noses". And then? Maybe the politicians should go? No more politics? Maybe we need better politics/ better politicians. How are we going to find them and convince them to act? “We need to bloody the politician?s noses”.
And then?

Maybe the politicians should go?
No more politics?
Maybe we need better politics/ better politicians. How are we going to find them and convince them to act?

]]> By: Sammy http://fistfulofeuros.net/afoe/the-european-union/the-eu-and-the-case-for-a-non-updated/#comment-8358 Sammy Sun, 29 May 2005 17:41:19 +0000 http://fistfulofeuros.net/wordpress/?p=1403#comment-8358 I regret not having been able to vote (oui, OF COURSE) today (I am American) so much that I dreamt about it last night. Thank God for my sensible French husband who WAS able to put HIS two cents in. I regret not having been able to vote (oui, OF COURSE) today (I am American) so much that I dreamt about it last night.

Thank God for my sensible French husband who WAS able to put HIS two cents in.

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