In rec.travel.usa-canada shrbw@abertay.ac.uk wrote:
> Alan Pollock wrote:
> > In rec.travel.usa-canada shrbw@abertay.ac.uk wrote:
> >
> >
> > > Alan Pollock wrote:
> > > >
> > > > My theory is that style matters so much to Europeans because their nations
> > > > live cheek by jowl, and actual substance might all too easily inflame their
> > > > populaces, whereas with matters of style folks can just haughtily look down on
> > > > their neighbors and maybe sneer a little; style is really of little import and
> > > > has the great advantage of being mostly passive and peaceful.
> >
> > > Do you know much about Europe?
> >
> > Now there's an honest question because the answer would undoubtedly surprise
> > you.
> And??????
Vague, but for the purpose of this discussion I'll answer Yes. Happy? Now let
me ask you the same question: Do you know much about Europe? I hope you'll
notice the absurdity of your question while you attempt to answer it.
> >
> > > >
> > > > In the light of Europe's internal animosity and long history >of warfare
> > > > perhaps it's a small miracle they haven't had even More wars, and who knows,
> > > > perhaps this popular fascination with style over substance had something to do
> > > > with it.
> >
> > > We haven't had a war since 1945. (Yugoslavia not being considered part
> > > of mainstream Europe.)
> >
> > Of course Yugo counts as a European war,
> No it wasn't, since it was restricted to the former Yugoslavia.
A Yugoslavia that broke into separate warring parts and risked pulling other
countries in. Not a European mess? Because much of Europe was unwilling to
look reality square in the face it wasn't European. Forest, trees.
> >but I do understand that it's best
> > forgotten, even stricken from the European record.
> Then your understanding is defficient. We all remember it very
> well...and some of the lessons we learned about international
> structures...
They weren't always easy lessons but they are timely; the tenth anniversary of
the Srebrenica Massacre is this month. Still much food for thought.
> >
> > > > Extracting the positive, I suppose this means Europe won't be invading the US
> > > > any time soon. Am I ever relieved! Nex
> >
> > > Are you excluding economic forays?
> >
> > Now that you mention it. no.
> >
> > There's lots of cross-pollination inter-pond; I think that's a good thing. But
> > if you're itching for a race, look at the declining birth-rates, unemployment
> > stats and yearly growth rates for the - cough - mainstream European countries.
> Yes, you are another who doesn't understand how they relate to European
> issues. Another atlanticist air-head like our Tony...
Explain. Substance please, not just empty form.
> > Add the not insignificant cultural problems on your horizon
> What cultural problems?
Assimilation versus multiculturalism in Britan's large cities for one,
especially in light of recent unfortunate events.
> >
> > Doctor, you're a serious, important man. And clever too. Nex
> Is there meant to be more of this?
Just say the word, always willing to oblige. Nex |