New Europe wisdom

‘New Europe’ is fighting back against the Neo-Cons.
The former communist countries of Eastern Europe seamlessly accepted the benign domination of the world’s only superpower after decades under the malign domination of the Soviet Union superpower. It was comfortable and familiar to slip again into their small nation/ big brother role.
Bush hailed them as New Europe backing his Iraq disaster, rather then Old Europe which took an independent line. He assumed that they would be a soft touch for US nuclear bases. He justified this escalation of terror because of the mighty threat from the uber-nations of .........North Korea and Iran???

The docile Czechs appeared to be happy to have a radar station on their land that would make their country a target for future nuclear aggressors. This week a new poll proves new strong opposition. Majority support has changed to 70% opposition. The Czech Social Democrats, who are 9% up in the polls, are demanding a referendum to oppose the US plans.

These are very healthy signs that Bush’s belligerent plans will unravel and the world will be a safer, less confrontational place. Strange that here we are comatose about Menwith Hill. We have generously offered ourselevse as the first strike casualties of a nuclear exchange for so long, that we no longer resist.

Croeso

A bracing stimulating morning with an exceptionally lively group of American students.

They cross-examined me about Commons traditions, global warning, the NHS, election funding, Welsh devolution immigration and the next US president.

The answer that always shocks Americans is that I spend a mere £4,000 every 4-5 years getting elected. They are used to money being the main lubricant of American politics. Their senators are exceptionally well rewarded with pay and perks. It is worthwhile for one of them Trent Lott to resign to become a lobbyist. He can use his influence to add a few ‘0’s to his income in the pork barrel orgy of greed.
Even good idealistic candidates are pressured to sell their souls to the arms trade, pharmaceutical industry and the gun lobby. As Michigan is in the spotlight now, candidates are terrified of opposing gas-guzzling, environment-ruining SUVs, for fear of frightening the voters.

In spite of our incurable moaning, there are still great merits in our system. The sharp questioning of the American students showed them to fine ambassadors of their nation. Compassionate with needle-sharp intelligence, they are welcome to make a return visit at any time.

Crumblies cull.
Two senior Labour MPs have been de-selected.

Their local party have voted in younger candidates for the next General Election. Former gravedigger and redcoat, Frank Cook was dropped after 24 years in Stockton in favour of a local councillor. He has been a good MP especially in international affairs.

Also dropped is veteran anti-war Labour MP Bob Wareing. He has vowed to stand against New Labour after his constituency party deselected him from his Merseyside seat in favour of former minister Stephen Twigg. Bob blames New labour but his local support was very thin.

In a previous parliament a globe trotting MP was de-selected from his Bootle seat because he ‘spent too much time abroad’. He indignantly denied this is a call to the Guardian. Unfortunately his case was weakened when he explained that he speaking from his hotel in Kathmandu.

The over-70s are an atrociously under-represented minority in parliament. Its time to call a stop to the cull, heavens knows where it will lead. (Interest declared)