Headstrong Patriot? (The Euro)

Member Name: JRW

Product:	The Euro
Date:	08/08/00 (80 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Potentially improves economy

Disadvantages: Untried and untested, population generally uninformed

The Euro, and whether we Brits should join it, is one of the most topical political debates circulating Westminster and the country at the current time. Should we or shouldn't we? Is it good or is it bad? Such questions are extremely common in the UK but it seems that such lack of information doesn't stop certain people from making definite and ill-informed remarks.

For the record, I do not claim to be some kind of political wizard or EMU-meister. I probably know as little about the situation as anybody. What I do know, however, is that people should neither dismiss or embrace the idea of joining the Euro without relevent and accurate knowledge and information.

It would be like judging a gourment meal without actually tasting it, rating some new shoes without wearing them and voicing your opinion of Coventry City without actually watching them play - you just can't do it.

To be honest with you, I get sick of people talking about how the Euro will mean then end of Britain, its history, its people and its sovereignety. Now hold on just a minute! I dare say that this idea is perhaps on the rash side, even considering the current climate of power leakage towards Brussels. I simply cannot believe that the pound is actually that symbolic or important to this "nation" of ours.

If joining the Euro means that somehow Britain benefits from the EMU, which is possible, then we should forget the patriotic head-in-the-sand "save our pound" rants and ravings of Messrs Hague & Co. and enjoy the benefits that a united Europe can apparently present.

The issue of the Euro and greater European influence over domestic affairs are, in my opinion, two seperate issues. Of course, any country which partakes in adopting the Euro will suffer in terms of economic control, but this could well be a symptom of greater economic prosperity.

It seems to be extremely easy to close your mind to issues, especially so
if you aren't aware of the facts and issues. I suggest that this applies to most of Britain's population who have no interest in politics and who are all to eager to voice an ill-informed, misjudged and over-nationalistic "no chance chaps" verdict.

Summary: