from the outside ?
Living in Belgium, but being connected to the UK via numerous TV-stations, websites and some friends (who are British but living in Germany), I find it hard to believe that the UK is so negative towards Europe. Especially on forums the gratuitious comments are abound. I wonder if this isn't just a way of getting rid of all unhappy feelings in their life. What will you vilify if you have lost the EU ;-) The tabloids will go bankrupt !
Few things in life have a healthy financial return on investment. Do you get more from the government than you pay ? Do you get more from your insurance-company than you pay ? Your marriage ? Your children ? The EU is no exception, but it is a ticket to power on a global scale.
If you are in Europe you play on a bigger stage. Cameron seemed to want a "forceful" intervention from Europe in the Ukraine... while he does everything in his power to prevent Europe from having such a united say in international politics, let alone military clout. He wanted sanctions that other nations would have to pay, none that would hurt the financial interests of the city... He is not what you would call a loyal partner. He wants the power, without the cost...
We should have European elections for a president, like in the US, with parties working on a European scale, that would change the whole game. Every politician would have to gain votes in every state of the EU. Perhaps Cameron would even be inclined to learn German :-)
Frankly I wouldn't like to stand in his shoes... He is gambling with everyone's future, and what is he hoping to gain ? The US wants him to stay IN, to block every move that might go against their interests (like the data protection act), alas the UKIP is stealing his votes so he has to pretend his has the power to change Europe so he can stay IN, AND promise a referendum to get OUT. Sleepless nights.
For a long time I have wished the UK to become a full member of the EU, leading the way, instead of the grumbling dead weight it seems to become. Still nothing is lost yet.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
