I wasn't in favour of the Argentinians winning the Falklands War Derek. I believe in self determination and it's pretty clear that the Falklands "self" wanted to remain part of the British Empire. <BR> <BR>But really, there's no more way that the Falklands are "ours" than that elephants fly. <BR> <BR>And we broke the rules of engagement when sinking the Belgrano and the only reason she did it was to win the next election. <BR> <BR>Which nation did we restore pride in? I personally was proud of the sailors and soldiers and ashamed of the political decisions which made them heroes. <BR> <BR>Messrs Wilson and Heath avoided conflict; they did not create it for political gain. And if you doubt that the conflict was created by Britain, read some history. <BR> <BR>The only honourable man amongst the politicians was Peter Carrington.

Sorry. <BR> <BR>I just broke one of my rules for this place. I don't usually cant here (at least I hope I don't)but something just got too far under my skin

There are several postings here by people that seem to think that the 'British Empire' still exists (yes Derek thats you too!) Face fact people- IT DOES NOT - the sooner these people accept this - the sooner we will all be able to celebrate our British culture within the realms of a merged Europe. Whats so wrong with that?

Dear Sheila, Britain did not initiate the Falklands conflict-they successfully ended it. I think it is conspiratorial rubbish to think Mrs. Thatcher pulled strings to have the Argentines invade the Falklands so that she might gain electoral advantage for re-taking it--that is the stuff of Hollywood thrillers. A conspiracy would have almost had to include Lord Carrington, a man who was in conflict with Mrs. Thatcher on many issues due to their being on opposite ends of the same party. I agree with your concept of self-determination whether you are a small island like the Falklands, a cultural nation like Quebec or, as in 1860s America, a region like Dixie. I do not question your patriotism, Sheila, though I do find it odd that some in Britain seemed to favor a right-wing military junta over a constitutional monarchy in the Falklands War. Lastly, I've enjoyed your spunk and strong views. You would be wrong to stiffle your brain. Have a good weekend.

1. Sara, You are correct, the British empire no longer exists. It was build out of trade by mostly smugglers while the kings and queens partied. After they took an interest they systematically destroyed it. <BR>2. Ms Thatcher did indeed inherit a ruined England. The problem is that one leader can just about ruin a country (look at Jimmy Carter) in a very short time. It takes much longer to restore it and Ms. Thatcher got the ball rolling. The Soviets only ended the cold war when they could not respond to Reagon. They had already ciphered all of the wealth from Central and Eastern Europe where they became as poor as the rest of the Soviet block. <BR>3. Unfortunately socialism/communism will continue to exist as long as people want something for nothing or want other people to pay their bills. <BR>This is unfortunate as if socialism exists over the long run, civilization will not. <BR>Regards <BR> <BR>

The answer is quite simple, really. <BR>The British tribe will shout and rant about how they are against the Euro for as long as the Euro is only real "on paper". As soon as the currency becomes a reality, the Pound is going to get its **s kicked, and then you'll see the turnaround of the century. I actually look forward to seeing the Tory ministers explain why it it that the UK "really can't do without the €"...

I don't necessarily disagree with your analysis, Dirk (tho' I might somehwat with your characterisation <BR> <BR>But which Tory ministers would that be? <BR> <BR>We haven't had any since 1997 and hoefully won't for a considerable number of years to come

You do have "shadow" ministers Sheila. <BR>It's another rather unique British Institution (and I do not mean that pejoratively...)

I wonder if this would be such an emotive subject if Sterling were to be replaced with credits or units rather than the Euro? I’m sure that many of my friends and relatives envisage some sort of invasion force!

Dirk, when you say that Britain has 'shadow' ministers and then say that this in a uniquely British Institution I must correct you. It is a part of the Westminster System of government and so we have them in each of our governments in Australia and I believe, but will stand corrected on this, in other countries of the British Commonwealth ( the successor to the British Empire) such as New Zealand and Canada which also follow the Westminster System. Others members of the Commonwealth do not. Some have modified the system to suit themselves which is why I am not prepared to state categorically which other countries may or may not have 'shadow' ministries but they are certainly not unique to Britain. <BR>Question: As each country will be issuing the Euro with one side common and one side determined by their own country, I believe, will they really be able to be used all over Europe or will they become national currencies as other countries refuse to accept the notes, coins from other places?

<BR>Odie <BR>All euro notes and coins issued by participating nations will be fully useable in all other coutries of the Euro zone. So, from next year, when you get change in Paris, say, it may contain notes and coins issued by France, Belgium, Italy, Greece, Spain etc. as they are all of uniform size, colour etc.

Just read an interview with some people working in the tourist industry in Switzerland. <BR>Places (hotels, restaurants, shops) close to the border to EU countries (Germany, France, Italy) will most likely accept the Euro as well, but will give the change in Swiss Francs.

The bills do not have a national side only the coins. They will be Legal Tender in all nations that are on the Euro.

Derek - firstly, yes of course they teach history in British schools. Margaret Thatcher, however, wasn't history when I was at school - she was current affairs. Also, there is so much history to get through in Britain that they didn't manage to get through all of it (sorry, but I couldn't resist that little dig). <BR> <BR>I did, however, learn about this period while I was at university, as part of my European studies course. The 70s was a mess economically speaking across Europe and many other parts of the world, not just in the UK. I agree, Margaret Thatcher did inherit a mess, as have many other governments before and since. While the problems of the early 80s can not be entirely attributed to the Conservatives (if we're going down that road, can any economic problems be entirely attributable to any individual government?), the state of the economy in the late 80s and early 90s can hardly be attributed to what Thatcher inherited - since she had been in power for a decade by this point (and yes, I know Major was in power for the latter part of this period - but then he'd inherited a mess, hadn't he?). <BR> <BR>Margaret Thatcher jumped at the chance to have a go at Argentina over the Falklands - the timing was perfect from her point of view, just when she was at a low point in her popularity. I'm sure that's not the only reason she went into the conflict as she did, but I am quite certain that someone as politically canny as she undoubtedly was made every effort to milk it for all it was worth. <BR> <BR>The way Britain behaved, in particular with the sinking of the Belgrano, did not restore pride in the country among many of us. In fact, a large proportion of the population were ashamed to be British after that event.

Sorry to bring this one back.
But I wonder if anyone who commented on this subject since August 01, has changed their opinion over the last 2.5 years or so.
(I am researching for an assignment)

Cheers

Muck

;-)

My new answer to the question is:
When Hell freezes over.

When will the US adopt the Euro?

As an American, I would like to ask if the Euro is going to be in the form of a coin or thin paper? I have always loved the weight and ease of a pound coin. Then we dumb Americans came out with a cheap. flimsy coin like the Anthony dollar for the arcade games industry. Then, since all those coins are in a vast warehouse unused,, we decided to try it all again so we have the Sasageweha (sp?) dollar coin! Have yet to see them at any store or place of business! Go figure!!

I found the Sacajaweah (yea, that spellings wrong too, I'm sure) dollars. Recently I stopped at the local post office to get a single stamp -- then realized the smallest I had was a $20 bill, which I put in the machine. In addition to the small coins, I got back 9 of those silly dollar coins to put in my pocket. I limped home. I guess they've pawned them all off on the post offices to try to disperse them.

Ooops, sorry for the error. No I wasn't scammed by the machine -- I meant I got back 19 of those silly coins.