In a referendum last week, the Irish people voted down the latest Brussels overreach, leading the Volokh Consipiracy’s David Kopel to this tagline:
How the Irish saved civilization – again.
The referendum debate in Ireland involved some Irish-specific issues, such as the Treaty’s impact on farmers, its threat to Ireland’s official foreign policy of neutrality, and the danger that Ireland might be forced to raise its low corporate income tax rate of 12.5% (which almost everyone agrees has been an essential part of the economic success of the Celtic Tiger). But the broader opposition seemed to stem from the sheer incomprehensibility of the Treaty. Even Taoiseich (Prime Minister) Brian Cowen admitted that he had not read the Treaty, which is over 400 pages long and deliberately written to be obscure. Treaty proponents included both of the two largest political parties (Fianna Fail and Fine Gael), and they appealed to the Irish people’s strong support of trade with Europe, and to Ireland’s optimistically internationalist orientation.
True.
…ah yes, the Three Truths of the Irish. The truth of the politician, the truth of the warrior and the truth of the poet. Each is within the realm of belief, because in every one of their hearts’ they believe it themselves. We rally under that particular case which aligns within our own framing paradox, and compete to present our translation with argument, discussion, compromise and resolution. A fine way to close out the day. Have a great week learning the ropes of your new endeavor. v/r jug