Timing is the essence of most everything!

I spent yesterday afternoon at the Blogginportal’s event which was held at our old Central Office in 32 Smith Square, ironically now the home of the EU in the UK. The event, one of the first to be held in their new offices, was about discussing the European Union in the British blogosphere.

The first reason I attended the event, which was divide into two sessions, was to better understand a few things about the EU – as I still find some areas a little complex – and was hoping during the discussions some will become clearer.

My general feelings towards the EU is that its an intrusive yet unconducive project, at least not for the UK- as I am still unsure, after all these years what we (in the UK) get out of it (the EU) as much as we put in it. And my logic asks why and says; if we are doing it to be charitable then we should be able to decide how much to give but if it is a business and mutual cooperation between partners than it has to be fair and on an even keel. The EU over all is a very socialist top down rigidly controlled from the centre system, which goes against everything I believe in. Plus it is a very expensive experiment that is failing. In my opinion, it should either be radically reformed or scraped all together and something more practical, workable and agreeable by most members put in its place – nevertheless, it should not be allowed to continue in its current state.

The second reason I went was to network, that went well as I meet many fellow bloggers. But when it came to understanding the EU better – well, how can I put it – those who support the idea and advocate its viability and those who work inside it plus those who write and report about it seem, similar to me, somewhat confused and unclear about huge chunks of it. They too have a problem with finding information and or the correct source to go to when they need that information – like with many leftish systems it clearly has too many Indians and not enough Chiefs when it comes to who and where to best source out reports.

The general feeling was that reporting is not “sexy” enough to make headlines and grab attention, and not detailed enough to inform but at the same time they (the panellist) felt reporting and writing about the EU is too tedious to be sexed up in the first place as for the details unless you are an expert, then God help you!

Like many of these events, there was a clear right left divide – and although the event was advertised as non partisan both panels were very heavy on the left and the right was barely represent on the second panel, but its the EU so I was not terribly surprised by that.

The discussion was very bizarre yet an accurate reflection of why the EU is not a success. The content was very much Europhile and pro – but the method and the format of delivery was a huge indictment to the system over all and a reflection of its attitude towards debate, democracy and consultation. The panel was first asked questions by the chair then they talked amongst themselves (discussion) while we (the audience) watched them go at it but were not allowed to comment, interject or ask questions until the floor (almost an hour later) was opened for questioning by which time the moment has well and truly passed – and they wonder why it’s not sexy!?