[I'm tired since I took a train this morning at 6:30 am to Tuscany since I can't find my brand new tablet pc. It was not there. So it must be here, somewhere in my labyrinthian studio]

That means that now the UK has to accept institutions which are foreign to our way of doing things. Little of what is important to us or to our culture finds expression. In view of the fact that our own institutions have developed over a period of more than 1000 years at great cost, we find that very trying and no allowance seems to be made by the others. They could easily accommodate us and perhaps learn from us as well. The Civil Law which predominates in Europe also jars with our own Common Law.

It is all very ironic in view of the fact that Churchill was a pioneer in the concept of a united Europe, particularly since, with Germany, we have, I think, been net contributors throughout our membership and now we have a massive trade deficit. France has never budged on the inequities of the CAP. She does not attach our importance to the rule of law and to adherence to the multitude of regulations that emanate from Brussels. There is a vast overspend on administration and the finances are veiled in the obscurity and secrecy typical of all EU operations.

Many, many here (including me) share the vision of a united Europe, but it is the way of going about things that is the problem. I may be wrong, but I sense that other member states are motivated more by self-interest than we are.

We have no real voice. I know it is unreasonable to say it, but it is as though Napoleon and Hitler have their final victory over us.

Please understand.

Thank you for being here!

I was expecting a bigger contribution from a man of your knowledge. But even just your presence is a gift, I really mean it Vivek!

Come faceva quella vecchia canzone about a love in Turin? …ah yes, I found it on the web.
So sad and beautiful. Sheer Mittle-Europa actually.

Addio bei giorni passati,
mia piccola amica ti devo lasciar,
gli studi son già terminati
abbiamo finito così di sognar.

Lontan andrò
dove non so;
parto col pianto nel cuor,
dammi l’ultimo bacio d’amor.

[ritornello]
Non ti potrò scordare
piemontesina bella,
sarai la sola stella
che brillerà per me.

Ricordi quelle sere
passate al Valentino,
col biondo studentino
che ti stringeva sul cuor?

Lolina, il tuo allegro studente,
di un giorno lontano è adesso dottor,
io curo la povera gente
ma pur non riesco a guarire il muio cuor.

La gioventù,
non torna più.
Quanti ricordi d’amor!
A Torino ho lasciato il mio cuor.

[ritornello]
Ricordi quelle sere
passate al Valentino,
col biondo studentino
che ti stringeva sul cuor?

Ricordi quelle sere
passate al Valentino,
col biondo studentino
che ti stringeva sul cuor?