Let sleazy dogs lie
From Mr David Packer Sir: Full marks to Franz Metzger (Letters, 7 April) for pointing out just why the United Kingdom should not be part of any United States of Europe. Our national history and experience are radically different from those of most Continental European nations. Our political history has been much more one of evolution than revolution (at least until New Labour decided to reverse evolution and give us devolution). In his comment 'provided that you win and can see yourself as the goodies — two assumptions the British take for granted', he shows just how different assumptions are on the Continent.
In her wars on the Continent from the late 17th century onwards, Britain has consistently fought against centralist autocracy and other even darker political forces: Louis XIV, Napoleon, the Kaiser and Hitler, and in the Cold War against international socialism.
It is the fundamental assumption that the individual belongs to the state and not vice versa that makes the new United European proto-state an uncomfortable place for the British. The detrimental effect of taking part in the European political process is evident in the decline in standards among politicians of all parties. We have not yet reached the point where the Vaz/Hinduja affair would not merit comment, but we have reached the point where the minister does not feel it merits his resignation. Indeed, one might say 'Europe and sleaze, lie down with dogs, get up with fleas'.
David Packer
Hounslow, Middlesex
Previous page
