C'jais Posted December 7, 2002 Share Posted December 7, 2002 This thread is dedicated to the Americans who so far have missed the chance to vent their cultural prejudices - until now they've only taken flak from some very vocal anti-Americans... Go on. Let it out. All of it. If the need for a proper topic arises, here's one: What's your take on Europe and the European Union? Can the European countries be considered as equal to the different states of America, or should they never have been involved in one big union in the first place? Can Europe become as great an economical superpower as the US? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clem Posted December 7, 2002 Share Posted December 7, 2002 europe rocks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Talliusc Posted December 7, 2002 Share Posted December 7, 2002 interesting topic jais. as a canadian i suppose im not included but ill post here anyways as they're just over a lake from me got nothing against any europeans *except for a few snotty ones i know first hand*, i hope that the european union can become a bigger economic superpower then the U.S. because frankly, im afraid of what the americans might do if they dont have any competition in all seriousness though i want Canada to rule the world. simply because i live here. oh you think we're too weak eh? well we have some advantages of our own. who would blame us if a country was mysteriously bombed? nobody would DARE think canada had anything to do with it. its like the butterfly, nobody suspects the butterfly *cackles like an idiot*. .... go back to enjoying the thread. im sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C'jais Posted December 7, 2002 Author Share Posted December 7, 2002 LOL Talliusc - I could nevah suspect poor 'lil Canada of hurting anyone! Really! Well, if Canada joined forces with Europe, we could most definately "beat" America - and if that fails, Canada could act as the "middle-man" between Europe and the US. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Talliusc Posted December 7, 2002 Share Posted December 7, 2002 canada being the middleman? well first we'd need a new prime minister. the Bush administration doesnt like chretien methinks. hes the only leader of a U.S. allied nation NOT to be invited to either the white house, or two other places that i forget but really shouldnt. as long as chretien is leading us we're just gonna be ignored by the U.S........ thing is we like it that way i think the prospect of europe and canada vs the U.S. is hilarious. because chances are that canada would be taken over within a week of the start of the war. another week later the americans would realize that they hate the cold and go home.... taking with them all our beer and shania twain.... it COULD HAPPEN! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JediNyt Posted December 7, 2002 Share Posted December 7, 2002 Originally posted by Darth Talliusc I think the prospect of europe and canada vs the U.S. is hilarious. because chances are that canada would be taken over within a week of the start of the war. another week later the americans would realize that they hate the cold and go home.... taking with them all our beer and shania twain.... it COULD HAPPEN! I like Canada and Europe. I think I might like to live in Canada. I guess the only thing that bothers me about Europe is some of their common humor. A little too raunchy. But then again Americans have some bad humor too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clem Posted December 7, 2002 Share Posted December 7, 2002 i dont think of euro humour as raunchy hmmmmmm maybe some of euro can be like that but not all ... thats whats good about us ... all different french good chefs germans make good cars italians also danes ....... are danish British have a good sense of humour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C'jais Posted December 7, 2002 Author Share Posted December 7, 2002 Originally posted by Darth Talliusc i think the prospect of europe and canada vs the U.S. is hilarious. because chances are that canada would be taken over within a week of the start of the war. another week later the americans would realize that they hate the cold and go home.... taking with them all our beer and shania twain.... it COULD HAPPEN! LMFAO! Oh, I didn't mean Canada and Europe could team up as in "going to war vs the rest of the world" (as USA seems to be doing right now), but rather consider Canada "European" and thus form a solid cooperation. USA invading Canada while they were being allied with Europe sounds like political suicide on a large scale to me.... BTW, What do you guys feel about letting "semi-European" countries get included in the EU? I'm talking about the proposed inclusion of Turkey, Marocco and Russia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C'jais Posted December 7, 2002 Author Share Posted December 7, 2002 Originally posted by Clem i dont think of euro humour as raunchy danes ....... are danish What does raunchy mean? I'll let the Dane comment slide..... for now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Talliusc Posted December 7, 2002 Share Posted December 7, 2002 i think that semi european countries should be allowed to join, but again im an outside so im not sure my opinions matter. you say it would be political suicide but i ask you this: what would be the consequences? the U.S. would then own all our water, all our oil and a heckuva lot of beer. now who would want to fight this huge economic superpower thats high on oil drunk and throwing snowballs at you? i wouldnt want to get involved. honestly i think that if the U.S. wanted to it could take over the whole world, it would just have to ally some nations for a while first and then betray them later..... said the crazed canuck who fears for his beer and shania twains welfare.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C'jais Posted December 7, 2002 Author Share Posted December 7, 2002 If USA went ballistic on the entire world, I think It'd need a bigger army at first. And some better politicians. What I'm talking about when I'm saying semi-European is that Turkey currently employs the death penalty and such - something it needs to get rid of if it is to enter the EU. And allowing Marocco into the European Union? Say "huh?". