JelloB's comments

You're right CRenfro. I havent' seen any evidence of common people identifying with Israel. What I've seen is a systematic effort by some media to promote this idea. A vocal and prominent minority cheering for Israel may make it seem like there is broad support for Israel but it's mostly disinformation. That being said, we live in a society where advertisement holds power of persuation and if you keep repeating something often and loud enough, it becomes true. So if the Arabs want more sympathy they better start promoting their cause more actively.

The tone of the political debate is a factor, but the elephant in the room is the gun legislation in the US. Why on Earth do civilians need to own automatic rifles? I'm not even talking about hand guns here but military grade weaponry. A growing population of semi-literate gun owners that has fallen on hard times. This is a perfect recipe for disaster. As the recession worsens we'll be seing more of this.

I would think Romania's inability to integrate the Gypsies is more likely due to the same corruption and incompetence that prevented progress in basic areas like infrastructure and privatization. Integration of minorities is a mystery that much more advanced countries, like Germany, are still struggling with. But the Economist chose to highlight Mr. Nicolae Gheorghe's point of view because fascism sells. Who cares about red tape and general apathy in a poor country? That's a given. Let's talk about genocide, mass graves, fascists... now that's going to get people excited.
If Mr. Gheorghe genuinely thinks that the EU accession served the purpose of driving the Roma out of the country, then why is he so concerned about Romania's chances of joining the PASSPORT-FREE Shengen zone? Yet another disappointing piece about Gypsies.

Mr Naegele,

I found the comparison between the royals and the Hollywood-type princesses hilarious. Those so called "princesses" are botox/silicone-filled puppets in the hands of the entertainment industry that are only meant to provide circus to the illiterate. They don't have any class, they don't have any education, most of them probably never finished high-school and they talk like five-year olds. Maybe the royals don't really have a role these days, but they have an education and (still) command respect for various reasons. BTW that Sarah Palin is a real piece of work and it looks like she's working hard on her tabloid credentials with that ridiculous reality show. That will surely pave the way to presidency for Momma Grizzly.

Their "image" in some international circles is obviously not something that France worries too much about. They have enough clout to be that way. In 2001 some feverish Americans were pouring French wine down the storm drain because the French had the audacity to disagree with the world policeman. Did that damage France internationally? Water under the bridge. The Gypsy issue is very basic. You outstayed your welcome, you're not a guest anymore. There is the door. I don't care who you are, the Queen of England or a squatter. Nobody in this world will keep an abusive guest in their house because of what the neighbour might say. So when it comes to the real world international opinion, I think France is pretty safe. And the EU should remember who their most fervent supporter is.

@ Paco

"Romania is acting as is these were foreigner that are just happening to be leaving their country (because of intolerable conditions there) and she (it) is doing ZERO to retain them."

Romania, like other Eastern European countries is unable to retain its hard working, educated people, let alone the Gypsies. Everybody suffers from the "intolerable conditions" overe there, not just the Gypsies. And just how intolerable they are depends a lot on the perception of the individual and what they're prepared to do about it. This won't sound nice, but many Gypsies don't mind the "mess" they live in. This is of their own making, this is how they live and it only looks miserable to the outside observer.

Speaking of what was done to integrate the Roma, the Communists gave these people brand new appartments and they built bon fires in there. Many high quality period homes that used to belong to the rich before Communism were given to the Gypsies. They turned them into pigsties. Does Spain give away new appartments to the people it wants to integrate?

Oh, and one more thing... If I was a Spaniard I'd have the decency of not mentioning handouts from the EU.

Whose tent is Tukey guarding? The Cold War ended twenty years ago. Russia and Germany are now working on a very promising economic partnership. Iran is NOT a threat to Europe, no matter how hard US and Israel are trying to convince us otherwise. Now let's look at a more relevant topic, like illegal immigration from instance. From that perspective, Turkey is doing anything but guarding the tent. Tens of thousands of illegals come to Europe from this country every year. All in all, the idea that Turkey is crucial for European security is obsolete at best.

I can't believe this stream of anti-German articles in the Economist. It's beyond me why practicing and preaching discipline is seen as nationalistic and anti-European. They're not expecting more from others than they expect from themselves. Why would you hand your wealth to strangers, no questions asked, while teaching your own children to be thrifty? Of course they feel superior (in this context). Wouldn't anybody? When you stick out your hand at a passer by there is no question who is superior. Truth is, Britain (like France) was always resentful of Germany being able to do so much with so little. It's important to remember in this context that the most fierce opponent of the German reunification was Margaret Thatcher. After losing its colonial empire and now its position on the financial markets, Britain is going down the tubes. And it's making a sad spectacle out of it.

@DistortedPlanet

"Why have none of the culprits in scandals gone to court? Why has no one been charged of commiting these crimes? Why am I being punished?"

These culprits are of Greek nationality, therefore it was your job as a Greek to bring them to justice. You waited for too long, you haven't done your homework and now the foreigners have to clean up your house for you. That's why you are being punished.