Returning to DNMT after a hectic family weekend, I find myself the Featured Blogger. Thank you for the kind words , Bearsy. The avatar is a euro-sceptic symbol which I found on the internet. Originally I was all in favour of the EU and regretted that (another) stupid Labour government had not accepted the original invitation to Britain to become a founding member. This would have deprived de Gaulle of the pleasure of vetoing our subsequent application for membership and would have made our relationship with the EU completely different.
Now, however, I am completely disillusioned with the current EU set-up. There is corruption and malpractice – why have the auditors not signed off an the accounts for over 10 years now? There is a lack of democracy, with unelected commissioners (frequently dregs like Kinnock) imposing rules and regulations. These same rules and regulations seem to be disregarded by several countries with impunity. Britain plays fair and where does it get us?
I am delighted that Chancellor Merkel is now putting the interests of her own country first. I am pleased that several rather wide cracks are appearing in the surface of both the EU and the eurozone. A former Dutch commissioner is saying that it is ludicrous to have 27 commissioners; 12 would be sufficient in his considered opinion. A parliament that allows a dubious character like Daniel Cohn-Bendit to abuse a guest speaker such as Vaclav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, a man with more experience and integrity than most of the MEPs put together, is a disgrace. Eurosceptic? Moi? Yes, indeed.
Boadicea's Chariot 
Ah, I have often wondered about your avatar, Sheona, so thank you for the explanation. I agree with you, in that I was originally in favour of the EU when it was just a trading block, but now I share at least some of your reservations.
Sheona:
Me too. I was always suspicious when the government of the day (Labour, what a surprise) held a referendum which basically asked if you wanted to be a member of the Common Market, which would always make sense. That was the last time anyone in the UK has had any say in the matter and I want out ASAP!
I will come back to this for a proper read later; it looks very interesting.
My French husband is very pro Europe. In fact, I’m sure he and Richard from MyT would get on like a house on fire…Anyway, I need to read up on it some more.
Curious how Europe’s been taken off the AQA curriculum at A level, however. I wonder if it’s because they think the whole Europe debacle has had its day.
Thanks for the information, Sheona. Like many, I was in favour of the Common Market, but never in favour of the political union. It’s about time Britain started looking after its own interests first… and not last as seems to be the case at the moment.
I know Bearsy likes it, but I don’t. I think it’s horrid. I find it rather sinister. I am however, pro Europe.
It’s colourful, well drawn and imaginative, Isobel. But hey, we don’t have to agree!
Pro-Europe? Have you been on the funny mushrooms again?
And the UK is planning to influence the global economy single-handedly? You must be factoring in the commonwealth to a large extent … a way-large extent … or influence in the global economy is of no importance? I’m missing something here. Though it may be just the details.
If you’re addressing me, Jaime (and of course you may not be), forget it, I’m an Australian. We ARE the global economy! 😀
I know that, Bearsy, and the global economy AND the kings of surfing. It was an address to the general audience.
… and don’t forget the cricket!
Put me down in the ‘like’ column re the avatar.
and the ‘get me the hell out of it fast’ column re EUSSR. 🙂
I always assumed your avatar was an album cover from some band in the 70’s, Sheona!
My avatar is rather sinister, Isobelandcat. It symbolises what the EU is doing to us all.
Pseu, it would have been the sixties for me!
Maybe 60’s…
Scepticism implies open-mindedness, Sheona … that’s hardly what your avatar suggests.
‘why have the auditors not signed off an the accounts for over 10 years now?’
It has a lot to do with lower accounting standards in the member states, which disburse 80% of the EU budget.