Europe

[DodgyAgent]

I don't think anyone can deny that they have the largest and strongest economy in Europe. That's not a recent phenomenon. It's the paranoia about the German-run totalitarian superstate that I can only laugh at.

Just as the stupid people who ignored the rise of Hitler and the third Reich thought.
The difference now is that the Germans are using their economic rather than military might to dominate Europe -

[sasguru]

I don't think anyone can deny that they have the largest and strongest economy in Europe. That's not a recent phenomenon. It's the paranoia about the German-run totalitarian superstate that I can only laugh at.

It's not paranoia.
As I've stated in a previous post the economies of the PIIGS are being run, rightly or wrongly, according to German diktat. That's a fact, not paranoia, supposition or anything else.
Of course if you want a single currency there must be a common policy.
But (unless one is an idiot like Robby) it is wise to acknowledge that there must be other policies than such swingeing austerity as to contract economies to depression-era standards, which seems to be the German way.
It is obviously counter-productive if you have massive debts to contract your economy such that you reduce your chances of paying them off.
Yet this is what is happening.
If one is analytic, one wonders why the Germans are doing this.
Why do you think they are doing this?

[formant]

Just as the stupid people who ignored the rise of Hitler and the third Reich thought.
The difference now is that the Germans are using their economic rather than military might to dominate Europe -

Those evil Germans, evil evil Germans...

[DodgyAgent]

Those evil Germans, evil evil Germans...

Try arguing the point rather than disguising your stupidity. How are the Germans not dominating Europe?

[sasguru]

Those evil Germans, evil evil Germans...

They seem to have turned rather pragmatic recently ....

[sasguru]

It's a shame formant isn't responding to my question. It would be nice to get a German persective.
Although someone under 30 might still have too much idealism and not really understand realpolitik.

[formant]

Formant will respond to your "arguments" when Formant returns to her computer, as she cannot be bothered typing at length on her mobile.

[Doggy Styles]

I have been living and working in the UK for the past 8 years and have no intention to 'go and live there' - wherever 'there' is.

I may even pay for citizenship at some point so that I get to vote here, too. Boohoo.

Oh, and I don't think that referendum is actually going to happen. But feel free to hold your breath.

Why are you so emotionally in favour of the UK integrating closely with the rest of the EU?

Or even the EU integrating more closely within itself?

[sasguru]

Formant will respond to your "arguments" when Formant returns to her computer, as she cannot be bothered typing at length on her mobile.

Referring to oneself in the 3rd person, the use of quotes to denigrate.
You can take the German out of Germany* but ....


*I know more about Germany than most English people, I have in-laws there.

[darmstadt]

Referring to oneself in the 3rd person, the use of quotes to denigrate.
You can take the German out of Germany* but ....


*I know more about Germany than most English people, I have in-laws there.

You are Nigel Farrage (*) and I claim my €5 :-)


(* for those who don't know: In 1999 he married Kirsten Mehr, a German national