A French NO vote on the EU constitution would be good or bad news?

[cestpaspossible]

Latest polls show it close, but the 'No' is favored:



Some background:


full text of the treaty (349 page pdf)

French EU vote: Yes and No camps



Papers unimpressed by Chirac plea

[Robbien]

1. The EU constitution is all about corporate rights with none for the

working classes. Or not in any of the pages of the 470 page long constitution which I read.

[DrDebug]

2. If you can't fit into 4 pages, you're better of flushing it n/t

[brainshrub]

4. I have to agree.

A constitution should be something that everyone can read easily.

Just sayin'.

[muriel_volestrangler]

14. Try Part II

http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2004/c_310/c_31020041216en00410054.pdf

eg

Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and to freedom of association at all
levels, in particular in political, trade union and civic matters, which implies the right of everyone to
form and to join trade unions for the protection of his or her interests.

or

Every citizen of the Union has the freedom to seek employment, to work, to exercise the right of
establishment and to provide services in any Member State.

or

Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic
features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national
minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited.

or

Workers and employers, or their respective organisations, have, in accordance with Union law and
national laws and practices, the right to negotiate and conclude collective agreements at the
appropriate levels and, in cases of conflicts of interest, to take collective action to defend their
interests, including strike action.

[Selatius]

3. The EU Constitution is 450 pages

It should get a "non" vote just for that. The US Constitution is dry reading, but it's understandable and concise, not bloated.

[OldEurope]

9. Aha, and how many cases do you have to know

until you understand every thing?

[Selatius]

13. A Constitution is supposed to set down the foundation

It's supposed to set up a structure and how the structure operates. One doesn't need to be a lawyer to understand the *general* intent of the US Constitution or the Bill of Rights. The finer details are to be handled by the judicial branch because nothing is black and white or clear-cut; however, making it 450 pages is not going to help the people understand it any better.

[bennywhale]

5. It basically seems to me like the biggest 'business plan' of all time

however a No vote would be worrying regarding the unity of Europe. The anti-EU in all countries would be emboldened by it and it will stall integration and may even reverse it.

The constitution was designed to keep the EU operational now it has been extended to 25 members. there will certainly be a crisis if it is rejected, but i couldn't vote for something so obviously dedicated to the interests of the rich and powerful, rather than dedicated to the peoples of Europe.

I hope the rejection means they will water down the business acquiescence, make bolder social commitments, bring the EU closer to the people through improved democracy and offer it back to the people again.

Because there are some elements i agree with, such as CFSP (foreign policy) which would align Europe's influence in the world through a single foreign minister.

The ERR force is another thing I'm in favour of, it would have stopped the genocide in the Balkans if it had existed and its remit will be solely humanitarian intervention. There is no such force in the world at present, the UN is not proactive in this, and i think a lot more action in Africa will be possible RE: Rwanda and Dafur.

[Rowdyboy]

6. I'm still pissed they gave up their currencies for the Euro.....

[cestpaspossible]

8. Une Europe Anglaise

this comment on dkos from awhile back highlights some issues that aren't often discussed:

http://www.dailykos.com/comments/2005/4/10/84445/7072/7#7

[Kellanved]

10. I am not.

Being able to use my money without changing is the best thing since sliced bread.

[Kellanved]

7. very bad news

The points criticiced are almost totally already ratified in the form of other contracts.
The constitution offers a chance for more democracy in the EU - the term "Constitution" might be misleading, though.

I will respect the votes against; but undestand? hardly.

[OldEurope]

11. Hi.

Und ja, alles Mist. Ich hätte mir so sehr gewünscht, dass alle zustimmen.
RIESENSEUFZER

[cestpaspossible]

15. google translation

And, all muck. I would have wished myself so much that all agree. GIANT SIGH

[Freddie Stubbs]

12. Good news for the dollar

The Euro has been dropping and the dollar rising in anticipation of France's rejection.

[cestpaspossible]

16. Exit polls in a couple hours

[cestpaspossible]

17. And the answer is 'Non'

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050529/wl_nm/eu_france_dc