It's true that most of us do not care  a fig about politics.  Politics 'r turnoff.  So we think.  Europeans are better than Americans in caring about the goings-on of their governments, but apathy grows there as well. What will this mean for democracy?  A bit worrisome, to be sure, but we here at Euro press are not quite ready to throw in the towel.  Not when politics all over the world are getting interesting.  Iraq. Palestine. Israel.  Ukraine. Canada.  So here's to rah-rah democracy and the spirit of hope and justice. 

England.  If you have a computer, you cannot only get the news from the venerable BBC in print form, but also in audio and video.  Granted TV news on your computer monitor is like watching a movie in a tunnel, but it's so convenient.  Lately, the big stories have been the new homie, the youngish David Cameron. He's not JFK, but he's smooth and relaxed and slick.  Too slick, perhaps. But he's got Brits' attention. And he drives to work on a bicycle.  When was the last time you went to work on a bike?

Can't say I've done it myself.  A bit long from Edmonds, but doesn't mean I can't try.

The Netherlands.  The NRC Handlesblad has lately been crooning about Angela Merkel, the first female Chancellor of Germany.  Now that's progress. She's better than Cameron: she actually acts like a real leader, a bit dry even, but you can tell there is depth in that Mona Lisa smile of hers. Not to be outdone, the Trouw sings its own praises of the New Lady Chancellor, claiming she can act as a bridge builder between Europe and America, the role that British Prime Minister Tony Blair was supposed to play but ended being more of a poodle to the US about it - so many Europeans claim!  On a more negative note for the Lady Chancellor, Telegraaf revealed that during the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, German spies directed air strikes against key facilities in Baghdad.  This raises the question:  former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder was resolutely against the Iraq invasion.  Yes, how do you explain his German secret service helping the Bush Administration? Is this why many are turned off from politics?  Can't get a straight answer from anyone. 

Well, not from everyone. When Charles Kennedy, former head of the Liberal Democrats Party in England, got up last month to announce he had sought medical attention for his drinking problem, it was a case of complete and utter honesty.  I watched the BBC News about it, and was stunned.  How many politicos are capable of such openness?  Does this mean that politics have a chance?  You tell me!

 May 2006 Europress

April 2006 Europress

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September 2005 Europress

June 2005 Europress
 

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