COLUMN: America Has A Lot to Learn From the EU
Two weeks ago, I discussed the impending creation of the North American Union. There have been many who have shrugged off the warnings of what is happening to our nation, dismissing the well-informed individuals giving these warnings as conspiracy theorists. When considered alone, these warnings are grave enough. However, when one considers these warnings in light of what is occurring in Europe, the creation of a North American Union is much more ominous.
There are many parallels between the creation of the current European Union and the creation of a North American Union. If the citizens of the U.S., Mexico and Canada are not careful, we may find ourselves in the same situation the people of many nations of Europe are facing.
The European Union was not created overnight. Its foundation was laid in 1951 with the European Steel and Coal Community. This began the process of economic integration that has led to the further political integration of Europe.
The European Steel and Coal Community evolved gradually. Eventually, the European Economic Community was formed. This community later became the European Community. The European Community led to the current European Union.
Throughout this process, there were many who warned of a future political merger. These people were silenced by the architects of the EU and their allies.
European citizens were told repeatedly by their leaders that there were no plans for political integration. British journalist Christopher Brooker said British citizens were assured that the European Common Market was merely “an economic agreement: a kind of free-trading area primarily concerned with creating jobs and prosperity.” People were told the agreements would lead to “harmonization,” “integration” and “convergence.” However, political integration was planned all along.
This should serve as a red flag to all Americans, as our leaders are feeding us the same lies about NAFTA, the FTAA and the SPP. These agreements have also been sold as mere economic agreements. However, these agreements are also paving the way for political integration.
EU leaders have been relentless in their efforts to expand the power of the EU. Several treaties have held that once a nation gives the EU authority over a certain area, that authority will not be surrendered. All nations entering in the EU must comply with EU rules and regulations. Initially, actions to be taken by the EU needed unanimous agreement among member states. Rules have changed to allow the EU to take actions with only the consent of a majority of member states.
Attempts were made to create a European Constitution for the EU. According to the president of the European Commission, the purpose of the constitution was to “mark the birth of Europe as a political entity. [The Union] is not an alliance between States or a federation. It is an advanced supranational democracy that needs to be strengthened.” The constitution was barely rejected.
The Treaty of Lisbon was created last year. Many feel that this treaty would serve the same purpose of the constitution. This treaty would greatly expand the power of the EU government. It would also create a President of the European Council.
The European Union and its institutions are slowly gaining power, at the expense of its member nations and their citizens. Classic examples of the EU power grab are the prosecution of a British grocer for selling bananas by the pound and unannounced raids on the London Coca Cola offices.
Most members of the EU have also lost control over their financial resources with the creation of a central European bank and the Euro.
Mikhail Gorbachev, the former dictator of the Soviet Union and a devoted communist, summed up the peril facing Europe when he described the EU as “the new European Soviet.” Mr. Gorbachev made this statement in 2000.
Clearly, there are many parallels between what has happened in Europe and what is occurring in North America. Fortunately, there is still time to become informed and stop the creation of a North American Union. We must act soon, before we are trapped in a new North American Soviet.
Colby Lyons is a senior majoring in law and constitutional studies. Comments can be sent to him at c.lyons@aggiemail.usu.edu