Monday, May 16, 2016
Losing the argument
Godwin’s Law is an internet adage that is derived from one of the earliest bits of Usenet wisdoms, which goes “if you mention Adolf Hitler or Nazis within a discussion thread, you’ve automatically ended whatever discussion you were taking part in.” In other words you have lost the argument.
Those defending Boris Johnson's attempt to compare the supposed creation of a European Superstate with the ambitions of Adolf Hitler, whose actions led to the loss of millions of lives and countless suffering, have really missed the point.
The individuals that Boris names were power-hungry autocrats who would stop at nothing to achieve their aim. The European Union was set up to thwart that sort of ambition. All of its members are democracies and it is overseen by an directly-elected Parliament.
Those who form the Council of Ministers are accountable to their own electors, whilst membership of the Commission is ratified by the European Parliament, who also vote on Commission directives. Proposals are sent to national Parliaments for ratification in advance.
This is not a Superstate it is a federation of like-minded democracies working together for mutual advantage. Membership offers irreplaceable benefits and, contrary to claims by the likes of Boris Johnson, we retain our own sovereignty and control over our own country.
The World has changed massively since the EU was set up. Economic forces can no longer be constrained within a single national border, if they ever could. Our economy is dominated by multinational companies and our currency and prosperity is dependent on others for success. The only way we can influence such forces is as part of a multinational bloc such as the EU.
The EU has secured peace for Western Europe for over half a century. If Boris has his way he will leave us vulnerable to future dictators who want to dominate the UK and the rest of Europe.
Those defending Boris Johnson's attempt to compare the supposed creation of a European Superstate with the ambitions of Adolf Hitler, whose actions led to the loss of millions of lives and countless suffering, have really missed the point.
The individuals that Boris names were power-hungry autocrats who would stop at nothing to achieve their aim. The European Union was set up to thwart that sort of ambition. All of its members are democracies and it is overseen by an directly-elected Parliament.
Those who form the Council of Ministers are accountable to their own electors, whilst membership of the Commission is ratified by the European Parliament, who also vote on Commission directives. Proposals are sent to national Parliaments for ratification in advance.
This is not a Superstate it is a federation of like-minded democracies working together for mutual advantage. Membership offers irreplaceable benefits and, contrary to claims by the likes of Boris Johnson, we retain our own sovereignty and control over our own country.
The World has changed massively since the EU was set up. Economic forces can no longer be constrained within a single national border, if they ever could. Our economy is dominated by multinational companies and our currency and prosperity is dependent on others for success. The only way we can influence such forces is as part of a multinational bloc such as the EU.
The EU has secured peace for Western Europe for over half a century. If Boris has his way he will leave us vulnerable to future dictators who want to dominate the UK and the rest of Europe.
Comments:
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I strongly doubt the people of Greece would agree with you. Its a political system that is rotten to the core, actively encourages "lobbying" and knows just who to look after.
There will be no shortage of support in the business and political world and this is simply because that support is bought and paid for. No amount of preaching and scaremongering from former Goldman Sachs employees is going to change my view.
Its a shame that so many will put their own self interest ahead of the democratic future of their country.
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There will be no shortage of support in the business and political world and this is simply because that support is bought and paid for. No amount of preaching and scaremongering from former Goldman Sachs employees is going to change my view.
Its a shame that so many will put their own self interest ahead of the democratic future of their country.
# posted by 
: 3:39 PM
: 3:39 PM<< Home
