Continuing what passes for my thoughts begun in the previous post, I would like to concentrate on the tactics required to achieve our strategic aim and to counter the tactics of those whose aim is the opposite of ours. Of course, I am assuming that you share my desire to be rid of the European Union and to revert to normal trade agreements with them of the sort we might sign with any other trading nation or bloc in the world.
One thing is absolutely and positively clear - the vast majority of the 'political class', by which I mean the leadership of the three main parliamentary parties, are united in their desire to remain inside the EU. I would go further and suggest that for most of them they could not care less on what terms they remain, either! The swivellings, somersaults and back-flips practiced by 'Dim Dave' in recent days on the subject of a referendum indicate with absolute clarity that he wants in and he will 'Prevaricate for Britain' - and himself - in order to put off the day on which he might be forced to seek our opinion. In the interim he will continue to urge the euro-zone nations to get their finger out and stitch up some sort of deal, it doesn't matter what, and then he will beg them to toss him a trifle or two which he can carry back to the British people in triumph. On that basis the three party leaderships will combine to urge acceptance, and dire warnings will be issued of the apolalypse which will follow any rejection. These dread prospects will be re-inforced by the Grand Panjandrums of the Confederation of British Industry, the agit-prop of the BBC and the massed ranks of The Great & The Good.
Thus, it is essential to agitate in support of a referendum - NOW! And it should be a simple 'in or out' question. Well, that ain't gonna happen but a man can dream, can't he? Even so, we must keep up the agitation for a referendum as soon as possible in order to maintain the pressure on 'Dim Dave'. Those living in the constituencies of Tory MPs should make their views known by every means possible including a promise to vote UKIP if the MP concerned does not turn the thumbscrews on feeble leader. Irrespective of whether or not a deal has been cut with Brussels, I think the referendum should be held on the same day as the election to ensure as good a turn out as possible. Also, if there is no deal finalised it will make it impossible for the 'Ins' to bribe us with whatever 'concessions' Brussels promises, on its honour(!), to bestow on us.
Even so, be honest, I am not sure that the 'Out' vote would win. I think a lot of Brits will blanche at the prospect of walking out of Europe into a cold, lonely world. Thus, it is even more important that the 'Outs' offer a suitably exciting and enticing vision for the people to anticipate. On that subject, I will write more, later.
The thing that has continually puzzled me about our politicians and the E U is their eagerness to hand power to a bunch of unelected,undemocratic foreigners. Surely the climb up the greasy political pole and all the back stabbing and arse licking,is to gain power. Why do it and then give everything away? Madness.
Posted by: johnd2008 | Monday, 02 July 2012 at 16:28
I think I can help you on that one, John. If you get to the top, or close to the top, of the British greasy pole then you will enjoy 'strutting your hour upon the stage' and retire with suitable kudos in honoury jobs (the Lords, perhaps?) and a handsome pension. However, if you don't quite make it you can always try for a Euro-job - better money, better perks and, in Brussels, definitely better food! That hideous, old, Labour bag pretending to be the Grand Imperial Commissioner of Something-or-Other is a case in point. And she wasn't even an MP!
Posted by: David Duff | Monday, 02 July 2012 at 18:09
It would be great if some really prominent and charismatic individuals came out against Europe. We would then have a chance of ordinary people listening without being cowed by the usual outlets. And we need to decouple the debate from UKIP and its little list of extras, as Farage is a clown and not up to the job.
Posted by: Whyaxye | Monday, 02 July 2012 at 18:42
Yes, indeed, where is Winston when you need him?
As for Farage, I will say that he is a very eloquent fellow judging by the YouTube examples of him speaking in Brussels but beyond that I know nothing, and the remainder of his party are underwhelming. However, they are the only threat we have to hold over Cameron and Co.
Posted by: David Duff | Monday, 02 July 2012 at 19:40