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Breton Posted December 7, 2002 Share Posted December 7, 2002 I do not support that Norway, where I live, should be in EU. For EU does much of the economy similar to many countries, even though the countries are completely different. So I do not support us going in to EU, because it would do many stupid things, such as decreasing the price of tobacco and alcohol, and thereby increasing the amount used. The European union is good for many countries though, but not here, the European Economic Co-operation appointment is bad enough, wich is unfortunatly demanded for us to trade with the EU countries. It does a lot of stupid things, I can mention that it requires that all road stipes should be white, even though our yellow ones are much easier to see. Still, the idea of an European Union is good, as long as it gives a certain amount of personal freedom for each country, to do what fits themselves best. And the world needs another super power. About the semi-European countries: I think countries such as Russia should be allowed to join in, but not sure about Turkey, for only a tiny part of them are in Europe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor Snape Posted December 7, 2002 Share Posted December 7, 2002 i actually want some other country to be a better power. Mayb then the USA won't be targeted by all the "Bad People" in the world Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wardz Posted December 7, 2002 Share Posted December 7, 2002 Canada could act as the "middle-man" between Europe and the US. Thats Britain's job, hands off Saying that, Somalia has been granted EU status, so therefore all these somalians may enter Europe freely and settle in any country - mainly in ours tho because of the handouts. They are theiving gits. Europe is the most undemocratic*, self satisfied institution ever! The majority of officials are unelected and get to pass crazy rules which benefit no one apart from themselves.. The single currency is a crap idea as you can't have one interest rate for 15 states (and more) The Germans, French and minor countries such as Ireland and the new easter bloc are the only ones who benefit through the subsidies, paid by yours truly... Britain has effectively signed away all legislative power to non elected, non accountable grey men. Important decisions lie within a small select clique of people. This centralised system never works. In theory it could work if each state was willing to share its wealth with each other, and it isn't.. It ends up we give - others take. Its a nasty form of socialism and its evil. Even some old socialists I know think its a bad idea. -W *(a law student, before anyone accuses me of baseless accusations.) Puts on flame proof suit - come and get me!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C'jais Posted December 7, 2002 Author Share Posted December 7, 2002 Originally posted by Professor Snape i actually want some other country to be a better power. Mayb then the USA won't be targeted by all the "Bad People" in the world So, do you think of Europe as "one big country"? Or was it directed at Canada? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wacky_Baccy Posted December 7, 2002 Share Posted December 7, 2002 I was wondering when you'd post this, Jais Admit it, you just want to know how many people think that the EU should become or is becoming a superpower You didn't have any intention whatsoever of letting those poor Americans that we keep poking fun at have go back at us at all Now, back to the topic... Posted by wardz Thats Britain's job, hands off ROTFL Posted by Darth Talliusc i hope that the european union can become a bigger economic superpower then the U.S. because frankly, im afraid of what the americans might do if they dont have any competition Last time I checked, it already was a bigger economic power At the very least, it's virtually on par... Posted by wardz The single currency is a crap idea as you can't have one interest rate for 15 states (and more) The single currency itself is not a bad idea - but I do agree that individual countries need more leeway with, among other things, the interest rate... The EU needs some serious restructuring and re-organising if it is to equal or surpass the US in overall power... It's easily capable of doing so, but the bloody bureaucrats in Brussels, and also the member states, keep dragging their damn heels over major reform, and concentrating on very minor things that mostly end up inconveniencing everyone... It needs re-building from the ground up, and soon, if it's to become a world power, and not be just a free trade and free movement area... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darklighter Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 Originally posted by Clem europe rocks I second that:) First of all, I think the Euro is a crap idea. I think very conservatively, that it's simply destroying the independance of countries in Europe. I'd die if it replaced the pound. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obi Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 The Eauropeans Continent and it's people have always ben an ally of the United States. (wel not always, but after the rev. war and all ) The only thing that makes me scratch my head is the unneccesary vowels. You know dang well what I mean too. Example: Color-colour Honor-honour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C'jais Posted December 8, 2002 Author Share Posted December 8, 2002 F*ck, missed this one completely. Originally posted by wardz Europe is the most undemocratic*, self satisfied institution ever! The majority of officials are unelected and get to pass crazy rules which benefit no one apart from themselves.. Undemocratic, yes - but the US governors and presidents aren't elected directly by the people as I understand it either (this is where some American will come along and educate me...). The single currency is a crap idea as you can't have one interest rate for 15 states (and more) But surely the Americans are gonna love it when they only have to transfer their bucks to a single currency for the Europe travelling Really, I can't see the problem with it - then again, I don't have the