Re: [A-List] UK state: strategic dilemma

["Anyutka" <annewilliamson@xxxxxxx>]

Michael wrote on 9-16-03:

> While europhobes applaud the Swedes for rejecting eurozone membership,
> europhile Hugo Young rings alarm bells that really ought to be the concern
> of those supposedly concerned to protect the "sovereignty" of the "United
> Kingdom". Whatever you think of Young or his position, the fundamental
> dishonesty of the eurosceptics, including people like John Laughland, is
> laid bare by Young's absolutely correct exposition of the transatlantic
> "relationship" today.

I found Hugo Young's argument very congenial and persuasive, and I thank
you for posting it.  And you are right - he is addressing correctly the
sovereignty
issue of the UK.  Two points:  One, I think the entire notion of the
"special
relationship" an awful fraud that has greatly harmed the UK, sapped your own
vigorous juices and national confidence not to mention many honorable
traditions
and principles.  But it's harmed the US too; seducing the leadership of a
nation
for whom Americans feel respect and their own special tie has been a
disaster when
the US badly needed the illuminating spectacle of an international friend
standing for
their principles and national interests (which Americans can understand
unlike the principles
and national interests of all other nations, sigh.)  Second point:  I can
not accept your characterization
of John Laughland's position on sovereignty as one of "dishonesty."  John
has never
advocated the special relationship, and - if anything - is deeply troubled
by the many
bad consequences for the UK.  Being in support of the special relationship
does not
follow from being anti-EU.  In fact, if a europhobe is honest - as you point
out - on
the issue of sovereignty, then the special relationship must be questioned
too.  And
John has done that, and paid - and is paying - a price for it. -A.