The story of the EU

An Anonymous Poster lefter the following, which I thought was a good explanation of how the EU mindset has been created.

The Gorillas and the Banana Story

An experiment was conducted with four gorillas moved into the same cage. When the gorillas were first introduced into the environment, the experimenters would lower bananas into the center of the cage. When the gorillas went after the food, all were hosed down with a high-pressure water hose. Even if only one went after the food, all received the same treatment. As expected, soon the gorillas did not go after the bananas when they were lowered into the cage. Behavior was trained and reinforced. Now, the experimenters replaced one of the gorillas.

When the bananas were lowered into the cage, the new gorilla, of course, started toward the free meal. The other three gorillas knew what would happen, so they quickly jumped the new gorillas, keeping him from causing the dreaded response of water. Although perplexed, the new gorilla quickly learned not to go after the food lowered into the cage, and to jump any other gorilla that did the same.

The experimenters continued by slowing replacing each gorilla one by one. The result was the same: the new one went for the food the others jumped him. Soon the experimenters had replaced all of the four original gorillas. Keep in mind that the high-pressure water hose had not been used since the first four gorillas were together. But every time a new gorilla went for the food lowered into the cage, the others stopped him cold. The experimenters were able to go several generations away from the original four gorillas, but still the behavior did not change. None of the gorillas knew why they shouldn’t go for the food, but they knew what to do if any one did. It was what was done before them, and before them, and so on. A proud tradition was born.

So we keep on doing something, even though we have no idea why.

Open Doors Let Everyone In

Regular visitors to this blog will be aware that I am broadly in favour of the freedom of moverment of people in the EU. However, the current policy is one with absolutely zero controls. Take this for example:

The family of a murdered schoolgirl demanded to know last night how her killer, a convicted Latvian rapist who had spent more than 20 years in prison, was allowed to enter Britain unchecked.

Yes he had served time for rape in his home country, yet we had no way of excluding him.

The Home Office said it was pressing the EU to take action. A criminal record is not a bar to entering Britain but European Economic Area regulations allow individuals to be banned from entering a country on the grounds of public security.

I have an idea. Let the plumbers come here to work and the waitresses to serve us lunch, but why should freedom of movement be extended to people who are clearly undesirable. We should be able to ban everyone with a criminal record from deciding to come, including petty thieves as well as violent criminals. We have enough problem cases of our own as it is.

The Future of Europe

The idea of variable geometry is one that has support among a diverse range of people. The latest to show support for it is the Italian President:

Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi said on Tuesday that the European Union should set up a "vanguard" to make decisions when there is no consensus.

His version seems to resemble a Dog Lead & Choke Chain rather than any flexibility. You know, the dog doesn't want to move, so you choke it until it does. He is obviously too old to remember that he shouldn't make such statements. We can't have the public getting scared. He follows the remark with a unique piece of wisdom on democratic accountability:

"it would be unacceptable to distort the political project if there is no consensus"

So we can't allow the project to be derailed even if noone wants it. Priceless.

European Superpowers Agree on Defence

Two of Europe's most powerful countries have agreed on the need for closer defence cooperation:

Greek National Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis and his visiting Belgian counterpart Andre Flahaut Tuesday called for an effective European policy for security and defense.

With the big boys on board, it should be a great success as long as they find a mug to pay for it.

On the funding of rapid reaction forces in the framework of the EU and NATO, Meimarakis reiterated that Greece could not increase its contribution given its economic capabilities.

Such commitment is touching.

In The Words of Our Dear Leader

I didn't think I would ever quote him with approval, but here goes:

"If we can't put a decent trade round in place, when it is so plain that our long-term national interest and the wider interest of the world demand it, this will be a failure with multiple consequences, all of them adverse," "Europe's agricultural protection is a policy born of another age and it's time to end it."

For once in your unethical, slimy, retrograde existence that you call a political career, Thank You.

