Novembering Berlin

November 1989 in East Berlin. Left Prenzlauer Berg.

When I arrived on the streets of East Berlin that misty cold November morning, I walked north with my small street map up the Rheinberger strasse. I had circled the name of a district to visit only because I liked the sound of its name, Prenzlauer Berg. The atmosphere in the city was electric. The district gave me everything I had ever dreamt about visiting Berlin. It had stood firm against the onslaught of history and won its day. Now it fights again. Like other districts of character in other cities its enemy is the lure of unbridled development over human feeling. It was the Prenzauler Berg community which made the district a famous name. That community deserves to be respected and encouraged to evolve with future plans.....Novembering Berlin is a reality which cannot be ignored or forgotten.

Art of Superstate will save Szekely land

Gathering winter fuel in Szekely Land
 after the Romanian revolution 1990

  The desire to right the wrongs of the past are always with present generations. This is a common factor in Europe where for centuries warring nations have left bitter legacies for others to correct.

The case of the treaty of Trianon was shameful, counter-productive and cause for resentment. Drawing a line through 100% Hungarian areas cutting them off from Budapest and handing them over to neighbouring countries was the work of vindictive fools.

Since the emergence of the E.U. Superstate the causes for armed conflict to correct the mistakes of the past have been diluted and in some cases removed altogether. Should Belgium decide to split apart, as it most likely will, it will be done through referendum and not violence.
One of the privileges of belonging to an Empire or a Superstate is self determination becomes less of an issue within the boundaries of Empire as long as that Empire is growing and its subjects are doing better within, rather than beyond its Pale. Hungary has first- hand experience of this. The case for Budapest to embrace Hungarians just beyond their present border is strong and most probably legitimate.

However any idea to extend Hungary’s border to encompass Hargita and Covasna/Kovászna is unwise. As Superstate grows so the mistakes of the past will fade from memory and importance. Culture is a strong force. In the E.U. Superstate the remarkable Szekely culture of east Transylvania will be further protected and encouraged as the historical treasure it is.
The Sun and Moon are the symbols of the Székely, representing proto-Hungarian gods. After the Hungarians became Christians in the 11th century, the importance of these icons became purely visual and symbolic. Their original religious significance was lost. The Székely have succeeded in preserving traditions to an extent unusual even in Central and Eastern Europe.

Tunisia and the World, belongs to Me



A child protester at the Hague International court of justice

 While driving past the International court in the Hague today I came across a small, but visually police protected, protest. Women, children and men of good breeding formed an orderly chant against Ben Ali's discredited regime in Tunisia, the former home of Hannibal Barca, the great protester against Roman mis-rule. Strange description I know. But it not usual that highly educated and well heeled members of society take to the streets to voice protest at political wrong doings, from time to time.

If this event is significant it is because good people are ready to protect citizen interest around the World. Governments are rightly coming under more democratic scrutiny. Their time on this Earth as the instrument of unbridled Capitalist adventurers is slowly being exposed. If Tunisia can win and with a low causality of patriotism, then strong democracies with their experience of community resistance can shed the scourge of financial vampirism sweeping Europe and the Western system.

Hannibal Barca was a military insurgent of immense importance. Today’s Tunisia at the Hague international court showed clearly, people, and the WHO matters, can out match, out flank and outlive the mis- rulers.

Gimmie shelter, the Hague court of justice

It is widely expected that the tribunal, based at the former headquarters of the Dutch security services in The Hague, will indict several members of the Shia paramilitary group Hizbollah for the assassination in 2005 of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri.
 It is also widely expected that the Hariri tribunal which does not have its own police force to arrest suspects will create tensions between Shia and Sunni Lebanese citizens. It would suit some Western powers if Hezbollah were to engage in an internal dogfight with other Muslims. However it will also destroy credibility in the Hague (Den Haag) as a force for justice as it might be seen as a political tool for these powers.
 If the Hague wants to become a centre for credible justice is must also be seen to be pursuing all war criminals and not just those declared as enemies of Western interests.

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero fails Basque politics.

All peoples have the right to seek self determination. Most modern democracies have filed past this route to become societies based on freedom and secular tolerance. America, Israel, India, Croatia, Finland, South Africa. The list goes on. However the means to acquire this self determination is usually reflected in the behavior of those refusing to grant it. Palestine and Belgium are poles apart.

