French EU Constitution Vote Analysis
Whenever I want to try to make sense of the confusing jumble otherwise known as the European Union, I turn to the North Sea Diaries. You should do the same, especially if you're wondering about the implications of today's vote by the French to reject the proposed EU Constitution.
Here's a brief summary analysis; here's the reaction from Brussels; here's some live-blogging of the returns and what they could mean across the EU; and here's a pre-vote analysis that is not only insightful but accurate. I particularly appreciated the explanation as to why Polish plumbers were likely responsible in part for the French vote:
This, curiously, has taken fleshly form in the figures of the Polish plumber and the Chinese textile worker. Seen as a boon to the chattering classes in the UK, Polish plumbers now have the run of the continent, meeting a labour shortage caused by a lack of trained plumbers wherever they’re needed. But they epitomise the threat of unregulated labour in France, and are viewed as the thin end of the wedge in a Brussels-inspired assault on the French model of social Europe, with all its unions, minimum wages and health and safety regulations. Some of them also work long hours!
Technorati tag: EU Constitution
Okay, I wasn't the only one rummaging through the last book for clues, then. Just imagine if we're actually witnessing the beginning of the Apocalypse. I've still got a whole bunch of things I want to do before the world ends.
Last I heard, the Netherlands are even more opposed to the EU's constitution than France, with opposition at 60%.
Hopefully, they'll be adding their "Neen!" to France's "Non!"
Posted by: Mr. Freen at May 31, 2005 01:12 AMWhat if the Bible is true???
Well, I know you're being tongue-in-cheek with that statement. Given that the Bible is true, the question is whether prophecy is being fulfilled right before our eyes.
I've still got a whole bunch of things I want to do before the world ends.
Anything of lasting importance? ;-)
Posted by: Eric at May 31, 2005 08:16 AM
For starters (and this is #1 on the "A List"), I want to go to a rave with Rosalinda Celentano.
I'd settle for her autograph, but I'd really like to take her out! She's an amazing person and she looks drop dead gorgeous!
C'mon, you knew I was going to say that!
Posted by: Mr. Freen at May 31, 2005 04:39 PMC'mon, you knew I was going to say that!
Your consistency is admirable! I'm sure Rosalinda would be flattered. ;-)
Posted by: Eric at May 31, 2005 09:01 PMAbout the publisher
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I'm not as fundamentalist as this all sounds but, I have often wondered that if the EU is the 10 horns how does that line up with the current EU with ?? members. Then this French and the Netherland domino to fall soon. Maybe 10 horns is all there will be. What if the Bible is true??? Would make an interesting read wouldn't it.
Posted by: Gene at May 30, 2005 11:17 AM