The fine art of doublespeak is alive and well, and skilfully practised by Spanish EU Commissioner Joaquin Almunia. Redefining the idea of democracy and the rights of EU citizens to make their own decisions, the Commissioner formulated this gem:

I think matters which are as complex as a constitution or similar must be discussed in the systems available to democracy, or rather, in parliaments.

To paraphrase: plain old democracy is fine and well, but to get the full benefit of real democracy you need to let others decide for you.

The Commissioner added:

It doesn’t seem to me that this procedure is the best example of democracy because referendums, in order for them to genuinely be something which citizens feel comfortable with and not pressured, they must be presented with very clear and simple questions.

In other words, European Union citizens can only be relied upon to make decisions when these are:

• something a child could understand; and


• of no consequence.

Why, oh why, do we keep on electing these people, and why do we allow them to treat us like idiots?