Sunday 19 September 2010

Who Asked EU For Advice?

Nile Gardiner, writing in the Telegraph, posts on a letter sent to the Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, by the new EU Ambassador to Washington, Joao Vale de Almeida, who requests that the death penalty not be imposed on a convicted kidnapper, murderer and rapist on September 29, who isn’t even from Europe.

In his post Gardiner makes an extremely valid point:
"I don’t recall Washington ever signing up to the Treaty of Lisbon or the European Convention on Human Rights, or the United States Congress rubber-stamping the ludicrously named European External Action Service."
For a 'state' that has 'a Roma' problem (yes, the EU stinks!) to instruct another country on how they should manage their society is surely the height of diplomatic discourtesy, especially when couched in the terms that this letter is written.

Anyway, rather deliciously, the problem of the death penalty is going to rear its head right on the doorstep of the EU. In this regard I refer you to this post by The Anger Of A Quiet Man who reports that signatories are being gathered for a referendum on the restoration of the death penalty in Switzerland.

The example of Switzerland is how democracy should be and this is brought home when one considers that our MPs are supposed to represent the people's views - yet how often does an MP ask his electorate when a vote is held in Parliament on what is called a matter of conscience - witness, for example when the abolition of the death penalty was debated.

Until such time as referenda are the norm, MPs realize they are but the voice of the people, that voters are the instigators and controllers of any re-call system, that a government is only responsible for those matters delegated to them by the people and that their authority is not theirs, but that of the people, democracy is surely dead in this country.

5 comments:

Edward Spalton said...

If you Google Schachtschneider 10 you will find a video clip of the end of a talk by Professor Schachtschneider with English subtitles. He is emeritus professor of public law at the University of Erlangen Nuremberg.

With references to articles and protocols of the Lisbon treaty, he maintains that it confers on the EU (but not member states) the power to impose the death penalty "in time of war or imminent threat of war".

Witterings from Witney said...

ES, thank you for your visit and information - will certainly look it up. I have read on this previously and was aware,but cannot for life of me recall the source.

Off topic, if ever you up this way (Witney) do please let me know, would welcome a meet and chat. On the other hand, if more convenient, have car can travel.........

Edward Spalton said...

Yes, I would be delighted to meet you although I have no immediate plans to be in Witney - but that can be arranged.

When I was working I used to call regularly at Oldacre's Mill in Ducklington.

I have a cunning plan of CIB's to discuss with you.
Regards

Edward

Witterings from Witney said...

Edward, okay wait to hear further. As I said I can trvel...... if more convenient for you.

Edward Spalton said...

Please phone 01283 730903
or email