Tapestry Talks

America Needs To Play Catch-Up

Tapestry, I think you have been given incorrect information about the

US

. Fox News in the United States is a right of center news channel, and is generally hostile to Europe; dismantling Fox will be a victory for Brussels, not Euroskeptics (the American spelling of that word looks ugly, I'll admit).

Also, as far as

Ireland

is concerned, it's generally pro-EU policy and shameful diplomatic past doesn't provide much hope that it will be the savior you imagine.  JF On Conservativehome

MY REPLY

JF, I'm aware of the Fox standpoint. Murdoch is a sly old fox himself. He can run separate strategies in different places in his organisation. In fact he has to do so to disguise his strategies.

He will allow his newspapers to run powerful anti-EU stories, but he will go out of his way to keep the people, who ensure the EU keeps coming, in power, as that is all that matters in the end of the day.

Because he writes anti-EU, people are confused into thinking he has an anti-EU strategy. There is plenty enough evidence that this is a cover-up, and he has made all his progress in monopolising sport TV and holding onto monopolistic media positions by ensuring the various treaties get signed, and their protagonists such as Brown survive in power.

In the

US

, he will be thought of as a eurosceptic too, but that is where you would be wrong again. For evidence on this read Lance Price - The Spin Doctor;s Diary, who worked for Blair in

10 Downing St.

Blair had agreed not to alter his EU policy on any matter without clearing it first with Murdoch.

Leon Brittan, ex-EU Commissioner is quoted this weekend as saying that Blair took more trouble to negotiate so that Rupert Murdoch's privileges could survive, than he bothered to protect

Britain

's economy. And

Leon

's a europhile!

The Murdoch position is sufficient to deceive most people in

washington

, and most people in

Britain

. If the

USA

wants to stop the EU Constitution, they must exert leverage on Murdoch one way or another - although it might be a bit late. But that's who controls the allocation of psoition amond=gst British politicans. So far Parliament has always caved in to his pressure.

Maybe this time, MPs will stand and fight for their survival, but it will help a lot if Murdoch is neutralised.

America

's intervention will be essential to achieve this.

Posted by: tapestry | June 25, 2007 at 05:59 PM

Wakey Wakey America

America might be a little bit more alert about the Constitution Treaty than they were at the time of the Nice Treaty in 2001. Pre 9/11 America had no idea or interest outside its borders. Europe was only of mild interest as a holiday destination.

Now it is the greatest potential threat to the stability of America's world, not just because Europe harbours terrorists that desire America harm. The EU itself, en bloc would set itself in competition with the USA as its number 1 objective. Judging by US channel news reports, they are at last awake to the threat.

They could start work in Ireland and encourage the Irish to remember the ancient loyalties between Ireland and America, and persuade the Irish to reject the Treaty.

Failing that, they could strong arm Rupert Murdoch and threaten him with the loss of his precious FIX, sorry FOX TV. Murdoch is subject to EU competition laws and acts as the main manipulator of EU power in Britain to ensure they leave him alone to make billions from TV sport - never mind the headlines in The Sun.

Murdoch backed Blair all the way, and he's backing Brown now. The USA must surely realise that they need to twist Murdoch's arm up his back harder than the EU is doing if they want the Constitution buried.

Other than that, once the EU acquires the statehood it desires, the USA might as well accept that there is trouble ahead, and it will have to fall into line behind Brussels, and face humiliation.

I am sure America is not sleeping this time, and she will fight to stop Merkel and Sarkozy. It's not too late, just nearly too late.

Will The Irish Put The Brakes On The EU Constitution?

Ireland rejected the Nice Treaty in a referendum which nearly scuppered it. But the EU ignored the result, and the referendum was held again the following year. The Irish economy was booming and the Treaty with a few concessions was passed in the next referendum.

Ireland's mood now is probably the same - favourable to the EU as they've become so rich - the richest country in Europe per capita. Their economy has made them all millionaires.

But the economy is suffering from an excessive concentration in property and construction now, and their trade with the USA is being hit by the falling dollar and rising euro. But I think they are all too rich to notice or care.

Posted by: Tapestry | 25 June 2007 at 11:40 (Conservativehome)

True, Tapestry, the Irish may well vote for the new treaty. But the central fact is that they will have a referendum, because the Irish Constitution was codified and protected from amendment by the government and/or MPs. There are advantages in that appproach, but also disadvantages. The Irish government did moot whether to free itself from the nuisance of having to hold referendums, but that proposal was quickly quashed - for the time being.

http://blogs.unige.ch/droit/ceje/dotclear/index.php/Ireland

May 13 2005

"In the face of widespread criticism from the opposition parties and media commentators, the Irish government has decided to drop its proposal to allow itself to agree to a wide range of EU policy changes without consulting the people. Originally, the Government's proposed wording for the forthcoming referendum of the EU Constitution contained a passerelle provision, allowing agreement to substantive EU policy changes (including the abolition of the national veto in unspecified areas) to be approved by the Houses of Parliament without the need for a popular referendum (see my blog entry of 6th May).

