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1) This is not a constitution. A constitution is a concise document laying down the groundwork for a nation. Laws are then adopted to further clarify what is meant by the articles in the constitution. That way, the constitution can withstand the test of time because it doesn't need to be changed every other year or so, and thus provide a sense of stability. Nevertheless, the European 'constitution' is fatter than Michael Moore in a tub of lard, with over 300 pages.
2) I have a distrust against any constitution which doesn't start with 'We, the people' or something to that end. The European 'constitution' sounds like a friggin' parking permit:
DRAWING INSPIRATION from the cultural, religious and humanist inheritance of Europe, from which have developed the universal values of the inviolable and inalienable rights of the human person, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law,
BELIEVING that Europe, reunited after bitter experiences, intends to continue along the path of civilisation, progress and prosperity, for the good of all its inhabitants, including the weakest and most deprived; that it wishes to remain a continent open to culture, learning and social progress; and that it wishes to deepen the democratic and transparent nature of its public life, and to strive for peace, justice and solidarity throughout the world,
CONVINCED that, while remaining proud of their own national identities and history, the peoples of Europe are determined to transcend their former divisions and, united ever more closely, to forge a common destiny,
CONVINCED that, thus ‘United in diversity’, Europe offers them the best chance of pursuing, with due regard for the rights of each individual and in awareness of their responsibilities towards future generations and the Earth, the great venture which makes of it a special area of human hope,
DETERMINED to continue the work accomplished within the framework of the Treaties establishing the European Communities and the Treaty on European Union, by ensuring the continuity of the Community acquis,
GRATEFUL to the members of the European Convention for having prepared the draft of this Constitution on behalf of the citizens and States of Europe,
OK, a rather lengthy parking permit. Incidentally, there used to be something in there about the Judeo-Christian inheritance of Europe, which is a hell of a lot bigger than the humanist one, but this was considered to be unsavoury.
3) This constitution will effectively abolish the sovereign Dutch nation. Bigger EU nations will get more voting powers, and the endowment of the European Parliament with extra powers will have a similar eroding effect on our independence.
Already, laws are being adopted in the Netherlands which would never have made it if not for the EU. Recently, a law proposal was drafted which reverses the burden of proof in cases of sexual harassment. (Which will, incidentally, lead to employers hiring fewer women in order to avoid being falsely accused, and/or putting up cameras everywhere. Thank you, EU, for curbing our civil rights!)
4) We will have to abolish most of our social welfare. The European constitution will make sure that the Netherlands won't be able to regulate their own immigration policy any longer. As a result, many immigrants will be tempted to travel here, for our welfare system is one of the most luxurious in Europe. There will be no other way of preventing an influx of fortune seekers other than curbing welfare for everyone - including the ones who have paid premiums for years. While I am not exactly a proponent of the current rate of spending on welfare in the Netherlands, the European constitution will force us to do away with nearly all of it.
Also, I'm really sick of the euro because the EMU is full of frauds, I detest the arrogant attitude of France and Germany, and have become a lot less enthusiastic about Turkish admission to the EU after the way they behaved on the EU Summit in the Netherlands last year (which was bullyish and extremely arrogant). Oh, and The Economist has quite a few reasons, too.
Incidentally, Elsevier News Weekly has also adopted the 'no stance' in its latest issue.
If anyone knows of a decent 'Vote No' banner, I'll be glad to put it up.
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