Verdict on The Euro

A great piece in the Times about the Euro and the wish of the newer members to join.

For almost anyone who has followed the lamentable failings of the eurozone economy, it may seem remarkable that any more countries should want to throw in their lot with the single currency.

Its a failure they must be mad. But even funnier is that fact that existing members are aghast at the thought of their club growing.

Old Europe” may also fear that widening euro membership might lead to monetary union becoming more of a means to foster economic reform, and less an instrument for political ends.

Funny, I thought that was the whole point (at least thats what Our Dear Leader said) He finishes with the idea that growing the Eurozone would deepen its problems. You know, John Major is disliked in Eurosceptic circles. But he did at least keep us out of this mess.

David Cameron is Right

David Cameron has got a lot of stick for his comments about standing up to big business. If he means what I hope he does though, I am in total agreement. Because big business is populated by a bunch of big state worshipping cretins. If you don't believe me read this.

Monday saw the launch of a new campaign group, Business for New Europe, backed by a range of City luminaries. The organisation, launched on the 20th anniversary of the first reading in the House of Commons of the Single European Act, aims to promote "a positive case for reform in Europe".

They think that just because their narrow interests are helped by destroying our nation, then it must be a good idea. We need to be pro market, not pro business.

Thou Shalt Buy Non Working Trash

As a long time critic of our Lords and Masters in Brussels, it takes a special story to bring out a big reaction in me. This one had me wanting to roll around on the floor laughing. They really have excelled themselves.

The EU Commission is considering new proposals that would require public procurers to purchase innovative products and services still in need of further research, alongside the more traditional, risk-free approach of buying only established products.

Yes you read that right, require. But why could such an idea be proposed?

such "pre-commercial procurement of innovation" could be an important new driver for research and development in the EU.

Its all part of being dynamic and competitive. The fact that it would increase government spending, (replacement of products that didn't work) is not thought to be a problem. Can you imagine the fun this would create for the IT sector. The government can't get technology to work that has been bought through normal methods. If they have to buy alpha releases of new software, absolutely nothing would work. (On second thoughts maybe its a good idea)

Perfect Partners

Some of you are aware that I am a Conservative. As such my party is in the uncomfortable position of effectively being part of The European People’s Party. David Cameron is committed to an amicable divorce, but the process drags on. So why do I say uncomfortable? What about this:

The centre-right European People's Party (EPP) will at its congress next week call for the "implementation" of the EU constitution.

You can see how well The Conservative Party’s engagement with these nutters is working to give us influence. No? Even among full members of the Federast crew however, there is disagreement.

The Spanish PP has proposed a passage in the EPP manifesto saying that "The EPP believes that any attempt to enforce the constitutional treaty by instalments would be a fraud not only to the Dutch and French electorate but to all European citizens." The Dutch Christian Democrats (CDA) have issued an amendment proposing to scrap a passage that says "the EPP proposes that the process leading to the ratification of a European Constitutional treaty should be continued after the period of reflection, taking full account of the outcome of this period."

Despite glimmerings of reasonableness from The Spaniards and Dutch, the sooner we get out of this grouping the better. Perfect Partner they are not.

France Versus Le Pomme

Not content with taking on Google, France wants to get the EU to take on Apple as well.

France is pushing the European Union to break the dominance of Apple's iPod by forcing the company to allow songs downloaded from iTunes to be used on rival players.

Bearing in mind what happened to another proprietary Apple system when faced with an open standard, it might be in Apple’s long term interest. I fail to see however that this is an issue for our lords and masters to decide for us.

Its All India's Fault

These poor countries, since they became independent, they have consistently failed to show the right degree of reverence to Bwana. Don't they know that we are still in charge. They should listen to Mandy.

Europe's trade chief insisted on Tuesday it was time for big developing countries such as Brazil and India to make concessions to unlock global trade talks that are just over a month from a deadline.

