Arch-Europhile James Naughtie discussed "what lies ahead for the EU" this morning with arch-Europhile and former VP of the European Commission Lord Brittan and arch-Europhile historian (and consequent Lib Dem supporter) Timothy Garton-Ash. The discussion was thoughtful, not without interest and, inevitably, given the current 'existential threats' to the Euro, not entirely free from angst either, but nonetheless it was a meeting of Europhile minds of the kind an unbiased broadcaster might not have considered entirely acceptable.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8698000/8698581.stm
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Incidentally, our old friend James Naughtie gave us a fine Freudian slip this morning (highlighted, aptly, in red), asking Leon Brittan: "Sort of intrigued about the arrival of Nick Clegg as deputy prime minister. Not as intrigued as you will be since he used to work in your office in Brussels. (Why doesn't that surprise me?) Were you surprised when you saw the deal unravel and have you offered him any advice?" You can hope, Labour Jim, you can hope!
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Lord Brittan, no less incidentally, was delighted, clearly preferring the ConLib coalition to a Conservatives-only government (Why doesn't that surprise me either?)
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Coda: The Today website's headline for this piece is classic BBC:
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********Eurozone 'must keep the show on the road'
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As a summary of the BBC narrative, this can hardly be bettered!!
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You have to feel a bit sorry for the BBC people - well actually you don't - but just look at what they have had to deal with over the past 18 month or so.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, the banking crisis was in their minds the final judgment on the evils of capitalism. It would herald a new dawn which would see it replaced by a kinder, gentler, more "progressive" alternative. Unfortunately no one at the BBC realised that the welfare state and all that, is built on the taxes paid by the banks and other nasty capitalists and rather than see an increase in the power of the state, the British people would,
Secondly, elect a Conservative (well, you know what I mean) government.
Thirdly, the banking problem is actually a debt problem and government debt is pushing the Euro and possibly the EU to the brink of extinction.
Fourthly, multiculturalism and immigration have been shown to be the crock of shit we all knew they were, and are now politically toxic.
Finally, The AGW myth has been pretty well blown apart.
Fortunately, I have a heart of stone where the BBC is concerned and rejoice in their misery.
Shouldn't the picture be one of a thieving magpie.
ReplyDeleteGood lord, what a lot of mean-spirited people you are. Yes the BBC is flawed, which organisation isn't? Is the Conservative Party perfect? So how can you profess to know the political leanings of the 20,000 people who work for the BBC? How many, do you think, might acutally vote Conservative? In my experience when people complain of bias what they usually mean is the point of view being expressed isn't exclusively theirs. What if the BBC did voice exclusively Conservative views? Would you say, 'Look I know you're echoing my political views but this really isn't right.' I doubt it. You would see it as a totally accurate reflection of the world. In this sense you are as undemocratic as the far left. You are entitled to your point of view but you are insulting 20,000 people.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that you posted my message, even though it disagrees with you. Thanks for being open to debate.
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Cheers Gerry.
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