RE: International Court

Saddam’s illegitimate son (to an air hostess) lives and works in NZ as a flight engineer. Big deal.

Yet the yanks seem to think this is incredibly important stuff. Not sure why, exactly. What’s the poor guy ever done wrong?

RE: American Bashing!

Arrogance and sugar coating are the key.

Would the US have bothered taking part in WW2 if Japan hadn’t had a go at Pear Harbour? To say that the prime motivation was to free the people of France is not entirely correct now, is it?

I don’t pretend that my own country always acts for the best reasons – I know that we don’t. But the Americans always sugar coat their actions by saying that they are protecting “freedom” or “democracy” or stopping “communism” or “terrorism”. Or even worse, breaking the “axis of evil”.

Therein lies one of the biggest differences.

RE: Additional

How stupid.

1. What if we get another Egypt Air suicide pilot? I can imagine the carnage…

2. If security doors are used there is no need for this anyway.

3. Will they allow foreign aircraft to have guns??

4. General question anyway – what jurisdiction applies to gun use when a US aircraft is outside the US?

RE: Thanks Arthur

Yes, my favourite band.

I remember when Sonne came out last year (is it?) – the video was just, more interesting than others.

Everyone always says that they are the best live band they have seen.

The band members are quite old chaps though aren’t they?

RE: Kyoto Accord. Who has sign

Kyoto is more about efficiency than “limiting industrial output”.

The problem with the US is that they are not very efficient. We’ve all seen the stats – how much energy they use in a year sort of thing.

But with the US economy starting to struggle, an efficiency industry could be a key towards renewed growth. The US scientific base could also export such technology, which would really help with the colossal current account deficit.

I’m still stumped by American resistance – it seems to boil down to a reluctance to be pressured into doing what everyone wants them to do, rather than inherent objections.

RE: Euro nations

Very pragmatic Geforce, but also inconsistent.

At the same time as deriding monarchies (presumably because they are also undemocratic) you also build up the EU (equally undemocratic).

Also, the German economy isn’t that strong. It’s been stagnant for some time now, whereas at least there is some growth in the no. 2 economy (UK). Germany still has many socialist policies, whereas the UK is a little more capitalist.

RE: Sociological question

I think Germans are regarded in a more inclusive fashion than the French. The “banter” one might have with a German is akin to that with a Scot or an Irishman – ie. insulting but not especially meant in bad taste.

At least Germans don’t walk around in skirts and carry sheep intestines around with them!

RE: Euro nations

I don’t think you can compare regional differences within a country to international differences between countries. Regions have a lot more in common than countries do.

Also, the entire EU is undemocratic and corrupt. It absolutely has to be reformed before I would even think about closer links. As a tabloid once said – “Up Yours, Delors!”

The point about the Bank of England being comparble, accountability wise, to the ECB is incorrect. The Governor (Eddie George) is appointed by elected officials. A poorly performing Bank of England reflects badly on the Chancellor, hence there is strong indirect accountability. Not so with the ECB. Who the hell chose Wim Duisenberg?

Going back to my second paragraph, I find it quite silly that people are prepared to vote to get rid of democracy by ceding powers from a directly elected body to a corrupt mess in Brussels, Strasbourg etc..