They should ignore the fact that we are not playing by the rules and doff their caps in respect to us. We refuse to make concessions, because we are arrogant. Not that giving your citizens the chance to buy cheaper goods can be in any way considered a concession, of course.

Those Eastern Lemmings

Its interesting to see the newer member states keeness to join the Eurozone. After 6 years of existence, the Euro has neatly demonstrated why it was always a bad idea. One size fits all just doesn't work. Yet like Lemmings over a cliff, new candidates keep coming:

Lithuania became the second east European nation to apply to adopt the euro in 2007.

The first was Slovenia, which is in a better position to be accepted.

Only Slovenia passes all the economic tests, with inflation at 2.4 percent in February.

So maybe only one Lemming will make the leap.

Who Says Membership isn't Beneficial

Three of the EU's newer members are in a fight that shows they have learned the rules of the game. Its all about The Gender Institute.

Slovenia, Slovakia and Lithuania are now preparing to step up their lobbying to be host to the institute which will have an annual budget of around €8 million.

One has to applaud their dedication to the cause of Wimmin's Rights, unless you are cynical. Cynics will dismiss this as nothing more than a fight over our cash and EU prestige.

Euro Nanny to Ban Mercury

Apparently, next time we are sick, we should steer clear of the mercury thermometer, Euro Nanny says its dangerous.

European Union lawmakers called on Tuesday for an EU-wide ban on mercury in most thermometers, hoping to minimise the risk posed by the toxic heavy metal to humans, ecosystem and wildlife.

Makes you wonder how many cases of poisoning have happened due to mercury thermometers. Especially when the total usage of mecury in the EU is only 33 tonnes per year. But I shouldn't be cynical should I, its all because they care about us.

EU wants USA to Harmonise Taxes

Not content with forcing the downtrodden Serfs of Europe to pay more of their hard earned cash to the Feudal Lord, the EU has set out to change the US tax system.

The European Union plans to reimpose sanctions on up to $4 billion a year in American goods in 60 days after the World Trade Organization adopted a report saying the United States still gives an illegal tax rebate to exporters.

The EU's well thought out measures include throwing rocks into our harbours and grumbling to each other at cocktails. In all fairness, the tax credits were a form of export subsidy, something that is stealing from the serfs to give to the nobles. But thats only really a problem for downtrodden Americans. We should take all of their cash we can.

Turning All Four Cheeks

The EU, that great "Soft Power" leader, is showing just how soft it can be.

The European Union condemned widespread violence in the West Bank, but said neither the attacks on EU offices in Gaza City nor the kidnapping of at least 10 foreigners would affect urgent aid granted to Palestinians last month before a Hamas-led government takes office.

Of course, you cannot blame the Palestinian Government for the actions of the mindless thugs that kidnap people and raid EU offices. Unless of course, the Palestinian Government are a bunch of mindless thugs.

Blasphemy Laws

Turkey is ruffling feathers

Abdullah Gul, the Turkish foreign minister, sparked disagreement among his EU counterparts at a weekend meeting in Austria, when he called for European nations to review existing laws, to ensure they outlawed the "defamation" of all religions.

If Turkey is to ever join the European Union, someone should explain to Mr Gul, that there is only one form of blasphemy as far as the EU is concerned. In the EUtopia, one is not allowed to blaspheme against Ever Closer Union. All else is open to criticism.

EU Money Causes Bulgaria Ruckus

Bulgaria is a long way from the grip of the superstate, and yet our cash is already causing problems there:

Controversy about the control of European Union (EU) funds erupted last week between Assen Gagauzov, minister of regional development and public works, and Petar Mutafchiev, minister of transport and communications. The conflict is about who will control the state Road Agency (RA), which governs the EU funds.

Now these two may be no more than typical empire building politicians, though Bulgaria’s recent history should give pause for thought. It is none the less an instructive example of how free money leads to a political system that is about the spoils. Anyone who has seen the state of Bulgaria’s roads knows that they need investment, but welfare inevitably leads to a corruption of priorities, at the very least.

