Anathema

man, Europe is funny
I've been reading the news about the EU and it's problems about coming together over a constitution, especially about fair proportional voting rights and mentioning a Christian heritage. Okay, that last one's just part of the recent discrimination against all things Christian, but the fair and equal representation thing? It's like reading the history texts about America's early problems with the Articles of Confederation.

Each country is too damn proud and vain to give up any kind of control, even if they're not populous or powerful enough to warrant it, and there's gonna be so much grandstanding, arguing and "looking out for number one," that nothing's going to get done. Seriously, why not look at the history books and learn a lesson from what's gone past, especially since they're trying to emulate America, at least in regards to unification.

You can't have equal voting when the countries are so different in size. It would be ridiculous for Rhode Island to have as much sway as Texas, simply for the sheer difference in population. Likewise, it's not good for Texas to run roughshod over Rhode Island for the same reason.

This EU isn't going to work because it would mean implementing a House and a Senate, much like America has, and that would involve giving up most of their power to a single, central authority. And if there's one thing all this arguing has shown, it's that the European countries absolutely detest giving up power, especially the somewhat big guns. And why shouldn't they? Look at their mutual histories. Small countries bickering over small plots of land. These are countries that are so entrenched in nationalism that they can't really come together, even if it's in their common interest. Ask an Irishman if he's English, or vice versa.

The reason the United States has worked so well is because of our willingness to let go of any sense of nationalism and melt into national identity. Granted, we have race issues, but compared to the amount of divisiveness in Europe, that's barely anything. A Texan can just as easily move to California to Florida and to Idaho. (I don't know why they'd want to, but they could.) The most they have to do is check their new local gun laws. A European moves, and suddenly there's a new language, a new set of customs, and hell, he'd better watch out to see if he's on a Catholic or Protestant block. (Although lately I hear that the European nations are being swayed by some vocal Muslim blocks that don't like the idea of war on terrorism. There's a rant in itself, but then again, we all knew France didn't have a spine.)

In any case, the EU is amusing to watch. Even if it somehow comes into being, it'll be as useless as the UN and will quickly tear itself apart when none of the delegates can agree whether or not they should open their first meeting with a prayer. It would be interesting to see if they could buck their pride and try to be a little optimistic, but I'm not holding my breath. :) KC

Current Mood: amused