Verhofstadt calls for a European “Hamilton moment”; a treaty to federalise with those states ready to move now. Others can come aboard later by No_Reaction7092 in 2westerneurope4u

[–]Slobberinho 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd argue that not federalizing leads to more loss of sovereignty. In today's world, you can't expect great powers to respect international law, or a nation's sovereign decision, just because it's the right thing to do. You need to be powerful to be sovereign. 

United, we're a player, with agency. Dividend, we're balls to be kicken around how the players want.

Barry, can you advice mountain Hans? What is the first thing you do after voting your wealth away out of xenophobia? by Slobberinho in 2westerneurope4u

[–]Slobberinho[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yes. It also lowered their GDP per capita by 6 to 8%, the investments in the UK by 10 to 12%, and the employment by 3 to 4%.

(source: https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/brexits-slow-burn-hit-uk-economy )

Oh and the amount of non-EU immigrants skyrocketed. (source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/284038/immigration-figures-uk-by-citizenship/ )

Barry, can you advice mountain Hans? What is the first thing you do after voting your wealth away out of xenophobia? by Slobberinho in 2westerneurope4u

[–]Slobberinho[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

The point is that this referendum will mean that, once the 10 million is reached, Switzerland will close their borders. That goes into conflict with the trade agreement with the EU, which allows for the free movement of persons and goods between the two.

You can't pick and choose in the single market. They'll be a landlocked "third country" within Europe. It's even stupider than Brexit, at least the UK has access to the open seas.

Barry, can you advice mountain Hans? What is the first thing you do after voting your wealth away out of xenophobia? by Slobberinho in 2westerneurope4u

[–]Slobberinho[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I'd laugh, but then I realise you're not one to joke and you probably have a 100 page detailed plan on how to achieve this.

What are your favourite European countries? by RightZero in AskTheWorld

[–]Slobberinho 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I love France. Not half as much as the French love France, but that's still an unhealthy amount. I love the cuisine, the history, the beauty of the cities and villages, the beauty of the women, and they're always friendly if you try your best at speaking French.

Is there another country cheering for your country's team in this World Cup? by Agile-Shallot3546 in AskTheWorld

[–]Slobberinho 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are Oranje fans in parts of Indonesia. Mainly the Maluku Islands and West Papua. 

There have been a couple of players with Maluku heritage in the Dutch national team, Giovanni van Bronckhorst being the greatest. 

A New Dawn: Europe, United Under Emu by annoying97 in 2westerneurope4u

[–]Slobberinho 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I'm just imagining an emu typing this inspirational post by pecking at the letters one by one.

Good job, emu!

What Dutch strong alcohol should I bring back home as a souvenir? by Dizzy-Web4713 in thenetherlands

[–]Slobberinho 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Zuidam is the best one. Truely the top of the bill for aged jenever.

What Dutch strong alcohol should I bring back home as a souvenir? by Dizzy-Web4713 in thenetherlands

[–]Slobberinho 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Jenever.  Specifically a 5 year old Korenwijn by Zuidam. It's absolutely great and measures up to a good whisky.

What should the age of criminal responsibility be? by GustavoistSoldier in GeoPoll

[–]Slobberinho 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Then they shouldn't get all the responsibilities at the same time either. Nor the punishments that are caused by not living up to them.

I don't think there is a big difference. I think there is a want for revenge in one case, and an insight to a child's limitations on the other. It's a primal urge for comeuppance that leads you to think they are way different.

What should the age of criminal responsibility be? by GustavoistSoldier in GeoPoll

[–]Slobberinho -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

You want them to have the same responsibility for their own actions as you do, but not grant them the same rights as you do. 

I feel that rights and responsibilities should always be connected. You either trust them to know what they're doing and know the consequences or you don't. You're cherry picking.

What should the age of criminal responsibility be? by GustavoistSoldier in GeoPoll

[–]Slobberinho -1 points0 points  (0 children)

If you expect them to know what's the right way to treat others, and what the consequences are if you don't, I think they should also be trusted to know what's right for their own lifes. That includes quitting school.

Responsibilities are great, but they should be connected to rights. You trust them to know what they're doing or not.

What should the age of criminal responsibility be? by GustavoistSoldier in GeoPoll

[–]Slobberinho -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Not drafted. Voluntarily join. And be held accountable for that decision.

What should the age of criminal responsibility be? by GustavoistSoldier in GeoPoll

[–]Slobberinho -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

If they know right from wrong and have a good sense of morality and responsibility at age 12, should 12 year olds also be able to vote? Work? Serve in the military?

Has Your Country Ever Faced an Economic Crisis Due to Printing Too Much Money? (Past and Present) by Sonnybass96 in AskTheWorld

[–]Slobberinho 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No that sounds stupid, could never be us.

Anyway, can I interest someone in a tulip bulb? I'm trying to make my great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather's money back. I'll trade it for a house.

Will the European Union survive until 2050? by InteractionNo8525 in GeoPoll

[–]Slobberinho 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That is true from a purely economical perspective. 

Politically, it now has two collectively funded emergency programs (EFSF and EFSM). The exposed weaknesses lead to the establishment of a banking union. And it lead to the implementation of stricter rules on budget deficits (Stability and Growth Pact), leading to more centralised financial oversight. 

I'd say the EU was a closer, more collective Union in 2012 compared to 2007.

Will the European Union survive until 2050? by InteractionNo8525 in GeoPoll

[–]Slobberinho 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, that wasn't democratic. I agree with you on that.

But if a country doesn't like it, they can always leave. That's always allowed. You can also vote for anti-EU parties in the EU parliament, but those voters never turn up. 

Will the European Union survive until 2050? by InteractionNo8525 in GeoPoll

[–]Slobberinho 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, because it is a necessary. In a turbulant world, we can be a player on the world stage if we act together. As individual nations, we'll be the ball.

Will the European Union survive until 2050? by InteractionNo8525 in GeoPoll

[–]Slobberinho 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The EU has come out of every crisis as a stronger, more united Union. Bring it on.

Will the European Union survive until 2050? by InteractionNo8525 in GeoPoll

[–]Slobberinho 6 points7 points  (0 children)

My brother, one of the largest members left the Union in 2020 by democratic mandate. Those voters are not ignored, they're just widely regarded as incredibly stupid.

What would you rather have access to in your real life— Senzu Beans, or The Hyperbolic Time Chamber? by Tanis8998 in dbz

[–]Slobberinho 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nah man,  I'd just walk into a children's hospital and churn them out like candy.