Can I ask a knuckleheaded question re: the EU constitution votes?

[WilliamPitt]

A few questions, actually.

1. What is in this constitution?

2. Why have the Dutch and French rejected it so resoundingly?

Thanks.

[Massacure]

1. Who has time to read 430 pages? Who votes for something they haven't read?

Answers: Obviously not the Dutch and French. :P

[NJ Democrats]

2. I'm really not sure.

Hope this helps:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050601/wl_nm/eu_constitution_dc_17;_ylt=AjZ6x.m6fq7CUDjxziXfn72CdAEB;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

[stellanoir]

3. just a guess

They fear globalization and getting their autonomy and individual voices repressed by being swallowed up by the EU. They are fiercely nationalistic and value diversity.

In the case of the Dutch, they are such a small nation, they fear they'll lose influence altogether. Heard some interviewed today.

[WilliamPitt]

4. These were the same issues on the table

when the debate was on going to the Euro, yes?

[stellanoir]

6. Yup

and from what I heard today, neither the French or the Dutch were very happy with their new currency, or with the exorbitant rate of inflation in both countries.

People often make decisions with nerve endings operational only in their wallets. But I feel there are deeper concerns here as well. The constitution probably requires some serious refinement.

[ElkHunter]

5. There's a good article on the EU vote...

...by John Nichols at The Nation: http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat?bid=1&pid=2957 There's also several articles on the subject at the english language section of the website for the Dutch Socialist Party, which can be found at: http://international.sp.nl/

[WilliamPitt]

7. Thanks

[bobbieinok]

8. see discussion at DU 's LBN

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1515407

people in Europe are posting