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May 27, 2005
The Masses are Revolting!
“The masses are revolting!” says the courtier to the King. “They certainly are” the King replies. So is the image of one of my favorite Baloo political cartoons.
With this as an introduction news comes to us from the land of Louis (“ I am the State!”) XIV that French President Jacques Chirac has said “tuff noogies” to the voters of France if they vote down ratification of the proposed European Union constitution. He will disregard their voice and “move ahead” with the “Process” which is as ominous sounding verbiage as I have heard from the continent in while now.
“Turmoil as Chirac Plots to Disregard 'Non' Vote” says the headline.
“President Chirac of France” says the Times of London, “is preparing to throw Europe into confusion and put Britain on the spot by backing moves to keep the European constitution alive if it is rejected in Sunday’s referendum.”
So the people will get this arrangement foisted upon them whether they want it or not!
Further, “[Chirac] and other "yes" campaigners have said repeatedly during the campaign that there is no “Plan B” if the treaty is rejected and that there would not be a second referendum. *
But one option being discussed in senior diplomatic circles is for candidates in the French presidential election in 2007 to promise to ratify the treaty in parliament rather than by referendum.”**
Heads we win say the elites, and tails you lose! Vive la Democracy!
I get into arguments with constitutional statists, minarchists, and “strict constructionist” conservatives constantly about the problem of setting up and maintaining a political system so the elites can’t hijack it for their own ends. I maintain that humane democratic governance can only be established and endure in small enclaves or groups where all are stakeholders and the winners and losers of each and every decision are clearly known.
*(Emphasis mine)
**(Emphasis mine)
Posted by Ali Massoud at May 27, 2005 12:14 PM
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