Reality Zone - A New Era ?: Scottish referendum raises questions about Europe's future

Masters Of War

Come you masters of war You that build all the guns You that build the death planes You that build all the bombs You that hide behind walls You that hide behind desks I just want you to know I can see through your masks. You that never done nothin' But build to destroy You play with my world Like it's your little toy You put a gun in my hand And you hide from my eyes And you turn and run farther When the fast bullets fly. Like Judas of old You lie and deceive A world war can be won You want me to believe But I see through your eyes And I see through your brain Like I see through the water That runs down my drain. You fasten all the triggers For the others to fire Then you set back and watch When the death count gets higher You hide in your mansion' As young people's blood Flows out of their bodies And is buried in the mud. You've thrown the worst fear That can ever be hurled Fear to bring children Into the world For threatening my baby Unborn and unnamed You ain't worth the blood That runs in your veins. How much do I know To talk out of turn You might say that I'm young You might say I'm unlearned But there's one thing I know Though I'm younger than you That even Jesus would never Forgive what you do. Let me ask you one question Is your money that good Will it buy you forgiveness Do you think that it could I think you will find When your death takes its toll All the money you made Will never buy back your soul. And I hope that you die And your death'll come soon I will follow your casket In the pale afternoon And I'll watch while you're lowered Down to your deathbed And I'll stand over your grave 'Til I'm sure that you're dead.------- Bob Dylan 1963

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Scottish referendum raises questions about Europe's future

A view of a derelict cottage with free Scotland graffiti written on the gable end wall on January 10, 2012 in Bannockburn, Scotland. The Scottish First Minister has indicated that the Scottish National Party plans to hold its referendum on Scottish independence in 2014 on the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn. Prime Minister David Cameron and his coalition government, wants the vote on the referendum to be held sooner rather than later. (Jeff J Mitchell/AFP/Getty Images)

BRUSSELS, Belgium — A hefty volume called “Vanished Kingdoms,” has been one of this season’s literary successes in Europe.

The book, by British historian Norman Davies, tells the story of states that no longer exist, but thatwere once major players in the history of Europe; places like Aragon, Prussia, Savoy or Burgundy. It’s easy to see why Davies’ supposition — that the glory of states and empires — is essentially transient is resonating among citizens of today’s Europe.

Wheels were put in motion this week to give Scottish citizens the chance to vote on independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by the fall of 2014.