Berlusconi (spelling?)

[alexliamw]

What a twat. That remark was total shite and his media are now turning on the propaganda machine like dictatorship style! Saying it was all the Germans fault and a trap was set for him :rolleyes:

[Pimpf]

Yeah, it was a totally unacceptable thing to say, and quite ironic too considering that Berlusconi has been compared to Mussolini by people. He`s an ignorant, corrupt prick.

[socialist cook]

You got the spelling right Alex. I can't believe that he can be allowed to own all the television channels bar one. Its ridiculous!

[Dave]

We need more people like him.

[Void]

Originally posted by Dave
We need more people like him.

I agree. He's not quite as great as the Duke Of Edinborough though.

[Dave]

Originally posted by Void
I agree. He's not quite as great as the Duke Of Edinborough though. .

Amen. He should live forever. I don't think I could endure very long without one of his comments.

[Lollipop Gestapo]

I just can't believe he's going to be in charge of leading the direction of the EU for the next six months. People already believe the EU to be full of corrupt, gravy-train mandarins without him adding to it.

Bring on the European Constitution, then the ludicrous system of rotating presidencies will finally be brought to an end.

[sbs]

By co-incidence I was talking about him in the Maggie thread!

[Terminal Young Thing]

Originally posted by Lollipop Gestapo
I just can't believe he's going to be in charge of leading the direction of the EU for the next six months. People already believe the EU to be full of corrupt, gravy-train mandarins without him adding to it.

Bring on the European Constitution, then the ludicrous system of rotating presidencies will finally be brought to an end.

maybe, but the constitution is full of shit too.

[alexliamw]

6 month presidencies are useless and mean the EU is pulled in every which direction. Presidents should have 2-year, elected terms or something.

[Lollipop Gestapo]

Originally posted by alexliamw
6 month presidencies are useless and mean the EU is pulled in every which direction. Presidents should have 2-year, elected terms or something.

Exactly, which is why the constitution advocates the abolition of the existing system in favour of a EU president appointed for a fixed term.

Besides the Constitution is likely to include a Charter of Fundamental Freedoms. That can't be a bad thing can it?

[Irishpunktom]

Originally posted by Lollipop Gestapo
Besides the Constitution is likely to include a Charter of Fundamental Freedoms. That can't be a bad thing can it?

Aha - And here we see the problems arising..

What if those freedoms are not 'universal', in the instance of my own native home.
The People of Ireland voted of 4 seperate occasions to ban Abortion, a Freedom of Choice in all western Countries except ireland and Malta, thus, the problem arises, should Abortion be an E.U freedom?
And, what if it is put to te people of Europe to decide?
The majority of Europe will say Yes, but those In ireland may say no, and Ireland Could be forced into it.

Just an Example.

Furthermore, Freedom of press.

Is a Press free when it can be controlled by one man?
obviously Not,
but restricting this from happening is a Limit to freedom, you see?


Anyway

not much can happen with that idiot in charge, because hes under more scrutiny now than he has ever been, so he won't try.

[littlebabyeverything]

I can't believe that he can be allowed to own all the television channels bar one. Its ridiculous!

I agree, Burlusconi scares me. He makes Tony Blair look publicity shy and not like a control freak.

Even though in some ways it is a restriction on freedom it is important to have controls on media ownership. Like Rupert Murdoch being able to extert so much influence over the UK voting public despite not being a citzen here.

It happens in other areas as well. In the US the media giant clear channel own so may radio stations they are able to control a lot US hears and can sensor musicisians with any sort of 'adverse' political or social message. For instance they recently took an agressive pro-war stance.

[Insert Name Here]

I think its a good thing Berlusconi's in charge of the whole EU, now you'll know how the italians feel like and invade so as to "liberate" us.

Despite the fact i don't actually live in italy he is a constant embarassment, I heard an italian living in britain on the radio 4 "the news quiz" saying that, although its been embarassing in previous years Italy having a new prime minister every six months, now he finds himself praying for a new one...