Wednesday
(1)While researching for my weekly CNE Environment column I came across a barking mad website. This led me to another loony story. Unfortunately, neither of these would do for an environment column that is meant to present a credible analysis of the eco-fascist movement.
So I ended up with this story from the French TV station TF1. In what has to be the most perfect economic suicide note since the 1920 Soviet Constitution, the French National Assembly has voted to amend the French constitution so as to enshrine the precautionary principle by 328 votes to 10. This could make any future government decision to deregulate anything illegal.
It is a shame that the precautionary principle is not applied to government regulation: in the absence of any overwhelming proof that it will work, such regulation ought to be prohibited. One might expect such lunacy in the French Assembly to be supported by the extreme left and the Green parties (there are several of these in France). But no.
The "centre-right" parties of the UMP and the UDF voted in favour, the Socialists and the Communists abstained, and the Greens voted against.
If this was appeasement, it failed. So which story was the barmiest?
I have always advocated application of the precautionary principle to the application of the precautionary principle.
Posted by Walter Wallis at June 2, 2004 01:13 PM
It is clear to me that the French phrase 'Centre-Right' can best be translated into English (or American) as 'Neo-Marxist'.
Could someone provide a synopsis of this TF1 article in English?
Posted by c colbert at June 2, 2004 02:32 PM
Basically the law introduces the right for citizens to live in an environment that is stable (or balanced) and not harmful to their health. This is in the preamble to the Constition alongside such other constitunial rights as the rights of man of 1789 and economic and social rights of 1946.
Two primary principles are involved, that of precaution and contribution to repair to damage caused to the environment. However the polluter pays principle was distinctly omitted.
The law has now to be passed by the Senate, and ratified by either referendum or both houses sitting together in Versailles chanting Kumbaya.
Posted by Edmund Burke at June 2, 2004 06:57 PM
Good. I hope they follow this up with amendments banning electricity and workweeks longer than 10 hours.
Posted by Harry at June 2, 2004 06:59 PM
Thanks for the first 2 links. It makes my day to discover even more people who are completely barking mad.
Posted by Cancergiggles at June 3, 2004 01:52 PM
At first I thought this was a joke or parody.
Now i'm just amused. I hope it passes.
BTW does the French assembly have a position on costal tides or the length of the day?
Posted by M. Simon at June 4, 2004 08:16 AM
I miss French TV. The constant, numbing, comforting reminders that the rest of the world envied us....while the best and brightest emigrate steadily. (At least it used to be the best and brightest; you can find French bus drivers in the UK and Ireland these days; and they don't want to go back).
As opposed to the US media, who thrives explaining how and why and where and when people "hate us".....while a million line up at the door every year and who knows how many risk their lives in containers and across borders in the desert to get in.
Go figure.
Posted by Sylvain Galineau at June 4, 2004 04:19 PM
