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Post by Ribaric on May 6, 2005 15:36:26 GMT 1
The BBC is asking what people (everywhere) think about EU expansion. Assuming the comments they have chosen to highlight (see link) are a fair reflection of those received, then they have an uncanny resemblance to the various Pro/Anti EU threads on these boards from a Croatian perspective. news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/4501179.stmWhat are the chances of the EU deciding to put expansion on hold for a while? If they do, This Gotovina thing won't matter a hill o' beans. |
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Post by Ghost Writer on May 6, 2005 21:19:40 GMT 1
This gave me a laugh....
It was one of the articles in the paper about the EU that you posted.
Many in the UK seem to complain about the influx of legal immigration as jobs disappear because of them. However, the jobs are generally ones avoided by the British. If they want to do it, let them do it, don't criticise them for doing a job you don't want to do!
Paul Ebbens, East Dereham, United Kingdom
The problem with this comment is complete ignorance of what damage happens when you have overwhelming population of illegal immigrants.
British people would do these jobs....say washing toilets...washing dishes...cleaning.... but because of the influx of illegal aliens. Those jobs that use to pay pretty good now do not pay well at all. Basically with the influx of illegal aliens. Jobs that use to pay 20 an hour now pay 10. Basically you have slave labor. It is not a matter of the British not wanting to do certain jobs it is a matter that these jobs no longer pay what they use to because of illegal immigration.
The same thing has happened to jobs in the USA...
Factory worker janitor in the 1980's made $10. dollars the hour. Now that job is filled by an illegal immigrant today for $5.55 an hour. It is also said that whites in America won't do that job... totally UNTRUE, the fact is that a white or a black person worked that job in the 80's. Now it is an illegal immigrant. People can't support themselves on $5.00 the hour unless you are illegal and you are living in poverty and living in unsuitable conditions which an illegal will be willing to do.
I have nothing against legal immigration. I just don't like people that don't follow the rules and come illegally into any country!
Sorry I know this topic is off subject but when I saw this comment I just had to put my 2 cents into the bucket.
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Ribaric too lazy to log in
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Post by Ribaric too lazy to log in on May 6, 2005 21:29:15 GMT 1
I think you have it dead right. Mind you, how much does it say about the quality of life in their own country that people are willing to slave away for a pittance, always hiding from the immigration and police officers, no health care, no civil rights etc.
Going back to the BBC list of quotes, I did raise my rhetorical eyebrow at the 2 or 3 comments from Americans who wanted a strong EU if only to keep their own government "honest". Thought provoking!
The UK general election has just finished and the anti-immigration lobby got nothing. It seems the electorate didn't want the chance to elect the "stop immigration" party.
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Post by Ghost Writer on May 9, 2005 21:45:58 GMT 1
The Americans that made comments about the EU.
I believe those were the only Americans in America that even know what the EU is....hahaha
Sorry but I really don't think americans even have a view on the eu.... I don't think they care unless it effects their buying of burgers and clothes.
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Post by AAC on May 9, 2005 22:29:53 GMT 1
Ghost Writer, I am curious about your experience with America and in particular with Americans. Most of your comments seem extremely negative towards Americans in general calling us "dummies" and such.
I think it is one thing to disagree with a governments policies and actions, most people I know disagree with Americas domestic as well as foreign polices in the last few years but it is quite another thing to turn that into a dislike for the people themselves as you seem to be doing.
As far as my own personal opinion about the EU, I think in theory it was not a bad idea but so far in practice it seems inconsistant and disorganized. The criteria for membership is not consistent and unless some of the new member countries call for equality across the board I fear that the main function of the EU from an economic standpoint will be to provide cheap labor to countries such as Germany and France. This is all preventable of course but seems to be the direction things are moving in.
I know it is fashionable to bash Americans, this has been the case for at least 20 years and I have no doubt it will continue. I have travelled quite a bit in Europe and find that most people are able to separate the actions of a government from the individual citizens but in some countries bashing Americans seems to have evolved into almost a sport. Wishful thinking I know, but I hope that people can judge indivduals based on their own actions and behavior rather than on their governments.
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Post by Ribaric on May 10, 2005 14:22:24 GMT 1
I think a "down side" to being a citizen of the world's most powerful nation is that everyone (huge generalisation there) will dislike you. There's no good reason for it apart from naked envy. All world-leading nations in the past have had significant influence over other countries, it's the way of things, it's easy to find reasons to dislike your big brother. I do agree with you however, I've lived in the States and find people there are good, honest and friendly - just like anywhere else. I can't take the blame for what Blair does nor can I be answerable for what Britain has done in it's past - good or otherwise. You are the same for Dubya and massive international influence the US had throughout the 20th century. We're just folks trying to make our way, right?
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