I suspect I amnot the only
naive student of high inter- national finance and politics struggling to come to terms with the horror stories of the Eurozone. I feel now rather nearer the core. Yes, I am very worried –
Get ready for the battle of Europe MailMarks
and angry too. I have sensed this disaster over the last few years, not appreciating the real seriousness for our nation, town and people until re- cent months. I enjoy holidays around Europe and have
been amazed how the infra-structures of countries like Spain, Portugal, France and (especially) Eire have been transformed. I was pleased for them – but joked itwas un- affordable and who foots the bills. Nowit seems everyone has been living in
a fool’s paradise.How could European par- liament/leaders so mismanage finances and leave us in such jeopardy? Stories emerging about financial gover-
nance of the likes ofGreece, Italy and Spain are astounding. No one now seems prepared to bail them
out. China believes the over-generouswel- fare systems are crazy and encourage indo- lence, not economic growth. Germany, a Eurozone partner preserving economic strength, tries to protect itself. Political leaders across much of Europe
saw the Eurozone as a gravy train for their own nation. They successfully abused it. Now we all pay a desperate price. It was a disease caught by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his Labour government. Had they not so disastrously
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spent Britain in to poverty, what a powerful position we could be in. Instead we suffer increasingly and, as al-
ways, it is the weakest in society hit the hardest. The cuts become obvious in so many directions. At a local level, Kent County Council andMaidstone Council are being starved of funds and forbidden to in- crease local taxes. That impacts on so many, especially those most needing help. We must not expect somuch from our local NHS, police, ambulance and welfare serv- ices. Charities would like to help – but too are starved of cash. It is impossible just now to see where all
this is going – there seem to be few silver linings. We could well be in very signifi- cant times with the world order changing. Bankrupts are invariably massively weak- ened – but many come bouncing back with the right wisdom, energy, enthusiasm and skills. I sense a new Battle of Britain ahead –
and probably a Battle of Europe too. This will bring changes – and kill many damag- ing practices. I wonder if British trade unions will be
up for this? All I see now are crazy leaders posing like King Canute – thinking they
can halt the raging tide of economic necessities engulfing us all. We must earn our way in the world
again – and that will all be down to success of our business expertise and energy. Government minds at last seem truly concentrated.
Proper policing IN 60 years of journalism I always had difficulty in judging the quality of local
policing. There are too many variables. That’s why I find heartening the opinions
of many local civic leaders. They are opti- mistic about latest plans for neighbourhood policing. The structure of Kent Police is much changed – with not somany chiefs. Views coming to me are the Chief Constable has got it right where it mattersmost.
Uncertain future How do I see 2012? I wish I knew! I do
not like the signs – but I like the opportuni- ties.
Italian restaurant may
replace Headcorn pub CELLINI’S Italian Restaurant and Coffee Shop is set to replace the Kings Arms pub in High Street, Headcorn. Enterprise Inns closed the premises in September 2010, following a stream of complaints about anti-social behaviour. The pub had become a hub for the travel- ling community. Enterprise has lodged a planning application to install new menu boards on the premises.
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