This proposal was condemned by some commentators on the basis that it was not technically required by the EU Constitution. Opposition politicans denounced the proposal as undemocratic, with the anti-Constitution Sinn Fein suggesting that it would amount to a further erosion of Irish sovereignty.

The Government was fearful that this controversy would lead to a negative vote on the Constitution, and has quickly moved to drop this proposal. Last weekend, a government spokesperson made the following statement: "The Government is sensitive to the political argument that the scope of the procedure might be exaggerated in a referendum campaign, and is now tending to the view that arrangements for ratification, even of such limited treaty change, should remain as at present - namely a decision would be taken on a case-by-case basis as to whether a referendum would be necessary"

The amended wording for the referendum will now allow the Government freedom to approve the abolition of the national veto in specified policy areas only."

Posted by: Denis Cooper | 25 June 2007 at 12:04

The Irish were permitted to opt out of involvement with any EU Military Action after their first referendum rejection of Nice. This was the focus of the rejection campaign, maintaining an independent position for Irish defence. The pro-EU voters came back and voted Nice through after this concession.

Sinn Fein is anti-EU and so are the Greens, but they are minority parties in the Irish Parliament. It will be interesting to see if the anti-EU campaigners in Ireland can find a focus this time to reject the Constitution.

Ireland might be sensitive to the right of the EU to operate an independent foreign policy in competition with the USA. Ireland has close connections and much more trade with the USA than the rest of Europe, and the potential loss of an independent foreign policy might become a focus, as EU foreign policy is almost bound to be anti-American.

In 2001 the USA was still not very aware that the EU posed a substantial threat to US foreign policy. It was pre-9/11 and the USA was still feeling hugely secure with the dotcom boom in flood and the joy of the Clinton years.

The USA is far more sensitive to foreign policy now, and is likely to be keen to halt the EU Constitution if it can. They would be able to provide largescale funding to any political opposition. It is a possible area of concern for the Brussels centralisers that the Irish might again throw a spanner in the works.

Posted by: Tapestry | 25 June 2007 at 12:04

Father Time Calls Ken Clarke and Michael Heseltine

On second thoughts, Clarke and Heseltine cannot be thrown out or treated harshly. They are quite old men now, and have illustrious careers behind them. They need handling with care, or their health might be impaired. Maybe a long cruise would be appropriate paid for from Conservative funds by a grateful and admiring Party. They mustn't suffer any stress, so no phones, internet or TV allowed. Just nature, rest and composure.

Ken Clarke obviously suffers from some kind of stress reaction nervous condition, which compels him to change his story every few weeks. It's embarrassing to see it after so much good work in the past. Help him in his dotage. It comes to us all one day.

Ken Clarke Must Wait Outside Headmaster's Study

The media is in full cry trying to slide the EU Constitution past the noses of the people, and puff up Gordon Brown, the man selected to perform their final act of treachery. Which names would you expect to be at the forefront - Portillo? yes. Ken Clarke? yes.

The Portillo critique is pantomime, straight from Bruce Forsyth's The Generation Game. 'Modernise more, modernise more - not that much.' Portillo's starting to look and sound dated, which is quite comical for a professed moderniser. It would be nice to take him seriously, but who does?

Ken Clarke's brilliance is combined with his usual appalling inattention to detail. He needs a damned good thrashing. He'd look perfect in 1930's school cap, short trousers and a blazer wouldn't he, combined with cheeky grin. 'Just William' springs to mind.

If these two jokers are the worst the media can find to throw at us, then we can get straight back to the serious business. Hague's impressing me no end.

Cameron should let the media do their worst, not rush out and lower himself to responding to such nonsense. He will pick his moment, once all the Brown ballyhoo starts to tire. Knowing Gordon Brown, he won't have long to wait.

Posted by: Tapestry | June 24, 2007 at 11:35

Harman Foretold (Modestly)

MY POST ON JUNE 15th - How secure is the postal voting system being used? If it’s anything like the general election system, there will be plenty of opportunity for someone to rig the process to bring the ‘required’ result.

What would Broon’s desired result be? Hilary Benn possibly. No possible threat to Broon as a future leader, and another one who’s keen to hand billions over to African dictators like Broon himself. Johnson’s not going to be Broon’s choice as he might become a threat and he’s known to be Blairite. The other possible winner in a rigged vote would be Harriet Harman. Broon would not feel threatened by her, and he’d look good having a woman alongside. Ignoring the genuine voting, and imagining that the whole thing’s going to rigged anyway, it looks like Harman.

by Tapestry June 15th, 2007 at 10:25 am on Politicalbetting

and now a wafer thin supposed victory. it’s a classic fiddled election result like France’s referendum on the Euro. How many elections across Eurpe now smell of fixing? Sarkozy? Merkel especially? apparently by one seat. Funny how the most pro-Euro ones win every time.

Doubts About Constitution Grow

The Observer celebrates shrilly the Treaty with its headline on page 35 - Europe Finally Unites After Agreeing To Treaty.

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,2109970,00.html

In the third column, the tone of celebration is moderated by 'fears that Sarkozy had suceeded in diluting the EU's historic commitment to an unfettered free market.  Alarm bells rang..in the British delegation when it emerged that Merkelhad agreed to drop the EU's 50 year commitment to promoting 'undistorted competition'.