Armed struggle is a weapon of last resort. A prominent Belfast IRA Republican commented some years back that ETA had missed opportunities to grasp the tide of modern means to achieve their goal of independence.

In rejecting ETA’s announcement for a ceasefire, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has failed to exploit a rare moment of clarity. Spain has enemies in the bond markets and will be attacked later in the year by the financial vigilantes.

If ETA says to three million Basques peaceful means doesn't work and declares full secession will Zapatero send Spanish troops during a financial crisis to quell an uprising. Such action would crush the young EU Superstate. Peaceful means must be given the chance to work.



Left: A United Kingdom wall mural.

preserving Istanbul memories

Twenty years ago last August I passed through Istanbul towards Eastern Turkey. Saddam had invaded Kuwait and I was assigned by the Associated press to cover the refugees pouring out of Northern Iraq. It was a beautiful assignment. Turkey is a stunning country. The food, the scenery, the people and the history. On the day I visited Istanbul I wandered through the streets. It is what I do when I go to a new town. Mosey about with the camera. Stumbling into a district steeped in history caught me by surprise. A wondrous mix of wooden and stone houses bursting to tell stories about character, passion and a past. It was my first real experience of crossing the Bosphorus into Asia minor. That memorable swirl through the tiny streets and the interaction with the locals remained a memory without clarification for two decades, for I had no idea of the name of the district. Until by chance I saw last year the fine visual report about the district by Jonathan Lewis.

A recent communication from Turkey passed me sad news about the area. The streets of Tarlabasi are under threat from city planners.  http://www.tarlabasiistanbul.com/  We may not be able to prevent the redevelopment but we can preserve some memory even if it is just a few examples of those fine old wooden homes. A great reason for myself and others to relive the memory of our travel days. Turkey has a great future just like its past. I hope the planners can preserve both

 Right:  The Tarlabasi district in Istanbul 1990.                                                                                                                                                                

Gangsta Governments, no thanks.

It is not easy to say we don't need government and really mean it. Belgium has been without government for several months and it is still there. People are still breathing and babies are still being born. No body can foresee what would happen in Belgium if there was no return to business as usual and if Flanders and Wallonia were to spar to the point of divorce.
What is for sure is that there will be no divorce without a referendum on the issue should government decide to sack itself.
If we can see that far and accept that the people are wise enough to settle issues by referenda, then government should stop treating referendums as headaches and an inconvenient tolerance.
All constitutional changes should be put to the people regardless of the inconvenience. For at least the decisions would have a vastly longer life as opposed to the constant fixing, resetting and repealing of actions by politicians playing to party vested interested and which is plaguing the evolution of universal democracy.

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It is with disgust and horror to know that Europe is still home to some of the worst human behaviour carried out by Gangsta Government.
Take the case of KLA boss Hasim Thaci in Albania . This Mafia freak, who cut the organs from Serb Prisoners of War and sold them to unquestioning and desperate patients, is in some way understandable of the messed up conditions facing the Balkans. What is not understandable and totally repugnant is the UK’s former War Prime Minister for New Labour accepting a gold medal for freedom from the guy. Maybe Blair should invest in the UK’s Health system and speak out against such Government Barbaric practise.

Left: A victim from the Yugoslavian War 1992.

Year for Germany, the Euro and the EU to face the music

Shoring up the troops for a new year attack,  Mrs Merkel ties prosperity to the euro, saying the EU's biggest economy was committed to the single currency....BBC 3-1-11

The German people have emerged stronger from Europe's economic crisis, Chancellor Angela Merkel said in her new year's message..... despite the worst crisis in more than 60 years, Mrs Merkel said: "The euro is much more than a currency...

"A united Europe is the guarantor for our peace and freedom. The euro forms the foundation of our prosperity.

Germany needs Europe, and our common currency, for our own well-being and also in order to overcome big challenges worldwide." ......ends                               Left: A Party political poster on the outskirts of Cologne 2011 

Shine a light to C 2011

In 2011 the European Union will decide its destiny. It can only be an historic moment to watch and hear whether todays leaders will take place in its history or join a long list of wannabes.
In looking at the bigger picture it would be a mistake to not break the cycle of self interest at national level for a period of pan Euro citizenship and a Global role for the betterment of  human condition. Negotiations will be tough and will take some further years to resolve.

