Wow - what a bizzare article. I've never heard so much ultra-left-wing tripe in my life!
Obviously this reporter has never visited this side of the pond - the 'Europe' he describes simply does not exist.
It's amazing how an article purporting to be about a major new airframe unveiling becomes a rampant socialist tirade that relates little to aviation.
He also completely failed to mention that the only reason that Scarebus remain profitable and successful is massive (and illegal) subsidy from the French government - he describes it as:
Quote:
The combination of socialism and private enterprise
Translation: "Subsidy" - illegal under EC competition rules, but since when has the fact that something is illegal stopped the French from doing it?
What a stupid article. Writing like that belongs in the circular file cabinet. The 380 was developed for the same reasons any competitive manufacturer develops a new product...because there could be a profitable market for it. It was not developed because a unified race of people needed to prove to the world that they are superior to another group. What a malign concept indeed. I hope that author finds a new career.
If the so called European "socialistic" system is outcompeting the American way of doing things, wouldn´t it be prudent just to ask yourself just a few questions? Not trying to flame here, only put another context into the prevailing dualistic rhetorics that seems so abundant across the pond these days.
Subsidize the cr@p out of Boeing, even to a greater extent than today!! It reminds me of the antiglobalists whining: "Stop the world, I want to get off! "
A retired professor of journalism eh? Just the sort of person you'd get to write a dubious article like this if you were a senior being in Boeing. Make no mistake, they're running scared. Their home market airlines are all but bankrupt, the overseas market isn't overly interested in what they're building at the moment, and they are in a cul de sac. (Sorry to use a French expression, but I didn't want to say dead end - oops!). Anything which is cornered will lash out in order to defend itself - it's called survival, and remember the Paris Air Show is four months away, so this is just the build-up! Spruce Goose/A380? What sort of a comparison is that for a professor of journalism to make?
It's good to see the rabid anti-Americans are alive and well and blethering away on PPRuNe. It provides amusement for some of us.
The article describes a Europe that I don't recognise. The picture drawn, of Europeans of all nations turning their backs on war and pulling together for the common good, is ludicrous. The European project is pushed along by a small political elite who disregard the views of the rest of us. Many of these people hate and resent the Americans and would like to be able to wield as much power as the US does.
European union has been tried before by the Romans and by Napoleon (not to mention "you-know-who" in the 20th century). Fortunately it failed then and with luck it will fail again.
I'm pleased to see Airbus succeeding and I wish them more success.
"European union has been tried before by the Romans and by Napoleon (not to mention "you-know-who" in the 20th century). Fortunately it failed then and with luck it will fail again."
What planet are you from? Comparing this European democratic project, with previous nationalistic and totalitarian regimes is by far the most idiotic comparison I yet have seen. Like it or not, you have the option of just saying no.
Gentlemen, if I may, I think you're all a bit too quick in judging the article.
Opposite to what I've read in this thread, reading the actual article impresses upon me the feeling that the author is highly critical of American traits compared to the way things are done in "Europe".
Location: 3rd Sand Dune from the Left - When I can't be somewhere else.
Posts: 658
Unified Europe?
Hey! Come on! The Brits have fought the French many times over the years, and helped kick the Germans out of their country a couple of times, there's plenty of stereotype jokes about the French, the Italians, the Germans, etc etc.
Then the English and the Scots denounce each other, both denounce the Welsh, and Northern Ireland denounces all the Brits and wants to join Eire, which doesn't want it . . . .
But remember, when some S.American dictator p1ssed us off? "Hey, we're all British, we're not standing for that"!
(and I can't wait till GF has a 380 on the BAH-LON route so I can fly in it By then I {might} have saved up enough FFP miles to go "up front" - or wherever that is going to be on the 380)
"What planet are you from? Comparing this European democratic project, with previous nationalistic and totalitarian regimes is by far the most idiotic comparison I yet have seen. Like it or not, you have the option of just saying no."
I’m from the planet Earth where we know a thing or two about democracy. We know for example that merely calling something a democratic project doesn’t make it democratic. We know that the EC lacks real democratic accountability. We also know that some of the main movers and shakers in this “European democratic project” are from countries that have had a troubled relationship with democracy in the past. When I get the opportunity, I’ll take your advice and just say no.
forgive me if i am off the mark but aside from the stupid "spruce goose" comment, this wasn't an article about aviation but more of an article about how european economic policies that come from multinational cooperation may be the way of the future(?).
A while ago a Caravelle was seen touching down on a 1400m laterite private strip in southern Tchad... prior to this event the crew of said Caravelle was witnessed asking a couple of Twotter drivers the way to said laterite strip... this chance encounter took place while being on ground in nearby Moundou, looking for fuel and the strip... no fuel of course, so the guys left for the strip to deliver their cargo of meat for the camp kitchen situated a few miles away from the strip. Then the Caravelle headed back to N'Djamena and did it all again.
Interesting Airbus / Boeing article
Writing like that belongs in the circular file cabinet. The 380 was developed for the same reasons any competitive manufacturer develops a new product...because there could be a profitable market for it. It was not developed because a unified race of people needed to prove to the world that they are superior to another group. What a malign concept indeed. I hope that author finds a new career.
By then I {might} have saved up enough FFP miles to go "up front" - or wherever that is going to be on the 380)
