NOT OT MAKE LIGHT OF A TRULY TRAGIC SITUATION OFF THE COAST OF ITALY TODAY where a number of people have died and more are missing, I find myself mulling over the symbolism of such an event and what it could portend especially for Southern Mediterranean countries.
I've never had even a scintilla of desire to take a cruise ship ANYWHERE. However if I ever have a momentary lapse, it would be to take it on a very small and intimate vessel instead of the ill-fated, gargantuan one shown above--which would be my idea of paying to be luxuriously imprisoned in a small space with germs and viruses from all over the world without hope of bail for the duration. But enough of my travel issues.
The foremost symbolic thought I have is this is the forerunner of the final sinking of the European Union (EU) and the decline and disappearance of the EURO currency. With it will undoubtedly go the fatalities of many European countries like Greece, France, Italy which have borrowed far, far too much for present luxuries from future generations and coffers. It is money these countries don't have, never had and never will have. And it is a tragic failure of political chicanery and weak economic will.
Sure, life rafts will continue to be sent to save the sinking EU ship run aground but in the end, they will only forestall the inevitable sinking in full of this European-style over-sized, over-estimated Titantic. It's not a matter of if, but only when.
In seeing this imagine today, I like to recall when then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher predicted to much outrage in 2002 the sinking of the EU ship almost before it set sail:
The European single currency is bound to fail, economically, politically and indeed socially, though the timing, occasion and full consequences are all necessarily still unclear.
Sure enough this savvy, principled iron lady was correct in her prescient, unpopular perceptions against all odds and the unstoppable momentum of history.
When the end of the EU comes, the photo above will be a chilling reminder of idealistic hope over humble, hardworking reality.
Maybe like this one (at 148 passengers, might still be more than you - or I - would like):
ReplyDeletehttp://www.windstar-cruises-luxury-lines.com/windstar.htm
Hope you've had a most blessed holiday season and a belated Happy New Year!
Captain Smith, RMS Titanic, had he not gone down with the ship, could at least have argued as a mitigating factor that the location of the iceberg was not known. Neither the skipper of the Costa Concordia, nor those trying to save the Euro, can claim any such similar suprise.
ReplyDeleteThanks Fraydna! That sailing vessel would be much more like it and still probably I would choose a hiking vacation! Very Happy, Healthy New Year to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteAgree completely, Treg, it was a train, er ship wreck, waiting to happen from the start. I hope you're in the sunny SW. I've had to postpone my trip there till late February because I'm helping care for my recovering friend.