ED

European Disunion

Published on June 2, 2005 By Danny Bassette In Politics

       I read in the paper today that the Netherlands had voted against the new European Union constitution. Alright, that's fine, their voting so their choice. In the article there was a quote from the president (prime minister, whatever the office is called over there) saying that it was bad they voted against it. Again, that's fine, expressing his opinion and all. But it got me wondering, if it was the peoples call, should not the person elected to represent said people support their choice? So that's what the Dutch (and why they are called the Dutch, yet live in the Netherlands, I have no idea) where up to today (or yesterday, whenever the vote actually happened, silly time zones).
       A few days back (might have been yesterday, might have been last week, I'm not sure on the date) I read a similar article about France. The people voted against the EU constitution and the head of the government said they made a mistake. What I thought was also interesting in that case was that the leader of Germany and somewhere else (Italy I think) where campaigning for the constitution in France.
       So two no votes (France and Netherlands), 9 yes votes, 25 total countries, so 14 unvoted (assuming I can count today). And it sounds like most of the yes votes where voted by the government, not the people. Which I found rather odd. Here is what I'm hearing: the people in Europe are saying the new constitution forming a new super nation is bad, while the governments of the nations of Europe are saying it is good and won't form a nation. Well someone has to be wrong, since those statements are contradictory.
       While I'm sure the newspaper is distorting things somewhat, I do find the situation rather ironic. The represented don't want a bigger more powerful government, those doing the representing want the power. Makes you think

I think former one nation out of many is generally a good idea. But if the people don't want it, it shouldn't be done. Oh well, not like I live in Europe and need to worry about it, right?

Comments

Death_By_Beebles

on Jun 02, 2005

Just like Great Britian didn't have to worry about Pre-WWII Germany, right?

Peace,

Beebes

Danny Bassette

on Jun 02, 2005

Exactly Mr Beebles

island_gurl12

on Jun 02, 2005

The only reason they voted 'No' was to piss off the government in place.
Everybody knows a constitution for Europe is the logical thing to do after all that's been happening.
It's not because they feel they're losing their identity that they voted against the European Constitution. That already happened when the Euro was in place.
Chirac and Raffarin said vote YES and showed all the merits of the constitution. The people voted no out of protest agains the current politics in place.
So it's no wonder why Chirac was asked to quit and that Raffarin has left after the votes.

Manopeace

on Jun 03, 2005

So that's what the Dutch (and why they are called the Dutch, yet live in the Netherlands,

And I always thought they lived in Holland?
What a confused lil nation.....

Dr Guy

on Jun 03, 2005

The only reason they voted 'No' was to piss off the government in place.

I think the reason goes beyond that. Few, if Any people can understand the convoluted thing. Where as the US Constitution has 7 Articles, this one has 448! I think it is overly complex and they are trying to throw in the kitchen sink with the whole thing.

A Constitution is a framework, not a set of laws and rules. Those are then passed based upon the framework. They should simplify it and create the framework so that most can understand it, and then try again. I dont see this monstrosity passing even if the concept is a good idea.

drmiler

on Jun 03, 2005

So that's what the Dutch (and why they are called the Dutch, yet live in the Netherlands,

Sorry danny, they don't live in the Netherlands. The "Dutch" live in Holland.

shadesofgrey

on Jun 03, 2005

Sorry danny, they don't live in the Netherlands. The "Dutch" live in Holland

Here--this should end the confusion about the Dutch who live in the Netherlands/Holland.

The Netherlands is often called Holland, because of the role the two western provinces North and South Holland played in its history. This region encompasses Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and other well-known Dutch cities such as Delft, Leiden and Haarlem. However, officially, it is the Kingdom of the Netherlands, consisting of three parts: the Netherlands itself in Western Europe and the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba in the Caribbean.

Danny Bassette

on Jun 06, 2005

island_girl12: Voting against your governments desires when you don't like them makes sense to me, especially in a democracy.
Manopeace: Better little confusion, then giant confusion

Dr. Guy: 448 articles, I could see it being voted down just because no one has actually read the thing. Simple is good...
drmiler and shadesofgrey: Well I hope they at least know what they are called.

Dr Guy

on Jun 06, 2005

Here--this should end the confusion about the Dutch who live in the Netherlands/Holland.

The way I see it, they can call themselves anything they want! but thanks for the information.

I still love the wooden shoes, windmills and cheese!

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