http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,20042743-5005962,00.html

If there's anything I can't pass up it's Euro-bashing. And it's quite pertinent here in that they, the Euros, are bashing us, the Aussies. Now here we have a simple equation: the E.U., already with a "strong-arm" reputation abroad, needs to "save the world" to get a better image in their main competition market: The U.S.. How can they do this? Be like a charity, but taxes, subsidies, tariffs etc. between the developed, transitional and developing economies of the world. How else can they do this? By getting the big world economy of The U.S. to start. Granted they have some of the tightest, closed-off markets in the world (which, in a domestic economic standard, is acceptable to a degree), and so as to not to piss off their electorate by costing jobs and standards of living, the governments over time have ensured they stay closed off.

But for those E.U. bums to go and say that blame sits on Australia for the failed Doha talks and, further, that we have "bias" for The U.S. (which is probably true to an extent, though, nothing like what Mr. Mandelson seems to insinuate) is one of the stupidest notions ever. To begin with, since when has the world's most important country (unfortunately), important economy (unfortunately), ever answered to ..... well ..... anyone, much less Australia? This is a country that invaded two countries, one of which was condemned by the United Nations, THE UNITED NATIONS, that is, the rest of the world in effect, has stopped short of calling for a cease-fire in a battle they aren't actively involved with, and refuse to do anything about humane living standards (or lack there-of) with their major trading partners so long as they receive their quick buck. I'm quite sure that these people, this current government (or any for that matter) are even close to thinking about following an Australian "initiative" on trade or, for that fact, caring what we have to say regarding their domestic and international economic situation that will, in all actuality, cost their people jobs and money (though that isn't to defend anyone here).

We should cast our look to the good ol' E.U. and how they have muscled their way into the world of economy. Lets look at how they (the E.U.) have forced The Motherland, England, to taper off and cease a significant amount of trade with non-European countries (that is, Australia, and, more importantly, the rest of their Commonwealth/Empire). How about Australia demand our reliance on The U.S. and on Chinese economies as a direct result of their (the E.U.) economic demands and "persuasion" with England. Yes, granted, England has a (supposed) choice to join the E.U. or not, and, thankfully, they are exercising it by holding off from joining that internationally corrupt "Union", but how much was there in the choice that they had to turn from trading with Australia and the like to trading with the rest of Europe.

Simply put, the E.U. and Mr. Peter Mandelson is a hypocrite. He demands the opposite of what he and his group of thugs do. For all I care Australia and The U.S. should close off their economic boundaries to the E.U. just to stick it to them, and to get them in line, rather than letting them flaunt their (apparently) lacking power.

Clayton Northcutt.