EU is Uncompetitive Shocker

I am sure this will come as a major surprise to all of you, but the EU is uncompetitive and the situation is not improving.

The European Union (EU) will fail in its plan to boost economic growth and employment unless it further streamlines its reform agenda and benchmarks performance of its members, the influential Bruegel think-tank said in a study.

Wow, why didn’t someone tell us before? Mind you we could have guessed, given the goals of The Lisbon Process:

The EU’s Lisbon reform agenda, named after the Portuguese capital where it was launched, seeks to boost growth and employment rates so that the EU can afford its generous social policies amid an ageing society and global competition.

Economic growth, so that we can afford to stifle economic growth with socialism is not a normally recognised recipe for success.

Sorry About the Lack of Posts

I have been struggling with Blogger all week after unintentionally screwing something up. I have finally found a solution, changing the template. In the meantime, you can read a posting I made on Once More on the topic of the European Peoples Party.

Where is the EU's Norman Tebbit?

Apparently, we are all too stuck in our ways. Very few of us wish to work anywhere other than our homeland.

European Commission statistics show only 1.5 percent of European workers live in an EU country other than their country of origin -- a statistic that has changed little in 30 years.

Isn't it time someone in Brussels took the hint, or are they going to look for a European Norman Tebbit, who will tell us all to get on our long distance bicycles?

A Transparent EU

Don't get too excited its just a building we are talking about.

A design has been selected for a new meeting space for the European Union in Brussels. The building will supplement the adjacent 1927 Palace Complex, designed by architect Michel Polak, which now serves as EU Council headquarters.

What is so special about this building?

Phillippe Samyn describes the box-like building as a "lantern," due to its glowing, glass-box appearance, created by facade layers of both translucent and transparent glass.

Not that exciting is it. Now if they were talking about a transparent accounting process, or transparency in lobbying, now that would be something to write home about.

Reinstate Roger Helmer Campaign

Here is a campaign I can wholeheartedly support: The site describes their aim as thus:

Roger Helmer was elected a Conservative MEP in 1999. In May 2005, he had the Conservative whip removed in the European Parliament. We believe that this action was unfair as he was standing up for Britian's interests in standing up to corruption within the EU.

The mission of this campaign is simple. We wish to highlight the unfair removal of the Conservative whip from Roger Helmer MEP, and in doing so, persuade David Cameron and those who have it within their power to return Roger once more to the Conservative fold. With your help, we know that we can achieve this goal.

This is an extreme example of why, we must leave the EPP. A British MEP is excommunicated for standing up for his constituents, on the orders of a German Federast.

Union of European Socialist Republics

Ok so I'm a tin foil hatted paranoid. But this man?

Vladimir Bukovksy, the 63-year old former Soviet dissident, fears that the European Union is on its way to becoming another Soviet Union.

What can I say, I hope he is wrong.

A Single Market?

Reactionary Capitalist running dogs such as myself and a certain Mrs T, were always assured that the EU was first and foremost about free trade. We create a single market and everyone gets richer. Unfortunately no-one read th small print. It seems that every time some wet lefty meddler wants to stop us doing something or pass a piece of ridiculous legislation, everyone cheers them on. Yet when push comes to shove, there is not a free marketeer in sight.

Within the past few weeks, the EU internal market commissioner has seen governments in Madrid, Paris, Warsaw and Luxembourg hardening their opposition to foreign takeovers. Stung by France’s move to fend off a possible bid from Italy’s biggest energy group, the government in Rome this week also ratcheted up its protectionist rhetoric. More trouble could be in store. On Tuesday the Commission began examining French justification for its decision to protect 11 sectors from foreign takovers.

Ok so we expect it from France and well Italy, its always about keep it in the family. But Poland, our supposed allies, that we sacrificed some of our rebate for, have joined in the fun. At this rate we will have all the useless restrictions with none of the benefits.