The vicious bond vigilantes will incur the wrath of the people. On the streets and in the workplace a new revolutionary thinking is spawning to question the roles of financiers and politicians. It would be a folly if politicians did not cut loose their ties to these people and save their future. This is not 1933. The populace is better off, wiser and more organised.  The road to a stable society is rooted in the C. Co-operation replaces Confrontation as the  solution but will it take confrontation to make the enemies of  the stable society come to C the  way of progress.   

Above: The entrance to Groningen museum in northern Netherlands. Right: The Euro sign in Frankfurt financial quarter.

Rape, artillery and the thin line of defence.




A Joep van Lieshout sculpture from the highly sucessful infernopolis exhibition at the Katoenveem building Rotterdam harbour 2010.

   The artist's role as a conscientious commentator on human conditions which preys inward on itself is well recorded.  

What is also well documented is Governments role as the biggest killers of humans. A staggering majority of all murders and political deaths in the last century were executed by a variety of Governments . Whereas Democracies were involved in killing a sizeable number, the vast majority of victims suffered at the hands of authoritarian regimes. 

The institution of Government is coming under scrutiny by some who question its validity to hold power and if it is indeed becoming a hindrance to human progress.

Art promotes searching for truth and reality. For artist Joep van Lieshout issues, power, politics, life and death are beautifully interrogated through his works. Much  appreciated by the moderne viewer.  

Enemy of the State

 The American flag; A symbol of free speech

Public calls from members of the American political establishment for the murder of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange show the disturbing degree to which politicians have lost their way.

America has raised its military perspective over the last four decades and this once standard bearer for openness and democratic values is in danger of becoming a fading warring nation where calls for political assassination is as common as the daily killings stalking its cities.

Since the public execution of President Kennedy in 1963, clandestine operations by America's shadowy security departments have increased dramatically to embrace the unashamed use of murder, assassination and torture. What now alarms is the recent assault on free speech because it highlights such political failures. The messenger is now the terrorist and can be murdered without trial. What happened to the principal "He who accuses must prove"

moderne photojournalism breaks with tradition.

This is not a manipulated photograph; it is a reference to Marcel Duchamp and his break with tradition.

Like wise, moderne photojournalism breaks with the constraints of realism and the "Decisive Moment" to pursue colourful reflections about the "Decisive Time" In our time is the call to moderne photojournalists and the movement to establish a collective of styles and missions relating to documentation and storytelling.

Left: Street photography in Rotterdam

Deviant Art gets noticed in the Hague

When people get all riled-up about images, whether or not they be called art or deviant art, it stirs interest. Recently and exhibition about such a subject was shown in the Hague. It showcased the work of Hans Bellmer 1902-1975 and Louise Bourgeois 1911-2010. What was amusing, rewarding and slightly ironic was the welcoming 4 meter x 3 meter portrait of Louise by the photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, who's work also bore the brunt of the deviant (Entartete kunst)accusations in the land of the free and the home of the first parliament. Now, what would Adolf have said about that.

Steady as she goes



Le Place de Luxemburg est Rouge

 Brussels has issued warnings to Piigs. This is a "Survival crisis" and "If we do not survive with the Eurozone, we will not survive with the EU." These are great words to challenge the attack on the Eurozone by the unscruplous financial terrorists eyeing a political role in a future Global order. Or, is it just a ploy to shake naturally cautious partners to accept that that global order is a reality and not a pipe dream. Examine what we know and not what we think we know. Progress was made for all since 1999. If Ireland and the rest of the Piigs play ball it should be remembered that Mr President Van Rompuy used the word "WE" twice. Always remember President Lincon's famous remarks about "Fooling all the people all the time." Walls which famously came down in 1989 should stay down physical or otherwise.

The fishy Euro playground

There is definetly something fishy about the way the Euro crisis is behaving. Is it that they want to shoal the zone or is it that they want to cull the zone. Either way the outcome will be the same as always. A relationship crisis goes only two ways, 1, greater understanding and unity or 2, distast and divorce.

This blog believes the result has been already decided. However that result has to face the populace and if the people are unwilling to agree then there will be an ever greater crisis for the Europe project.

