ErikthViking - 10/2/2016 11:32
I am a committed European and also think that all the nations of the earth should co-operate for mutual benefit.
However, the European Union was flawed from the start. It was never designed to be democratic. The only part that we can vote for directly - the Parliament - is marginalised. The real power lies with the Council (representatives from national governments), and, worse, the Commission (totally unelected).
It was constructed by a elite in Europe to suit the post-war political realpolitik and we, the people, had no say in its formation. Likewise, we have had no real chance to affect its development. It always comes down to a binary vote, yes or no, in or out. No real choice.
EU budgets are bloated by bureaucratic interests and hampered by expensive legacy issues such as the Common Agricultural Policy.
The Commission is hysterically secretive and conducts much of its business behind closed doors that lay it open to corruption and abuse from lobbyists. For example, what do you know about the TTIP negotiations that might destroy the NHS as we know it?
Cameron’s reforms are like similar to two fleas on a dog’s back arguing about who owns the dog - totally irrelevant. There are no reforms!
The only reason that there is a debate is because Cameron feared the rise of UKIP and the little Englander types in his party shifting over the swivel-eyed loon. The real issues have always been papered over and ignored.
For me, the democratic deficit in the European Union is so great that I will be voting no. Not because I want to leave the European Union, but I want to shake up those at the top to actually create a European organisation that is fit-for-purpose. If that means tearing down the EU and starting again, then so be it.