AMBROSE EVANS-PRITCHARD: Europe awaits as Irish vote again on Nice treaty

The Daily Telegraph ^ | October 19, 2002 | Ambrose Evans-Pritchard

[MadIvan]

Ambrose is back. And he's doing well on EU issues.

As for our Irish friends, I hope they are all out, sending Brussels a very loud:

NO!

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[johnnybobs]

Bump!

[ArneFufkin]

The EU will not work unless the Swiss unlock and reform their banking culture. There is no way an economic partnership can survive when one of the members has a secret, unaccounable banking system. That's a deal killer.

[ArneFufkin]

Jimmy Carter is available to solve every lingering issue of nationality, currency, autonomy and language troubling this ambitious alliance. Give him two weeks and the Bulgarians will be running the show.

[CatoRenasci]

Be careful what you wish for. Swiss banking secrecy is one of the keys to capitalism's survival - there has to be a way to avoid intrusive government, and in Europe, crossing the Swiss border with a suitcase full of cash or bullion is about the only way.

[Lion's Cub]

Thanks for the post--I didn't realize the vote was today. I just can't imagine the Irish voting anything else but "NO"!

[Brian Allen]

Good one, Ivan

Ambrose/Celtic Bump.

FReegards -- Brian [Boru of the Bog of] Allen

[marktwain]

There is a way for the Swiss not to have to transform their system. Just make banking privacy available in all of Europe. There is no good reason why you cannot have more freedom instead of less.

[Leisler]

".... "People are really cheesed off at having a second referendum. Can you imagine the Fr..."

This happens all the time here in the peoples Republik of Massachusetts. Everytime a tax, rule, control or whatever scam the leftist want, gets voted down, they just keep bringing it up again and again until it is passed. However, once it is passed it never brought up to be recinded. The Irish vote yes and they'll be dancing to Europe's tune. The best part is you get to keep your own tax supported bosses AND get two or more layers more. They won't be able to crap without the proper permits.

[Happygal]

On my way out the door right now to vote NO.

See Ivan, I didn't forget!!!! (Thanks for the text! *L*)

[ArneFufkin]

That can't work. This is a trust ... then verify ... then verify again alliance.

Banking needs to be open and auditable. Or the Brits get reemed.

I know I'm harping on this, but everyone on the Continent envies, fears and therefore hates their sociable neighbors across the Channel. They always have, they always will. Brits don't give a rip that they don't grow grapes and make wine ... wine is for sissies on the Continent, the lads are loving English ALE with an affable smirk. Brits have fun wherever they go, the worst craphole tavern in Bermuda or the trendiest nightclub in Sydney becomes funville. They take their party with them. That joy is unaccessable for denizens of most EU states.

The Brits beat down the Third Reich. They were ditched by the French, then rescued dramatically to fight and win again. You want some more of this Reichfuerer? Bring it on Pustschboy ... I didn't think so. Hitler looked East.

Don't mess with 40 million invested and loyal Island dwellers whose male folk happen to be built like NFL fullbacks. Word to the wise.

[backhoe]

A while back I did a little toss-together of links about AEP- he's a fine reporter:

A Whiff of Rot & Corruption

[glock rocks]

ping.

[MadIvan]

He's my favourite reporter - he truly blasted Clinton and blasts the EU now.

Regards, Ivan

[sneakypete]

Aides gave out leaflets warning that Nice will lead to a "federal United States of Europe"

Which is precisely what the EU amounts to. All they have to do is look at all the "wonderful" things federalize is bringing to the US,assuming you think taking away our constitutional rights is "wonderful",that is.

They should also study American history from around 1861 on to see what happens to states (Ireland would be a "state") that try to withdraw from that federalism.

[sneakypete]

There is no way an economic partnership can survive when one of the members has a secret, unaccounable banking system. That's a deal killer.

And nobody is power in Europe or Africa want them to do this,because Switzerland is where the elite families keep their "get outta town" money.

[sneakypete]

There is no good reason why you cannot have more freedom instead of less.

Yes,there is. It's called "federalism". The whole point behind federalism is centralized power in the hands of the government,not the people. I wouldn't go so far as to call it "good",though.

[ArneFufkin]

Correct sir.

I'll bet there's a few of our political scions who'd be on a Swiss bank's depositor list. Bootlegging Joe Kennedy didn't make THAT much cash, did he? There's some money tree supporting well over 150 deadbeat Kennedy cousins, nieces, nephews etc. in comfortable style. Vince Foster made several there and back day trips to Zurich before his demise. He didn't share that with his wife. He was having a watch repaired no doubt.

[marktwain]

Yes,there is. It's called "federalism". The whole point behind federalism is centralized power in the hands of the government,not the people. I wouldn't go so far as to call it "good",though.

As "federalism" is being applied the european union, you are probably correct. But federalism can be used as a mechanism to preserve freedom as well as destroy it. Switzerland is a federal system.