It might well service the Brussels mandarins to take the mood of the people into account when attacking the resolve of small nations. Forced unity never works for long.

étranger téléphone à la maison

ETranger telephone a la maison. We seem to treat little hollywood aliens better than we treat eachother. In the past foreign presence could be found in immigrant enclaves. Todays tell tale signs are just as obvious. Most immigrants refered to the "Old Country" with a degree of nostalgia and paid visits to see the folks back home. Today in Europe new arrival people are being asked to forget all this and become just like the rest. Does this mean they will be the next racists and neo fascists. Europe needs some hard thinking if it wants to become a genuine Superstate.

A bunch of free dom parties

The PVV (freedom party) is a one man party. No really! It has one member, Mr Geert Wilders and to make it a legal entity the Geert Wilders foundation is the second entity.

The PVV platform calls for more policemen, ethnic registration of all citizens, deportation of criminals and harsher prison sentences.

The PVV has called for a ban on minarets and Muslim scarves. It says if Turkey joins the European Union, the Netherlands should withdraw.

Mr Wilders has said "The core of the problem is the fascist Islam, the sick ideology of Allah and Mohammed as laid down in the Islamic Mein Kampf: the Quran."

Geert Wilders is on trial for incitment. He says it is free speech. Maybe so....But organising a trans national alliance to stop the social advancement of new arrival groups hardly inspires one to sign up to his one man crusade. Ooops!

"We must stop the tsunami of the Islamisation. This hits us in the heart, in our identity, in our culture. If we do not defend ourselves all other points from my programme will appear to be useless."

Political daftness grows

Interestingly it comes as no surprise to hear politicians will go to any lengths for a shot at fame. They are worst of the celebrity status hunters. The austerity coming to the people is the result of bad government management. In Netherlands the lust for power is taking a turn for the worst. In order to get a coalition, politicians have agreed a very dodgy set of parliamentary objectives. Some of which are:

1. Benefit cuts for people whose clothing or behaviour stops them finding work
   
2. Ban on the Burqa and other face-covering garments
3. Parents to be made financially responsible for making their children speak proper Dutch
4. Prostitution age to be raised to 21
5. 500 new animal police to protect mainly pet animals rights.
   

Are people expected to take this seriously? Is it time to question the necessity of governmnent and whether we really need it at all.

Demonising the weak and the vunerable

Politicians come and go. Often they are quickly forgotten about. However they sometimes leave an impression on society's collective psychic; especially when that impression is left to future generations to correct.

Mr Sarkozy's reckless venture with the Roma can only split Europe over the issue. Some wishing to demonise them while others recognising similarities with xenophobia and racism.

Politics, as it is today does not work as it should. This has been the case since power shifted to the people after the second war. It may be that we need to purge the political establishmnet and moderise how we govern, rather that pick fights with a part of humanity in desperate need of education and financial assistance.

A scarf is A scarf is A scarf

Forcing women to undress is just plain wrong. Punishing women with fines and imprisonment if they refuse to remove their clothes is just plain unlawful. It is up to the courts in France, Belgium and the Netherlands to ensure waywardness and silliness gripping populist politicians and an urge to reinvent the scapegoat is firmly rejected. Many people see this challenge as a watershed in the credibility of the European project. Shouting from Brussels united in diversity for most of the past 15 years can not be just a hollow catch phrase, it must mean real tolerance and freedom to chose.

Back to the Red

A Den Haag bank

The future of banking is being decided as it has been done for more than 35 years, behind closed doors in the quaint Swiss town of Basel by a committee of unelected central bankers and regulators. The consequences of carrying on like this will be profound......Preston BBC

.............................................................................................................................................................................................A Leiden home

All indicators point to a harder life for the weak in our society. House prices are falling just as more and more come onto the market for sale. Soon commercial property will lie idle and depress prices further.

Western Bankers who search for profit and only profit have demonstrated their disregard for the well being of humanity.

A sect of revolutionaries have promised a new urban guerilla war. Who will be their targets. Capitalism is failing the west just as Communism failed the east. Only China has utilised the wisdom of the one country two systems well enough to save itself from the onslought of an impending depression. Maybe it is time to consider going back to the Red.

Postcards from cucumber season

What the British call the silly season is refered to in Holland as cucumber time, as summer holidays take priority.

Making pleasant walkabouts in Rotterdam provides a picture of this city in a massive social and physical transition. Its powerful message is of communities travelling together towards new horizons.

Cartoon realities expose identity weakness.

(July 15 2010) -- This week a Moscow court rendered a decision that some say could constrain artistic expression throughout Russia for years to come. In 2007, Yuri Samodurov and Andrei Erofeev curated an art exhibition at Moscow's Sakharov Center titled "Forbidden Art 2006." On Monday, a Moscow court convicted them of public actions aimed at inciting hatred and hostility on religious grounds, marking the latest battle in a long war that pits Russia's Orthodox Christian "patriotic" right against a liberal left.

The Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy began after 12 cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed were published on 30 September 2005. It had made a request to forty artists to create a caricature of Muhammad to illustrate an article on self censorship and freedom of expression. The cartoons were later published by other newspapers.

La Reconquista Española

Reaper at the Door 2010

Spain is under attack by the very financial institutions it helped in 2008/9.

Fears were echoed yesterday by the billionaire investor, George Soros, who warned that Europe would almost certainly face a recession next year which might generate "social unrest" and the kind of populist nationalism seen in the
1930s. "That's the real danger of the present situation – that by imposing fiscal discipline at a time of insufficient demand and a weak banking system... you are actually... setting in motion a downward spiral," he said.

It may be true the market can attack Spain for the easy virtual money it craves for. But so can the people attack the markets. Europe's leaders are elected to protect. If they fail new leaders will rise to take their place just as they did in La Reconquista.

Clear divisions in Brussels

FM Brussels Calor - "The victory of the N-VA is very bad news for the Flemings in Brussels" says journalist Guido Fonteyn. "It will be a step towards an independent Flanders. The demolition of the language legislation is imminent."

Another reason in securing the atmosphere for greater European economic union. Will 2010 be the year when Brussels asks it citizens if Superstate ruling is more preferable to bear than the vicious chilly winds of faceless Wall street banking masters.

Under the umbrella of the E.U is it possible for smaller communities such as Wallonia and Flanders to pursue their seperatist ambitions while maintaining financial security within a bigger family. Learing to agree to disagree has not the same pain as divorce. Belgium may soon become a confederation of smaller enities but the real challenge for Superstate is to prevent members enduring extreem economic hardships. Otherwise the wolf pack in Wall street will see opportunity for flesh money.

Netherlands voices its dissent and rushes to buy herring.

"I say to all the newly elected Freedom Party MPs of our beautiful party, bring battering rams with you because, starting tomorrow, we're going to give them hell." Geert Wilders is not the sort one associates with the dark side of extremism. However, the Netherlands vote is a clear concerned message from a section of the electorate as opposed to a call for negative direct action. Although the vote was impressive most Netherlands voters still believe his policies to a bit on the daft side.

Homer is # 1 greatest TV character.

No ringside cheer from a Bush.

On January 27, 1992 President George H.W. Bush made a speech that ignited a feud between the Simpsons and the Bushes. At that point family values were the cornerstone of Bush's platform. He said at the National Religious Broadcaster's convention in Washington "The next value I speak of must be forever cast in stone. I speak of decency, the moral courage to say what is right and condemn what's wrong, and we need a nation closer to the Waltons than the Simpsons. An America that rejects the incivility, the tide of incivility and the tide of intolerance".

So sayeth a leader with a moral conviction to war and torture.

Eurowar Zone #1

Is it any wonder

Is it any wonder people are fed-up with politicians. Has the European idea of democracy got so lost making an endless stream of useless unenforceable and silly laws that they need to be told by the people to grow up.....or are they clever enough to use this silliness to show the necessity of their own slogans..... Brussels, (right) should be protecting people's choice to be different rather than digging a deep hole for Belgium to disappear into.

The Last Death of Christ

Disclosure & Reaction







It is hard to believe there will be any return to the Catholic Ireland of before the great Scandal. Can an educated country ever hand back unquestioned authority to a shamed Church. If Jesus was someone's child who suffered to create that church then the present day suffering of the many children in its care are the nails which crucify and end its reign. Nothing lasts forever, not even God.

