Angry with the EU!

[Sal1000us]

Ultimately, the EU is economic rather than political in nature. Its real reason for existing seems to be to counteract the growing dominance of China, India, and Russia, the hope being that Western/Central Europe doesn't fall behind in the 21st century (as the US irreversibly has).

I couldn't agree more but also believe geopolitics has a part in all of this. Most EU ministers have had reservations about this union, but agree the process should move forward. Initially Britain, Spain, and the Nordic countries supported Turkey, even Greece, a historical Turkish enemy, supports its bid. However, strong elements in Germany, France, and the Netherlands opposed Turkey’s bid. The only country that was truly and culturally opposed to Turkey joining the EU was Austria, as Austria is the remnant of the Austro-Hungarian Empires (count dracula & turks were involved in many wars and impaling episodes), historic rivals of the Ottoman Empire that preceded Turkey, Ottoman Turks laid siege to Vienna in 1529 and 1683. Last I heard, Austria and a few other EU nations had offered Turkey a “privileged partnership” or associate member status, instead of full membership rights. If I remember correctly, I believe Austria also supported Croatia’s EU entry.

[Raddleman]

EU tax sucks.

[Zero]

The EU differs from the NAFTA because EU is about free trade as well as close government ties while NAFTA is strictly about free trade.

Hah, you may be a GIS major but on economics I have to disagree. NAFTA is anything but free trade - it's a horribly fascist managed trade agreement at best. The EU has by far something closer to free trade, but it's less about "closer" government than it is about usurping power unto itself into a gigantic despotic hegemony.

[glorfunk]

NAFTA is anything but free trade

a little secret about american law making. Whatever a law is named it will do the exact opposite. "patriot act" violates your rights and erodes the constitution. North american free trade agreement - forces people to buy products they don't want. Kitten's and rainbows act - bombs villages, legalizes human slavery, etc.