Volume 2 No 2 - 1998
EDITORIAL
The present number of EUROPA offers an interesting spectrum of critical views on Europe. Within four, relatively short articles, we are introduced to aspects of Europe which should make us all think and consider our own attitudes and awareness of the points raised.
When a national newspaper decides to attack a fellow member state in a vitriolic fashion, are we to accept willy nilly the arguments proposed? Much of the antipathy towards other members of the European community is based on shibboleths of very long standing, the origin of which people no longer know and of which the veracity is neither questioned nor deeply believed - except when they feel threatened. Is it that on such occasions when, backs against the wall or irritated, some feel it necessary to spit out insults which emerge from the depths of the subconscious and with which, in a more rational mood, they would disagree just as violently? Or is it, as it may well be in certain instances, a case of the Press seeking emotional, albeit irrational, elements in the deep consciousness of a nation to foment a rift? The Press is, as we all appreciate, a powerful organ of propaganda and a weapon in the struggle to influence public opinion. Some newspapers appear to thrive on scandal and on the outrageous, yet, alongside these publications, exist others, such as Le Monde, which occupy a position of respect, which are deemed to be purveyors of a balanced view and to be 'a vehicle for the transmission of cultural values'. The reader is often torn between the willingness to believe what is in print and the reluctance to accept the interpretation of the facts which some newspapers offer. The two articles devoted to opposing facets of the Press in this issue alert us to the problem but it needs a distancing and constant vigilance to be able to keep an open mind when confronted with powerful journalistic accounts.
In a like manner, the arguments surrounding the merits of the UK entering into full monetary union with other countries within the European Union, can seem convincing depending upon the interlocutor. For those in favour of the euro, there is no valid argument for not doing so and one may wonder whether the opposition comes more from a fear of the unknown than from a logical and rational analysis of the pros and cons. Yet, on the other hand, can so many people be wrong? History would say 'yes', but...
The policing of any state is of paramount importance to its inhabitants and to those of its neighbours. What have we to learn from 'the role of the state and of particular arms of the state in the creation of paramilitary groups out of their response to campaigns of peaceful protest'? Can what has happened in Italy and Northern Ireland be of use to the European in general? What lessons can be learned?
The above issues are of great importance to us all. This online Journal exists not to dictate to its readers but to stimulate comment. If, after reading the articles, you would like to make a response and express your own point of view, please send an email message to the editor <K.C.Cameron@ex.ac.uk> and if it is relevant, it will be published in a future issue of EUROPA. Any new submissions should be sent to the same electronic address.
Copyright © 1998 Intellect
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