Cyber wars a new battlefront reality

Art & the City

The use of photography is moving towards a new crossroads to inform and influence perspectives on contemporary issues. Democratization of the camera means many points of view will spotlight the political agendas. Expression is vital to the health of society even if that expression is later regretted. Can Art & the City help to win over the anti-cultural negativity growing in our cities. Reports from Antwerp, Brussels, and Rotterdam suggest this negativity is about to show itself in a more visible manner. Art & the City should also be more visible in supporting a counter culture against this negativity.


Two views from Rotterdam feb 2010

2010 A Greek tragedy unfolds in the arena.

The road is paved for 2010. The western financial consipracy for political control by use of market bullying has entered its current phase. After it manipulated the world into giving it a bailout to stop a deep recession it has embarked on course to again threaten the world. The Bankers have the upper hand do as we say or its a recession you cannot take. Who will fight with the people this day to win freedom. Can the Brussels mandarins stand up to them or will a Greek tragedy play the role of first euro victim.

It can be useful to read some quotes from previous observers on the banking cartel, their mission and the battle for the new order which began in 1776.

"Give me control of a nation's money and I care not who makes it's laws" — Mayer Amschel Bauer Rothschild (Banker)

"The few who understand the system, will either be so interested from it's profits or so dependant on it's favors, that there will be no opposition from that class." — Rothschild Brothers of London, 1863

"From now on, depressions will be scientifically created." — Congressman Charles A. Lindbergh Sr. , 1913

"We have, in this country, one of the most corrupt institutions the world has ever known. I refer to the Federal Reserve Board. This evil institution has impoverished the people...........". — Congressman Louis T. McFadden in 1932 (Rep. Pa)

Ulster Suburban Dreams

The suburban dreams of many will refuse to secede their taste of material wealth and affluence even if its contradictory to acknowledgment over a battered economy and spiraling domestic debt. There can be no early return to the frugal simple life of previous generations now that expectations race to match the recent financial gluttony fueled by politicians shamelessly milking the expenses system.






Craigavon, Co Armagh 2009

The enemy of the state-hail Regime change

In the history of conflict has there ever been an easier excuse for starting a war. Regime change is decided in the eyes of the Combatant and whereas regime change in democratic countries usually means an election, Blair has greatly undermined Parliament's credibility and the rule of consent...His admission in tricking parliament to partake in an illegal war against Sadaam is not a justified means to an end. Surely a fraction of the 3trillion war dollars could have been used to remove the tyrant and avoid the heartbreaking loss of life. Emperor Nero was declared "Enemy of the State" in AD68 and for this his exit from office was swift....... Cui Bono...from this new excuse to invade countries (with loot a plenty).....the arms industry must see a bloody future ahead.

(Nero Claudius Caesar) his last words were, "What an artist the world is losing in me!" His memory was publicly execrated. Will Blair suffer a similar fate.

Atheist ethic: Step forward and help

This week herald the Lisbon treaty into force while the Swiss openly attacked a principal of freedom reminiscent to some medieval diktat from the inquisition. Truly a bad day for freedom but a day when democracy needs to ask questions about the consequences of bad choices.......The Swiss are ordinary concerned people but being influenced by misguided, emotional and negative movements searching forever to provoke trouble from the sectarian or anti-democratic forces will only help those who oppose Populism as a movement unworthy of serious decisions.....The message is not so difficult: judge by what you know and not by what you hear.....I know there is no threat from Islam to force me into a mosque just as there is no threat to force me into a Christian church......there is now room for the atheist ethic to help prevent a sectarian conflict and protect the democratic movement.

A 21st century Franco -German axis

"Old Europe" is back in power. First and second ministers A. Merkel & N. Sarkozy have now Europe under stable political control with institutions (Lisbon) to manage its civil service. Identity, economics, foreign attitudes to the wider world, energy and a resurging interest in ethnic nationalism, are some of the immediate tasks facing the new super cabinate of interior minister j. m. Barosso.

Banning the burka-the French president has already given his view that "France is a country where there is no place for the burka". Will this mean men wearing berets, beards, kilts and sunglasses are also to be made illegal.

President Merkel names new managers

EU leaders have chosen the Belgian Prime Minister, Herman van Rompuy, to be the first permanent European Council President, foreign affairs supremo - has gone to Baroness Catherine Ashton from the UK.

