Parliament, nukes and NATO

Here comes the sun...


This is how it has been officially put, according to the pages of the Finnish Parliament, Eduskunta:

In Finland sovereign power lies with the people represented by the Parliament in session.

History

When the Finnish Parliament adopted the Declaration of the Independence of Finland on 6 December 1917, the new state already had a rich national culture and centuries of experience in managing its own affairs. The makings of an independent nation derived partly from the times of Swedish rule (from the 12th Century until 1809) and especially from the period when Finland was an autonomous Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire (from 1809 until 1917).

Parliamentary elections results, 2007

Number of seats in Parliament
Centre Party Parliamentary Group: 51 (-4 from 2003 elections)
National Coalition Party Parliamentary Group: 50 (+10)
Social Democratic Party Parliamentary Group: 45 (-8)
Left Alliance Parliamentary Group: 17 (-2)
Green Parliamentary Group: 15 (+1)
Christian Democratic Parliamentary Group: 7 (same as 2003 elections)
Swedish Parliamentary Group: 9 (+1)
True Finns Party Parliamentary Group: 5 (+2)

*****


Soon we Finns are trying to find solutions to difficult questions. I have not been able to find out any solution to this one:

To which planet should we send the old-fashioned, senile officials of the Ministry of Trade and Industry? Them, who openly support the expensive and hazardous nuclear industry, opposing all the sensible ideas (like increasing usage of bioenergy + wind, solar), and who keep repeating like blind dinosauruses that more and more electricity is needed. As if it would not be a matter of politics.

Listen, you decisionmakers both in the relevant ministries and in our parliament: You guys can actually conduct these things by political decisions. Really. There is enough technology for both slowing down the climate change, and producing heat and power. And good technology; clean, safe, and productive. But what is lacking is political will. Prove me wrong, please.

The second problem is the NATO. I have earlier referred to that question comparing it to jack-in-the-box. And, what was the problem again?

I just don't like the idea of sending Finnish military forces (= young men and women) anywhere, to any military organisation, or let alone, to a military operation led and run by the USA, together with its axis of best friends, or however George W. and Condoleezza would put it.

Well, would we have to send our kids anywhere?

Yes, that could actually happen. This is how the FAQ at the NATO pages put it:

Q: What does NATO do?

A: The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is an alliance of 26 countries from North America and Europe committed to fulfilling the goals of the North Atlantic Treaty signed on 4 April 1949. In accordance with the Treaty, the fundamental role of NATO is to safeguard the freedom and security of its member countries by political and military means. NATO is playing an increasingly important role in crisis management and peacekeeping. (--)

Q: Does NATO have its own armed forces?

A: All member countries that participate in the military aspect of the Alliance contribute forces and equipment, which together constitute the integrated military structure of the Alliance. These forces and assets remain under national command and control until a time when they are required by NATO a specific purpose (i.e. conflict or crisis, peacekeeping). (--)

Good luck. To all of us.