May 31, 2005
YEAH, WE'RE SHAKING IN OUR WELLIES:
This Document Should Make America Nervous (Jeanne Rubner, May 29, 2005, LA Times)
The draft constitution that the French will vote on today is the best that could be designed to accommodate the wishes of the EU's 25 members.It is a rational compromise, as much of a historical necessity as the Baltics and Czechoslovakia joining the union was a historical necessity.
Europeans tend to take fewer risks than Americans — which is why they are so apprehensive. But what seems to be a risk now will later turn into a benefit. The coming of the constitution is fortunate because it will strengthen the new union by giving it the tools for better organizing its affairs, speaking with a single voice and formulating common economic and political goals as a transatlantic strategy. It will anchor Europe's future as a network of 25 countries while leaving each country its national freedom.
Do not underestimate the future power of the EU. The new Europe has strong political and cultural traditions. With an expanding market, it will revitalize its economy. And with a constitution, Europe will have, more than ever, the chance of becoming a global player with real political power. Watch out, America, here we come.
Was this supposed to be a joke? Posted by Orrin Judd at May 31, 2005 12:32 PM
No, Orrin. This man is serious. It's me that's just pissed myself laughing.
Posted by: george at May 31, 2005 12:38 PMThe writer is a "Jeanne," thus presumably female. Reminds me of the climactic scene in Animal House, after the Delts have destroyed the parade. The panicked townsfolk are stampeding, and ROTC cadet Kevin Bacon is holding up both arms, shouting quaveringly, "Remain calm!" as the stampede passes over and then flattens him.
Posted by: John Cunningham at May 31, 2005 1:00 PMAnd--- there they go.
Posted by: Sandy P. at May 31, 2005 1:09 PMThe Philadelphia Inquirer ran a virtually identical story a week ago Sunday, although its focus was more on the coming EU trade colossus and how the US was going to be left in the dust.
Let the imbeciles believe what they want to believe. Obviously they know NOTHING about demographics, politics, and economics (not to mention the vicious human nature just under the urbane European surface).
Posted by: jim hamlen at May 31, 2005 1:35 PMThis hack and Jeremy Rifkin can get together and play liars poker with euros...
Posted by: M. Murcek at May 31, 2005 2:04 PMM. M.
Great. I'll happily steal that one. This woman is a perfect descendant of the black knight in Monty Python's "Search for the Holy Grail."
Posted by: at May 31, 2005 2:10 PMAnd with a constitution, Europe will have, more than ever, the chance of becoming a global player with real political power.
How can you be an editor of a major newspaper and write such mindless drivel? "Nyah, nyah, our constitution can beat up your constitution".
Posted by: Peter B at May 31, 2005 2:45 PMWasn't it Kruschev that said something about burying us? Welcome to the Worker's Paradise redux.
Posted by: MB at May 31, 2005 2:58 PMIncidentally, "Czechoslovakia" no longer exists.
I suspect this is the stupidest thing ever linked to here. The writer and editor should be jobless by 5:00 PM Pacific time.
Posted by: jim hamlen at May 31, 2005 3:02 PMI would guess for next week, Michael Kinsley will be running something on the Times' Op-Ed page in the vein of why we need to stop the Priscilla Owen nomination or why Barry Bonds will break the major league home run record by Labor Day.
Posted by: John at May 31, 2005 3:26 PM
George:
Laughed hard enough to piss yourself?
Heck, I nearly blew an aneurysm.
Posted by: Jeff Guinn at June 1, 2005 9:41 PM