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Ian Kenway boosted
Ian Kenway boosted

RT @GretaThunberg@twitter.com
The huge, proposed new fossil gas terminal in Göteborg has been denied its final permit and will not be built because of the climate crisis.
Activism works. So act! twitter.com/fossilgasfallan/st

Ian Kenway boosted
Ian Kenway boosted
Ian Kenway boosted

@freemo

Thank you for your recent comments.

You refer to the EU as a ‘consolidated power’. In a sense this is true, but so too is the USA. (I lived in Nevada for over two-and-half years – now threatened by climate change - the Colarado river, Lake Mead etc.) What matters is the history that led to its creation and provides its fundamental raison d’etre. In the case of the EU, this ultimately is not trade, but the prevention of war in wider Europe which was the cockpit of two devasting conflicts. My grandfather, along with a number of uncles as well as my late wife’s father who was born in British Guiana (as then known) in South America, put their lives on the line to defeat fascism. The latter has never gone away and in recent years has re-emerged from the shadows wearing the mask of ‘populism’ i.e. ‘the will of the people’ etc.

The desire to prevent another world war starting in Europe lies at the heart of the Treaty of Rome and was underwritten by the four freedoms enshrined in it – namely the freedom of movement of goods, services, capital and persons. Me, I believe that the ‘four freedoms’ should be extended globally. To that end, I think that all countries should aim to dismantle border controls and make ‘passports’ a thing of the past. I also believe in free markets rather than ‘command height economies’ (e.g. former USSR), However, most free markets are not fair because they are rigged (cartels and monopolies) and most regulatory bodies are stuffed with industry insiders and, for that reason alone, can never be effective. But there are many other freedoms that need to be enshrined in international law. For example, the right to privacy, the right to cognitive liberty (including ending the so-called ‘War on Drugs’), the right to freedom from poverty (Basic Income to replace means-tested state benefits). I also believe that 14-year-olds should be given the vote. And so on and so forth…

The EU is confronting many problems. It needs to undergo serious reforms. However, at the end of the day, I believe it to be an heir of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. Compared to the ridiculous shenanigans at Westminster in recent years, it is a beacon of civility and serious forward-thinking. Yes, it makes mistakes. Yes, it is occasionally overbearing. However, its sins are trivial when compared to those of national governments. Paradoxically, Brexit has strengthened rather than weakened its hand. In the Netherlands those in favour of remaining in the EU stands at roughly 72% even though the population is increasingly confused on the subject. Many countries are seeking to join the Union (Bosnia, Moldova, Albania and indeed, still, Turkey). I understand that multi-lateralism is anathema to Trump and Putin, but to be honest, that’s their problem, not mine.

Finally, while I agree that if the UK were to leave the EU without a deal, new trade deals would take place, they would be slow in the making and leave the UK significantly worse off. You don’t need to believe me, you just need to poll any reasonably informed person in the Commonwealth, Japan, Far East Asia or the Antipodes!

Best (me – “just relaxed and paying attention” (or trying to))!

Ian Kenway boosted

Canucks shaken then stirred by All Blacks hospitality

Well, after losing 63-nil the hard way, we really needed a beer! :-)

rugbyworldcup.com/news/496327

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