Rugby - Autumn Beckons!

[LDiCesare]

Not quite – I could have called you a Bath fan. Or Welsh.

Are there Welsh Bath fans?

[finbar]

Originally posted by LDiCesare
Are there Welsh Bath fans?

Now if that doesn't light Havak's fuse, nothing will.

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
And which of us is which of them? To strangle English Grammar.

Well, I wouldn't trust Tamerlin with lyrics, so I guess that makes you Mick and him Keef. Still, I can see you on Jerry Hall's arm, and I can see Tamerlin with an IV drip of vodka and a carton of Marlboro in his mouth.

Yes it sits ‘above’ as such – and in theory it now answers to the Parliament only in that they have to approve it’s initial appointment. It’s one of the least democratic aspects of the EU and something even Tamerlin couldn’t sell in a month of Sundays. I believe each incoming President of the EU assembles a Commission based on names put forward by each member state – hence Tony putting his old mate Mandy on the gravy train. The big countries expect the prime portfolios – and that Italian homophobic chauvinist was due to be commissioner for Justice. You couldn’t write a better script were it a movie?

What a bizarre system. So what's the purpose of the Euro Parliament? Not to run the Union? The commission does? If so, what's the purpose of the Parliament?

I think the article I linked pointed out that the parliament has only recently been given the power to ‘rubber stamp’ these crony posts – and used it to flex their muscles for the first time ever. They did this in the only way they were allowed to – rejecting the entire line up the incoming president put forward.

If I am wrong Tamerlin will no doubt correct me.

I think you're right. That's pretty much what I read here.

And they never really achieve anything against the powerful member states – Italy for example have a level of compliance that would seem to make their membership of the EU in name only (no wonder Finbar loves it).

But that's Italy! Italians, and I mean the everyday Italians, live their lives regardless of who governs them, regardless of the Pope, regardless of everything. That's what I love about the place. Life goes on, and bugger whomever happens to be in authority. Unlike this country. You can't escape the effects of the government in this country. Which is why I'm leaving.

[LDiCesare]

So what's the purpose of the Euro Parliament? Not to run the Union?

To not govern? They do pass some laws. I once saw on TV an example of how a law would be passed. It would take asround one year to get it ready, with lots of votes, amendments, work by people in Brussels and in the Parliament, and end up with either nothing or a text that member states wouldn't apply. I'm quite confident in the future for that reason. We can hardly make something more useless.

[finbar]

Mmmm. Looking at it from this distance, it seems to be a system that will always be tied in knots by self-interest. Understandable, in a way, with so many nations putting their own priorities first. Maybe the EU is one of those nice ideas that will struggle to work in practice.

[finbar]

Gloucester wing James Simpson-Daniel has been ruled out of England's clash with Canada with a hamstring injury.

Opening up an opportunity for someone who can tackle.

[ravagon]

Originally posted by Havak

US Congressmen are at least elected – EU Comissioners are not – and there’s the problem.

Slight misunderstanding.
US confirmation hearings (if I have the correct term) are held by the US congress to confirm/reject the appointed officials of the executive branch - Presidential advisors/government heads, etc - in essence exactly the same way your elected EU MP's are confirming/rejecting the unelected candidates for the EU watchamacallit.
Importantly though, in the US case it isn't an all-or-none situation, and if a particular candidate is rejected it isn't the end of the entire group.
Seems like a pretty bizarre system to me.
I can partly understand why it came about - preventing the bureaucratic nightmare of confirming/rejecting every one individually but I would've thought member states had already resigned themselves to such a fate with the whole EU deal anyway.

And they never really achieve anything against the powerful member states – Italy for example have a level of compliance that would seem to make their membership of the EU in name only (no wonder Finbar loves it). And the UK uses it’s opt-outs and veto freely. In fact the day the Franco-German axis eliminates the veto is the day we pull the parachute.

Well, quite. Wouldn't want those lesser nations to get the feeling that they actually have a serious say in self governance now would we?
Wouldn't have been much point in conquering them in the first place otherwise ..

[ravagon]

Originally posted by finbar

Zinzan ravagon!

Catchy!

[ravagon]

Originally posted by LDiCesare

To not govern? They do pass some laws. I once saw on TV an example of how a law would be passed. It would take asround one year to get it ready, with lots of votes, amendments, work by people in Brussels and in the Parliament, and end up with either nothing or a text that member states wouldn't apply. I'm quite confident in the future for that reason. We can hardly make something more useless.

So the EU parliament is, in essence, solely a legislative branch?
Now how on earth did the whole EU put their collective heads together and come up with the US government as a model for a new Europe?

[Havak]

Are there Welsh Bath fans?

The serious answer is ‘yes’ – the West Country is pretty close to the border. But my own personal answer would be it’s too hard to tell the difference – both bleat about their woeful rugby sides.

and I can see Tamerlin with an IV drip of vodka and a carton of Marlboro in his mouth.

He installed the web cam then?

it seems to be a system that will always be tied in knots by self-interest.

In a way I would like to expand that to discuss the situation over is the US – but I’m off site this afternoon so will have to pick that up tomorrow.

Opening up an opportunity for someone who can tackle.

Not at all – with Lewsey fit again he was never going to play ahead of Josh or Benny boy.

Seems like a pretty bizarre system to me.

I did misunderstand your point on Congress.

And as for the EU system ‘Bizarre’ sums it up nicely. German order, Italian flare, French style all in the mix – but they should have run it past British common sense as well. After all out parliament is really sensible (security still wear tights and sword belts).

but I would've thought member states had already resigned themselves to such a fate with the whole EU deal anyway.

Only the weak willed ones. The UK is still using the ‘make the world England’ edict of George I.

Wouldn't have been much point in conquering them in the first place otherwise ..

Well quite – and when we do give you a choice just look at what you elect (and again the US issue niggles at me for comment – must resist!).

Still our Lizzie is the Aussie head of state in OZ isn’t she?

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak

Still our Lizzie is the Aussie head of state in OZ isn’t she?

The software wouldn't let me use anymore!

[Tamerlin]

Originally posted by finbar
... and I can see Tamerlin with an IV drip of vodka and a carton of Marlboro in his mouth.

You are not so far from the truth, I am just recovering from a long (november the first is a holiday in France) and very tough week-end which did not let me any time for Apolyton. I must admit that I currently don't have the time (read "I am too lazy at this moment") to answer the Euro-babble you have produced this week. The questions are rather complex and needs some thought...

And George "Witless" Bush for four more years does not improve the lot...

[Havak]

Yes but consider this Finbar - Lizzie as head of state or Howard as President?



*Finbar searches for ways to increase smiley limits*

[finbar]

Originally posted by Tamerlin
You are not so far from the truth, I am just recovering from a long (november the first is a holiday in France) and very tough week-end which did not let me any time for Apolyton. I must admit that I currently don't have the time (read "I am too lazy at this moment") to answer the Euro-babble you have produced this week. The questions are rather complex and needs some thought...

Bullsh*t! The whole EU thing is a typically European cocktail of ideas and intentions doomed to failure because self-interest will forever be paramount.

And George "Witless" Bush for four more years does not improve the lot...

I'm fleeing Australia for Italy to avoid John Howard - to where do I flee to avoid Witless!?

[finbar]

Originally posted by Havak
Yes but consider this Finbar - Lizzie as head of state or Howard as President?

I'm all for installing Howard as President. The words President and assassination have an historical link.

*Finbar searches for ways to increase smiley limits*

Stupid Greek/Canadian site software!