Lord Brittan said,'so much capital was devoted to supporting 'red lines' for the benefit of Rupert Murdoch that a substantial weakening of competition policy was slipped through that is damaging to Britain.'

This view from a previous EU Commissioner and Europhile is interesting.  Lance Price wrote in his Spin Doctor's Diary that Rupert Murdoch effectively controlled Britain's relationship with the EU under Blair.  This was not expanded on and seemed an almost incredible assertion.  But here again in today's Observer we find the same implication - that Rupert Murdoch controls our negotiations with the EU.

Clearly Gordon Brown is going to allow Murdoch to dictate his European Policy.  To achieve a democracy,  Rupert Murdoch should be standing for election, not Gordon Brown.  Britain is ruled secretly by a dictator who is protecting his media privileges - and the same privileges enable him to exert so much leverage over our political system that he can effectively control it.  If you ever doubted this theory, we now have more evidence.

Cameron and Hague will be facing withering fire from Murdoch as they campaign for the referendum, and Brown will be praised to the rafters for pursuing his act of treachery to the politcal system that has promoted him to its pinnacle. 

I doubt labour MPs will allow this Murdoch regime to continue further - the same one that pushed Britain into Iraq, and now wants to push Britain into a protectionist corrupt and closed Europe...all just to help Murdoch make money.  It's time they rebelled, and joined forces with Cameron to get Britain out of this pernicious Murdoch-controlling fix.

Brown on The Politics Show

Brown on The Politics Show - now

Q. Are you going to have a deputy prime minister?

A. That's up to me.

Q. The Deputy Leadership Contest looked like a leap to the left.

A. All must support the manifesto of our party...we must honour our manifesto.

No comeback from interviewer that a referendum was promised in the Labour Party manifesto.

Q. Europe?

A. I've read the detail from Brussels. All our 4 red lines have been achieved. In these areas we are properly protected as a country.

Q. will there be a referendum?

A. because we've achieved all 4 red lines, the public would not expect a referendum.

Q. Hague says you have no mandate to agree the Treaty.

A. He would say that wouldn't he. The effects people are claiming are not true.

Q. Qualified Majority Voting.

A. We've asked for QMV in certain areas. It's not a constitution. It's an amending treaty. Our negotiations have been successful.
We've met our red line negotiating objectives.

Q. will Blair become Bush's middle east envoy?

A. lots of words meaning YES.

Q. how will you personally change in the way you deal with your colleagues.

A. you have to bring people together. you have to reach out, build a shared sense of national purpose. education. science. innovation. build a national consensus.

GORDON, 85% of your people want a referendum on the Constitution. A majority of MPs want one. How will you achieve national consensus from the 15% who don't care about Europe?

Gordon Brown's Loneliness

Losing Tony is a big blow to Gordon. Yes he pulverised him on a weekly basis, and raged at him for 14 years, but Gordon's human too and needs individuals who can cope with constant and regular abuse to keep him happy. Ashdown rejected him. Alan Sugar, the biggest abuser on TV, and who makes Simon Cowell seem like Mother T, has now rejected Gordon too. Is there anyone else out there wo could help?

ITV are launching a new reality TV show in the summer, competing with 'Britain's Got Talent' to find the ideal partner for Gordon our psycho Prime Minister. Gordon Brown deserves to be happy as much as any other human being.

Here's his latest ad from a lonely hearts column, submitted secretly but you can tell who it easily enough. Can you please help Gordon. He's a heart of gold underneath. It just needs someone with a kind heart and he'll work out just fine.
ADVERT -
'lonely megalomaniac seeks partner, who possesses easy way with people, is good with media, and who enjoys continual abuse and fits of jealous rage. GSOH essential, and an ability to give and take - well a lot more give than take actually. rewards will be considerable for anyone who can cope working with this psycho. Please write in confidence to 'Gordon' P.O.Box 10DS
Whitehall, LONDON.

Farage Tanks

Two years ago Nigel Farage, UK Indpendence Party leader parked his real tank on the lawns at the Conservative Party's mini conference.  He's at it again - showing his love of tracked vehicles and their potential for making political points - except he's had the guns removed thsi time.  It's a blow up bulldozer.  Most ingenious.

A bulldozer was in origin a powerful whip which would reduce a bull into a compliant state.  The Belgian Police used their version by threatening Farage with 12 hours in jail if he wouldn't remove his from the Place of Free Expression!

http://www.ukip.org/ukip_news/gen12.php?t=1&id=3079

Roger Helmer MEP (Conservative) and Chair of The Freedom Association is launching his campaign against the Con-Treaty this weekend in London.  His style will be more intellectual, and as he's launching in London, it's unlikely he will be arrested.  Of course the media will do its best to ignore them all regardless.

De Gaulle famously said - Treaties are like girls and flowers. They last while they last.

This one's wilting already. How can any government in a supposedly democratic country override the wishes of 80% of the people and sign an unwanted Treaty?

Merkel might want unification of Europe. Do the German people? I don't think they do. They tried it before, and it didn't work out too well last time.

The nations of Europe should respect each other's democracies, and not inflict yet more injury on each other.