Political thoughts

Political thought in Europe.

This was a fascinating time to be studying in Europe. I really feel that the current events made the scholar trip very intriguing. To echo the words of Elder Peterson, a LDS church diplomat I had dinner with, the outcome of the Euro Crisis will be a directionally decisive for the European Union. I agree that the near future holds many substantial organizational impacts for the EU. It really is a grand experiment. Only time will tell what will become of the European Union.

In all honesty, it is a regret of mind that I was unable to ask more people their personal opinions of the political developments in the EU. I feel I could’ve better utilized the current situation to spark up a conversation. In France, however, I talked to a number of individuals working the stores and shops. The majority of those working the Panini and crepe were mostly from Middle Eastern nations. Immigration and the free flow of people are naturally going to be an issue. Although I didn’t talk to many of the middle easterners working the shops, I was absolutely captivated by the thick African culture at the Paris flea market. Older Africans had authentic African shops selling native clothing and masks. Middle-aged Africans sold “Rasta” apparel. Younger Africans sold “Thug” clothing. I talked with quite a few of these shop owners who were blaring French rap music and spray-painting t-shirts for sale. They had effectively created a sub-culture within France. From what I could gather from thick accents, most had come to be with family and/or to start a new life in France. I got the feeling the economy had drawn many to live the “American Dream” in France. Africans don’t come to be assimilated to French culture, wearing black all the time; they bring their own ideals and values, which include wearing bright, baggy, and artistic clothing. Yellow, green, and red colors were everywhere, and many t-shirts sported slogans from the Arab Spring revolutions. The Africans were in France but they were still connecting to Africa.

I talked to a Lebonese man for about an hour while Amber patiently waited while I waded through thosands of LP records. How he got the records he wouldn’t tell me. He did say that he lived in New York for a while and dated a LDS girl there, however, I feel like this may have a lie. What I do believe however is that he felt France was a great place to live and work. He carried with him Lebanese customs, such as offering tea to customers. I learned in Turkey that Middle Eastern culture dictates that you must be friends before you do business. Tea or coffee was offered just for walking in to a shop. The Lebanese man sent a store hand out to buy hot chocolate just for Amber and I. I seriously doubt any Frenchmen would do something like that. I am so proud of Dan Groberg’s heritage.

Everywhere, I went people were still fiercely connected to their home country. Asking people, they said they were from Belgium or France, not Europe. Although, thinking back, one friend in Switzerland said he did what other Europeans did. So there is some sense of commonality with Europe. Only one many ever spoke of being a European citizen… and he worked for the Commission. So taking away his bias, I feel that most Europeans still see them as a member of their country first and then a European. I do not see a United States of Europe in the future.

One of my favorite features of the Citadels Hotel in Paris was the free English newspaper they set out every morning. The European perspective of the Ghadafi’s death was very graphic in nature. The papers also commented on the US presidential primaries. Perhaps the only news relevant to the travel journal is Greece’s financial problem and ensuing riots. Greece is in a tough spot. Rioters against lowering the minimum wage are in conflict with those rioting for financial solvency. All rioters are against the police. Many feel this will be the pivotal point for the EU. Germany and France are reluctant to bail out the hurting nations, especially because it lied about their financials when joining the EU. I can completely understand the reluctance. No one wants to give money away again and again. Especially to a country that lied. It seems like a waste of money to give it away with no return. However, Greece will be kicked out of the Euro Zone. I stand by the opinion of Rashid. There is just way to much business and political interconnection for that to happen. Greece will eventually be bailed out. Politics and business relies on the intergovernmental cooperation.

Visiting countries inside and outside the Union gave a diverse picture of the EU opinions. Norway does not want to join at all. It has no intentions of beginning ascension talks. A man I talked to on the train said part of it was Norway’s strong reliance on the military. He was in the military himself so I would note that he a little biased. But Norway would be reluctant to concede military control to the EU. They like to be independent in their support of NATO. They are heavily involved in Afghanistan and Libya. I have also heard rumor that Norway doesn’t want to join the EU because restrictions would hurt its industries, like logging and whaling. Whale is delicious.