I think there has been some misunderstanding about the term 'socialist' as it is used in Europe. Socialism is not necessarily the same as Communism. Socialism in Europe is considered to be left of centre politics. Britain is definitely not a socialist country (if only it was). The Labour Party, who are in power at the moment were always a socialist party before Tony Blair became leader. They found it impossible to be elected with left wing policies and made a fundamental shift to the right, usurping the position of the Conservative Party. The Conservatives have now had to move even further to the right to such an extent that they now occupy the ground that was formally occupied by Attila the Hun.
. Next week the Conservatives (who would equate to the Republicans in the US) elect a new leader and at that stage they are likely to implode. I can't see the Conservatives gaining power again for at least ten years.
Anyway I digress, the point I think Rikard was trying to make in his original post is that the Democrats in the US, who would be considered to be on the left of US politics, hold policies that are more right wing than most of the governments in Europe.
Foot and Mouth isn't really a European problem, only a British one. There have been a few cases reported in France, Holland and Ireland but there have been over 2,000 in Britain. The cost to the economy has been estimated as £4.1 billion (that's a British billion rather than an American billion
) 20 to 30 thousand jobs may be lost in the tourist industry and there has been a 10% decrease in foreign visitors to Britain (mostly you woossy Americans
)
Foot and Mouth disease can't be caught by humans, I love to eat beef but then again I'm mad anyway.
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Save Chip - Don't let Sarah win!
Official Titterer of the Laughing Hyenas
Don't mention the score - I mentioned it but I think I got away with it!