". . . To see oursels as others see us". I hope to God I have that Burns quotation dead right or else 'MacDM' is going to be down on me like a ton of haggis!
It is more usually translated for ignorant English ears as 'Oh for the gift that God would give us, to see ourselves as others see us'. You will find a perfect example of what Burns meant over at Der Spiegel - and like all home truths it is not comfortable reading. Written by Wolfgang Kaden it is entitled The Failure of a Forced Marriage which, as a summary of Britain's relationship with Europe is not, I think, entirely accurate. It has certainly been a failure but we in the UK cannot escape blame for our folly because we allowed out leaders to jump into bed with the 'attractive' Europeans and then we voted in favour of the marriage. Of course, having taken the leap and made solemn promises, 'Miss Great Britain' simply could not entirely forget that handsome GI who had come over during the war with silk stockings and food parcels, and her eyes and heart kept wandering! As seen through the eyes of our continental husband and his family, we were flighty and flirty but even worse, we were unserious! It is necessary always to remember that seriousness is an important virtue in certain European quarters. Well, I will leave it to Herr Kaden to give his side of the story which, I confess, has some element of truth in it.
Somefinks up, ctd. I'm wondering whether the French and German banks are in much worse nick than outsiders have realised, and that something in Cameron's terms would have revealed the fact. So Merkozy settled for the inconvenience of the 26 - or whatever lesser number materialises - rather than risk a 27. If so (and it's just a guess)then a shit-fan coincidence might be close.
Bring our troops home now!
Posted by: dearieme | Saturday, 10 December 2011 at 22:15
D
David
In a way he is saying what I have read from several British and European sources and relevantly neutral North American sources. Britain and the EU was never a comfortable fit.
An article I read some time ago explaining European attitudes pointed out that the UK was the only European participant in WWII that was not occupied by an enemy. An unpleasant experience the contitental countries will pay dearly to avoid repeating. A little too dearly is reasonable possibility. But without that experience the British will be a constant irritant in their plans and actions.
This is probably better for both the UK and the EU.
http://eclecticmeanderings.blogspot.com/
Hank’s Eclectic Meanderings
Posted by: Hank | Saturday, 10 December 2011 at 23:32
David
This is off subject, but considering your former line of work.
http://www.rokemneedlearts.com/carsindepth/wordpressblog/?p=6123
http://eclecticmeanderings.blogspot.com/
Hank’s Eclectic Meanderings
Posted by: Hank | Sunday, 11 December 2011 at 02:38
I've also been wondering why Cameron thought it necessary to protect the Single Market. On reflection, it's obvious. Merkozy must have been planning to exclude British financial firms from continental markets.
Posted by: dearieme | Sunday, 11 December 2011 at 07:21
Tanx Greato Hank! Just the link for gettin' the gears turnin' on a early (fairly) Sunday mornin'.
http://www.rokemneedlearts.com/carsindepth/wordpressblog/?p=6142
Posted by: JK | Sunday, 11 December 2011 at 15:52
OK JK, that's brilliant.
I hope your Cadillac is warm and running nicely this morning.
Posted by: Andra | Sunday, 11 December 2011 at 23:52