education that you do In theory it could work if each state was willing to share its wealth with each other, and it isn't.. It ends up we give - others take. Its a nasty form of socialism and its evil. Even some old socialists I know think its a bad idea. It would appear the British anti-EU propaganda has gotten to you, but I most definately agree with you that the EU could do with a bit of the old fashioned democracy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wacky_Baccy Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 Posted by Cjais ...I most definately agree with you that the EU could do with a bit of the old fashioned democracy. *cough*or re-working form the ground upwards*cough* *gets out his map of the EU* Hmmmz... Not exactly huge... *adds in prospective and likely members* ...It's getting rather large O.O Even more reason for them to put more effort into re-structuring it... But they won't, and it'll fall to pieces ¬_¬ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StormHammer Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 Originally posted by Wacky_Baccy *gets out his map of the EU* Hmmmz... Not exactly huge... *adds in prospective and likely members* ...It's getting rather large O.O You shouldn't go by land size...but by demographics. If you add up the populations of all European member states, it has more than twice the population of the USA...probably approaching 600 million or more. Trying to create a unifying structure across such disparate regions and cultures is a socio-economic nightmare. The wealth of dialects is also a considerable barrier. With so many individual influences on doctrines and policies, it's frankly amazing that we've come this far along the road...and it's hardly surprising why so many factions within the EU fight tooth and nail over new policies and policy amendments. There is a danger that the whole system as it stands could become unwieldy and simply come crashing down like a house of cards. So I don't think we'll see the United States Of Europe any time soon. Besides, if you abbreviate it, it spells USE...hmmm... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunatic Jedi Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 I'm still a little edgy about the EU. I keep thinking of past grudges that may be lurking in some of the countries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murdoch Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 Yeah i think so to. It seems like the longtime goal for the EU is to create a federal state (though they never say that in public) similar to the U.S. The problem is that while the U.S had a clean start there is so much history behind all nations in Europe. It may work but it will be a long and hard road there. Especially now that Germany, the economical engine, is going into a recession. I like the Euro. It is so great finally not needing 10 different currencies if you go through Europe. As it turned out i no longer feel that bad about the possible loss of out traditional currency. It isn't such a powerful symbol as i thought it was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wardz Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 I am not subject to any propaganda on either side. I hear the facts and in the most neutral way possible interpret them into my own ideas. At school last year,we were given a talk by garry kasparov who was talking about the media and how you should question everything, even news given by the BBC (which IMO has succumbed to Blarism) because quite often, these organisations are run by people with their own agendas - RUPERT MURDOCH and The Media!!!!! anyway, if you look down the centuries, Europe has never got on that well collectively, The Spanish dont like the UK, The French dont like the Spanish, and everyone doesn't like the Germans... no only joking on that bit, but you get my point.. Look at the number of wars that have existed between us and then look within the last 30 years, the power that has shifted from the State, to a small group of commissioners in Brussels. It is impossible with the deep rooted feelings all Europeans have towards each other, to suddenly surrender their power within this short space of time. We had Two Massive Wars in the space of 50 years with each other, for the purpose of safeguarding democracy and free speech. Millions died both sides for their cause, and now we have signed this freedom away!!! (This bit may be a bit contraversial, but it is a relevant point) Hitler wanted Europe to become one super state state with him at the top, and if it wasn't for the British it would have been. Yes the Americans helped, but only because they made money out of it. they were not going to help for the sake of it, the attitude at the time was that "we have no interests over there, so we will leave them to it." Only because an American cruise ship was supposedly sunk by the Germans who thought it was British brought them into it America was the only nation to come out of it with a profit. Did you know The UK is still paying for that help for the billions in loans? We were crippled after the war by the US (who prospered) while we let Germany off her payments so she could be rebuilt. Getting slightly back on track, I think that the single currency will never work, and I have spoken to Professors of Economics who say that it will implode (look at the Exchange Rate Mechanism 1993.) I have nothing wrong with European States as individuals, but collectively, it is a disaster waiting to happen, and I for one, can't wait, as Britain is losing more than it is gaining. -W (forcelong post mana has run dry) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clem Posted December 8, 2002 Share Posted December 8, 2002 Originally posted by obi-wan13 The Eauropeans Continent and it's people have always ben an ally of the United States. (wel not always, but after the rev. war and all ) The only thing that makes me scratch my head is the unneccesary vowels. You know dang well what I mean too. Example: Color-colour Honor-honour ur confusing europe with britain there obi oh and wardz ... we dont go between ... USA says jump and Tony says " how high" GRRRRRRRRRRRR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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