The European Union - an entity promoted by eager politicians who apparently continue to turn a deaf ear to European citizens - is going through some serious issues. Not only did the Irish citizenry show their distaste for all things 'European' recently by sending a puppet to represent them in the Eurovision song contest but they had the audacity to vote against the EU constitution! Now the Poles and Czechs have also highlighted the Euro division between politicians seeking more power for themselves and the average European citizen who simply wants the EU to go away.

What is remarkable about this whole thing is how far removed the politicians are from he folks they represent. The politicians seek to avoid referendums and any public debate on the future of Europe - why? Because they know how seriously unpopular the whole idea of further integration is. On the other hand, when a Euro politician can fiddle his/her expenses so easily as to double or triple their salary while enjoying fist class travel, amazing food and many other side benefits, why wouldn't they want more of the same?

OK - there are benefits around a common currency like the Euro for sure. You can compare prices around Europe and don't have to pay exchange fees. BUT.... the European Central Bank ignores smaller countries in Europe who are suffering economically to protect and defend Germany and France. Many in Europe still view the whole EU initiative as Germany's second attempt to conquer Europe without resorting to Blitzkrieg tactics.... Unfortunately, EU politicians seem to have learned that Blitzkrieg is the only way to do it.

The fact is that greater cooperation between European nations is lovely but trying to create the USE to counterbalance the USA is nonsense... I mean imagine having Frenchman 'Georgi Bushe' as President.... and this a real issue. You see, each country so jealously protects its turf that they are unlikely to find a sharp witted but German, French or British politician acceptable and so democracy prevails and we would end up with some weak kneed Belgian President compromise.

Meanwhile - all this is paid for by our money! Nice eh?