no eloquent leaders making the case for greater EU cohesion and coordination in a way which captures the imagination of European people as a whole and which helps in the building of a more vibrant EU demos.

after obama's election, i too thought this way, but now after 6 disappointing months of presidency-as-usual, i am cynical about charisma in general when it comes to politicians, they're not there to sell charm, but serve their electorate, (not just lobbyists!)

some days i still feel a vestige of need to be led by some inspiring, iconic frontman, most days not.

yet what you are left with is a sorry bunch of insipid technocrats who don't inspire anyone, and that this is far from ideal, but since we have had our fingers burned so many times with strong and charismatic leaders, our unwillingness to go there is understandable. the three most high charisma pols in europe are sarko, berly and bliar, QED.

having no charisma, like gordo, is not necessarily better, but perhaps the risks of being herded off some cliff are somewhat reduced.

we need an well educated, politically savvy electorate, driven by (and driving) a free media.

which is why ET exists.

The power of knowledge is in mortal combat with the knowledge of power. It really is that simple... That's the Edenic apple we are all munching on.