Both are seen as consensual politicians with limited foreign policy experience.

BBC - Today - Who will be EU president?

sorry I meant e.u. secretary

Thursday night's dinner party will be just that.... a party. A gathering of European latter day earls, barons and viscounts where in lavish style they will toast the appointment of a voice at the end of a phone when the rest of the world want to speak to europe.............The real president of europe is germany's angela merkel, good choice and her vice president is nicolas sarkozy. It all smacks of a bit of power sharing amoungst the middle aristocracy.....or maybe a upgrade of a German Politbüro.........the message from the people is clear....don't mess up.

disturbing words from the UK press

This day marks the end of division in Germany, this weekend marks the beginning of the awakening of opposition to the EU project....words like Hate, Deception, Mistrust, Unelected, Unaccountable, are pouring from the pages of the UK press...but the most worrying of all is from Pravda......
Twenty Years after the Fall of the Berlin Wall, the EU is a Reincarnation of the Former Soviet Union.....
How much of this is the ignorance of fuddy duddies stuck in the mud and how much is the minds of people privy to information we are not hearing about. Brussels should be wary of re-building walls physical or mental as the unfamiliar enemy is easier to demonise and destroy.

Oh for the gift of the Gab! Flowers say it all

So the British Tories were taken aback by the language used by the French Secretary of State for European Affairs.....they had "castrated" their influence in Europe he said. "They have one line and they just repeat the line. It is a very bizarre sense of autism". He denounced their plans to bring back fffffff...pppp powers from Brussels to Britain as "pathetic". 8:51 UK time, Thursday, 5 November 2009
Just two days officially married and the sparks are flying about. But no one said it would be a bed of roses......ooops ......I meant I Iris........not her of course but the Fleur. But soon, as young lovers so often do, there was the make-up......not the cosmetic kind but genuine kiss and....steady......just words really... nice ones like I didn't mean what I said........ it was a mis-understanding.....and so on and on and on.....why can't they just send flowers....

In the language of flowers, an Iris means: your friendship means so much to me.

Its Done

updated at 18:07 GMT, Tuesday, 3 November 2009
The president of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus, has signed the EU's Lisbon Treaty, the final step in the charter's ratification.

Czech court clears Lisbon treaty

following headlines and quotes are from the BBC London updated at 11:34 GMT, Tuesday, 3 November 2009

The Czech constitutional court has ruled that the Lisbon Treaty is in line with the constitution, clearing the way for President Vaclav Klaus to sign it. The Czech Republic is the only EU member yet to ratify the treaty, and the decision removes the penultimate hurdle to its passage.

To Preside or not to Preside that is the question?
German party cool on Blair for EU......oct26 2009.
Joerg Essen, explained his party's position "We know Tony Blair for a very long time but I must admit there is a sympathy in my party for candidates from a smaller country," he told the BBC.
"We want to bring European countries closer together, and I think if someone is from a smaller country these people are more sensitive and they know the problems of the smaller ones, and I think that would be helpful for Europe. Europe is too dominated by the biggest ones".
"The EU should have no-one as its president. It is, and always was a treading block and giving it a president will merely blur the line between economic co-operation and political intervention."

idle eric, Portsmouth, UK

The fight over a Blair presidency

11:04 UK time, Sunday, 25 October 2009

In the days and weeks ahead the arguments over whether Tony Blair should be the first President of the European Council are likely to intensify.
Increasingly the presidency is developing into a split between the big countries and the smaller states. Britain wants a powerful big hitter as president, so does France, Italy and probably Spain. Angela Merkel's positionis not yet clear and much will rest on what she decides.
Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg are set against a strong presidency. One Blair supporter is quoted as saying .......it was very important for Europe to have a strong figure, who when they land in Beijing and Moscow the "traffic stops" for the motorcade.

Tony Blair believed God wanted him to go to war to fight evil, claims his mentor published:9:00PM BST 23May2009 Daily Telegraph

Is Tony Blair the right man to be president of Europe? The Observer, Sunday 25 October 2009

Of the 562 readers comments on this debate in the Observer, 99% were against the idea of a Blair Presidency........with the vast majority citing him as a war criminal