Isn't it interesting, how referenda seem to get so much coverage, but so little attention? Approximately 40% of the electorage voiced their opinion, and it's considered a high turnout. Sheesh!
I wonder what's going to happen to Europe, now that we've tried to put the brakes on it. Will the Irish non-ratification of the Lisbon Treaty be the base of a bandwagon, upon which other slightly relieved countries will jump? Or will the Irish be kicked out, or more likely sent to the corner to consider what we've done...
If we have a chance to vote on a slightly revised Lisbon Treay, I hope that these things happen:
The Yes side explains why they think we should vote yes - and not just tell us it's good for us . We are all able to make our own minds up given the facts.
The No side explains why they think we should vote no - and not just tell us it's bad for us (based on whatever falsehood is sensational and convenient) We are all able to make our own minds up given the facts.
Campaigning, it seemed to me (and I came late to Lisbon thanks to some exams) was based on one of 2 premises - cajole the electorate into siding with you whilst telling them they don't need to know why they should, or scare the living colours out of them by bringing up the bogey issues (abortion, euthanasia and commissioners) that aren't even part of the Treaty under discussion!
How will our politicians develop the Treaty on our behalf? How will they find out what it is we were concerned about, if they didn't even give us a benchmark by which to decide? How will they know for instance that the electorate are concerned about the possibility of unanimity issues becoming Majority issues in the future on the whim of the Government?
Anyway, I've made up some beer, hope it ferments and might taste drinkable. Fingers crossed. Vote Yes for Beer. It's nice, and it helps you sleep. Just like the EU.
I wonder what's going to happen to Europe, now that we've tried to put the brakes on it. Will the Irish non-ratification of the Lisbon Treaty be the base of a bandwagon, upon which other slightly relieved countries will jump? Or will the Irish be kicked out, or more likely sent to the corner to consider what we've done...
If we have a chance to vote on a slightly revised Lisbon Treay, I hope that these things happen:
The Yes side explains why they think we should vote yes - and not just tell us it's good for us . We are all able to make our own minds up given the facts.
The No side explains why they think we should vote no - and not just tell us it's bad for us (based on whatever falsehood is sensational and convenient) We are all able to make our own minds up given the facts.
Campaigning, it seemed to me (and I came late to Lisbon thanks to some exams) was based on one of 2 premises - cajole the electorate into siding with you whilst telling them they don't need to know why they should, or scare the living colours out of them by bringing up the bogey issues (abortion, euthanasia and commissioners) that aren't even part of the Treaty under discussion!
How will our politicians develop the Treaty on our behalf? How will they find out what it is we were concerned about, if they didn't even give us a benchmark by which to decide? How will they know for instance that the electorate are concerned about the possibility of unanimity issues becoming Majority issues in the future on the whim of the Government?
Anyway, I've made up some beer, hope it ferments and might taste drinkable. Fingers crossed. Vote Yes for Beer. It's nice, and it helps you sleep. Just like the EU.
Your pro-beer platform might be a winner Brian - especially if you throw in the German purity law, some Belgian Trappists and fine British ale.
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