13th May 2008
Some days I just wonder about the world
10,000 or more dead in China, maybe 100,000 in Burma. A corrupt and despotic government in Zimbabwe and little hope for anyone in Tibet makes you wonder about the world.
Back on the old turf we are tearing ourselves apart over a European treaty which is being opposed by a coalition with one thing in common, their world view goes no father then the shores of this island.
I know all politics is local and all charity starts at home but this is 2008. We are in the midst of an amazing technological and communications revolution and in may ways we are in a more fair and equitable world than ever before. Globalisation has its detractors, and many of their arguments are indeed strong. Of course the European Union has its opponents but most of their arguments a little more than narrow minded nationalism.
It’s a big world we live in and even though we may be a small place that does not abdicate us of responsibility to care and consider those beyond our shores. I can’t see how supporting a Yes vote for the Lisbon treaty threatens that.
It seems to me that on the ground here the No camp has established a momentum. True, the Yes leads marginally in a recent poll and enjoyed a Cowen-bounce it seems. But from talking to people who are against, a lot of negative (and often untruthful) assertions made by the No camp, in the absence of repost from a sluggish Yes side, are embedded like seeds in people’s minds. Many people genuinely think the Treaty is self-amending without any recourse to the nations. Others are firm in their belief that Lisbon brings us straight up to the doors of a Federal Europe. And so on.
I wonder if the slow start by the Yes campaign has allowed a certain stickiness in the No arguments. What I mean is, if certain opinions are not challenged quickly they seem to be harder to dislodge later. As if people go through a period when they are taking in the arguments, and then decide, after which point they are harder to shift back.
I wonder if you have any opinion on this and how the late start by the Yes camp is seem from a PR perpective.
Hey
Since you are in such a happy mood. (According to the Devenport Diaries) Our DFM took seven business flights at a cost of £13,540 that’s about £1,934 per flight. Wish I could afford it. Oh that’s right they are using our money for them! Bet he didnt fly with easyJet!