[pp.int.general] where is the manifesto?

[Reinier Bakels]

> The main thing to remember is, the manifesto is not just for the EU, it's 
> for all parties, worldwide. It has particular importance for parties in 
> Russia, or us in the US, and other places. It's a worldwide document.

Ah, I di not realize that, you are right. Still I find the introduction 
about demoracy and human rights pretty long. Oh yes, I am aware that Europe 
is different from the US, and the developing nations again are very 
different. Is PP-INT striving for improvement of democracy outside Europe 
and the US? I don't say it is unimportant, but it is a daunting task ...
Reference to specific human rights is dangerous. Is abolishment of the death 
penalty in the US a PP issue? And how about the "right to family life"? It 
is not in the manifesto. But it is in the ECHR. And it is very 
controversial. In our country, we have many immigrants from Morocco and 
Turkey. And, you know, wherever there are immigrants, there are tensions 
(perhaps less in the US). Many of these people "import" brides from their 
country of origin (or often: the country of origin of their parents or 
grandparents). Many people think it is unfortunate to "import" even more 
Turks and Moroccans - who often do not speak the language of their new land. 
BUT: should Turks and Moroccans be denied the right to choose their wife (or 
husband)?

IMHO, inforation freedom - PP's "core business" - is hard enough by itself. 
Should the freedom of press go so far as to allow journalist to *destruct* 
people? Only if they are *public* figures? Could a author prohibit an 
awkward translation of his work to be published?

There are actually enourous differences between the US and the EU. Copyright 
(US&UK) is something else than (EU) author's right (often denoted with the 
French "droit d'auteur"). And the EU - as a union of states - is a problem 
by itself, with its democratic deficit and its proneness to (corporate) 
lobbyists.

reinier