A pro-European NO?

Hours away from the French vote on the European Constitution, here is some reading material for reflection: Paul Virilio on why the practice of holding a referendum on a subject like the European constitution is suicidal (and more), and here's a EU referendum cheat sheet. Can Europe do away with nationalism? From The Guardian, is it possible to salvage the EU dream? Key thinkers from both sides debate (and part 2), and more from New Statesman. From Sign and Sight, Jean Baudrillard describes the French referendum on the European constitution as a farce and as state terrorism, and here's the open letter from German intellectuals to France originally published in Le Monde. Timothy Garton Ash on who will dare to fill the black holes being left by Russia's long retreat. Jürgen Habermas on the illusionary "Leftist No": Adopting the constitution to strengthen Europe's power to act. Habermas and others cry out, "Do all you can to prevent France from betraying progress!" Mark Leonard on why Europe will survive a French Non (and a response). Margot Wallstrom outlines reasons to worry:

The debate on the Constitution illustrates not only the formidable challenge in arranging referenda on such a complex issue as this legal document, but also the general mistrust in politicians and apathy towards the political process. Voter participation in European, national and regional elections continues to decrease.

I was in France last week. At least we cannot say we do not have a proper debate on the Constitution. Finally we seem to be moving beyond national issues or domestic politics. In both France and the Netherlands, the real choice votes face is between the progress made in the Constitution or the limitations imposed by the Treaty of Nice. I really hope that over the crucial next days, voters focus on this choice.

Question and Answer - The French Referendum