help with the Lisbon Treaty

[student with a mandolin]

Hi everyone, I've just recently gotten into politics, & I've come to the conclusion that it's a real disgrace how little I know about the Lisbon Treaty.

Yet, everytime I try to read into it, the info just goes way over my head , could anyone give me a seriously dumbed down summary of the whole thing?
It'll be really appreciated
Thanks

[JollyRedGiant]

Oh you are asking for trouble-

Here goes - it is a neo-liberal charter to facilitate the introduction of service charges, the privatisation of public services and the driving down workers wages.

[Bobert]

It does not address the true issues facing Europe.

[finnegag]

Not everyone here is a fan, but the Referendum Commission has made some effort to explain the Treaty
Lisbon Treaty Referendum 2008, Lisbon treaty 2008, Lisbon Reform Treaty

It has sections explaining the current situation and what would change.

[heckler]

Hi everyone, I've just recently gotten into politics, & I've come to the conclusion that it's a real disgrace how little I know about the Lisbon Treaty.

Yet, everytime I try to read into it, the info just goes way over my head , could anyone give my a seriously dumbed down summary of the whole thing?
It'll be really appreciated
Thanks

it's not a disgrace to know so little about it, at least you're willing to investigate and decide for yourself rather than just follow some political party line. it truly is a disgrace how poorly written the treaty is though - it's lazy at best and obfuscatory at worst.

Basically any 'dumbing down' effort you read MUST be treated with a pinch of salt and you should always be mindful that it is liable to be biased one way or the other depending on the author

[Arcadius]

I strongly recommend RTÉ's podcast.
It's better public service work than anything they put on television.

RTÉ News: Lisbon Treaty audiobook

Edit: It's not actually dumbed down, it's the full thing.
So, it's about 4:30 hours long, but it provided enough commentary and explanation that I could understand it.

[Lefournier]

The Forum on Europe has a good summary and an introductory film:

http://www.forumoneurope.ie/index.as...D=442&docID=-1

[TrueBlue forever]

Just go along with what-ever your political party says like all the good sheeple should do...


After all if we get it wrong the first time they, like all good teachers admonish you for behaving like a spoilt child and then - they just re-run it until you get the answer correct....

On a serious note go to the referendum commission which has "impartial advice" about it...

[polltopper1]

You could try the following sites for an alternative view:

The Lisbon Treaty - Vote NO

This one should be without any Beaurocratic Influence, something I can't say of others I've seen quoted.
Every little helps!

[dmc444]

I tried to read it about three times and i got to page 5, it really is a disgrace i know not being able to read it.