Spa Tek

Europe Tomorrow

Perhaps the Eurovision Song Contest points the way to the Europe we shall have tomorrow. The major financial contributors to the event were placed last; Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom all made the final, but were bottom of the table. Portugal. Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg were only allowed to vote having been dismissed at the semi-finals, and I can't recall seeing Italy at all, but that may be because I was too absorbed in the excitement of the show.

The Balkan states, who were kicking hell out of each a few days ago, voted enthusiatically for each other. The Russian satellite states stayed together as did Scandanavia.

Old 'Billy No Mates' the United Kingdom (no longer ever described as Great Britain and Northern Ireland) had to rely upon Ireland to lift them from the bottom rung.

Mackinder, a noted geopolitician of the late 19th Century argued that whoever held the heartland of Europe could rule the world. He talked of Germany, and the world has since changed with perhaps the loci shifting eastwards slightly but the addition of so many new countries to the EU must shift the balance of power.

Following the invasion of Iraq the British has few friends anywhere. We still describe ourselves as a lush economy and point to Germany as our poor relations, suggesting it is their poor management that has led to 12% unemployment and the likely collapse of the Social Democrats. That may not be the case. Consider instead that Germany is showing us the way forward. The dominant industrial force in Europe is now on its knees, increasingly threatened by China, India and the Far East if not from eastern Europe.

At present Britain is relying upon its earlier world domination, but that wealth is in the hands of a small number of people, who may be described as the financial aristocracy. Those folk are no longer relying upon the British workforce. They know there are cheaper slaves elsewhere, as, in common with most western European states, Britain still looks after its workers, albeit only superficially post-Thatcher.

Where to now Albany? Who knows, or cares? There are signs that the USA is also losing market share, and it cannot continue for ever increasing its national debt. There are hard times ahead. Already 12% of British pensions are paid to people living abroad. Increasingly the backbone of our country are content with materialism and finding personal enjoyment. This is now clearly the post-Empire phase as we slip into obscurity.

Thankfully there is a future ahead, if Greece is to be followed. They staged a magnificent Olympic Games, won the World Cup (that's in real football for my American readers), and now hold the Eurovision Song Contest trophy. It has taken them a few thousand years to regain a significant place on the world stage and good luck to them. They have the right attitude; being proud of their country and willing to accept help and expertise from others when required, as they all work hard to achieve success.

Albany may one day appreciate that national identity is important.

posted by Suffolk Notes @ 7:48 am