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Originally posted by NocturnalPhantom
reply to post by JennaDarling
I don't dispute what you say, but I still feel that Western Europe is a distinct historical and cultural block of its own. The Turks, Hungarians, Slavs and Greeks should form a union of their own.edit on 16/8/11 by NocturnalPhantom because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by NocturnalPhantom
reply to post by JennaDarling
Fair enough, I too am fascinated by many European languages and cultures. What worries me about jumping into bed with Eastern Europe is the high level political corruption, and the seemingly mainstream involvement of organised crime and extreme right wing fascist groups. Just look at the disgusting levels of homophobia and racism there, even in mainstream governments. If they can purge themselves politically of this in the future, then yes, let's welcome them. Until then, let's keep them at an arms length.
We have developed a strong liberal secular tradition in modern Western Europe. I'm not too keen to welcome in those who would seek to destroy it.
Originally posted by NocturnalPhantom
reply to post by JennaDarling
There is corruption and so on here, but it is not at the same level in my view. Northern Ireland is certainly full of it, but that's a very specific set of issues.edit on 16/8/11 by NocturnalPhantom because: (no reason given)
Originally posted by NocturnalPhantom
reply to post by JennaDarling
I will give it a read as you suggest. I am aware that many paramilitaries in N Ireland have gone into crime, but wasn't that our fault in the first place for not reaching a better political solution, and a lot sooner in the day. I don't think Ireland should have been kept divided in the first place. But I hardly think this compares to some of the horrors still going on in parts of Eastern Europe.
Originally posted by NocturnalPhantom
reply to post by JennaDarling
[more
And I am not disagreeing with you on that. But I don't see why the nations of Western Europe should want a union with a load of Eastern nations that can at times be just as bad as the situation in Ulster. I am aware that we are far from perfect, but the Eastern nations should at least come to a same level as our own mainstream societies before we jump into bed with them. I don't want a European parliament where half the members are neo-nazi fascists and racists like in Russia and elsewhere.
Why can't you compare europe to the states? The US was founded by european settlers was it not.
Originally posted by NocturnalPhantom
reply to post by JennaDarling
I'm gonna star you for that post. I think ultimately you are right. Bringing them into the fold will bring them under our influence more than just critisizing them from the outside.
In other words I think you were right and I change my mind. A strong Europe can bring a level of prosperity and security that can hopefully negate the need for such extremes. At least I think that's what you're basically saying. If so, then I genuinely thank you for putting me right.
Originally posted by NocturnalPhantom
reply to post by JennaDarling
I am about to read it now, so thank you for posting that too.