>Interesting that many of the British saw the constitution as a socialist document instead. From the blogs I've read, most Dutch vetoed it because it took away the automony of the Dutch and their individual identity and they distrust bureaucrats. Walter can answer more on that.

The dutch voted against, because they really did not know what they were voting fore. And if the Dutch don't know, they vote against. If they had the chance, they would have voted against the euro as well. Like in the US people like to vote conservative and are restant to change. However we all know that change will happen whether you like it or not, and you'd better be ready for it.

Therefore I'm glad that I'm not living in a direct democracy. The politicians have the freedom to make unpopular decisions that in the end are better for the country. If it turns up to be a failure, you can bet it is the end of the political carreer of the responsible politician.

I think it is wise of the european union wanting to ignore the referenda, or else, you can never make any progress.

Walter,