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Our Mission |
Big government is not simply the size of the budget, or the number of federal programs; it is the role the federal government plays in our daily lives.
We at the Lincoln Heritage Institute will not sit idly by and allow bloated bureaucracies, budensome tax policies, a failing public education system, and out of control regulatory system, and a growing disregard for the rule of law to become an accepted way of life
We have as our purpose, through public education, the revitalization and preservation of our traditional political, social, commercial, and legal environment in which the only limits to achievement are individual ability and effort. |
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French Voters Reject EU Charter |
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French voters have overwhelmingly rejected the European Union's proposed
constitution in a key referendum.
With 85% of votes counted the "No" vote stood at almost 56%, according
to interior ministry figures.
The vote could deal a fatal blow to the EU constitution, which needs to
be ratified by all 25 members states.
President Jacques Chirac accepted the voters' "sovereign decision", but
said it created "a difficult context for the defence of our interests in
Europe".
The French leader had campaigned hard for a "Yes" vote.
In his short TV address, he said voters had registered their
frustrations in the referendum.
He added that he would take a decision on the future of his centre-right
government "in the coming days", hinting at a possible reshuffle.
Referendum season
Turnout was high - with early estimates ranging between 70% and 8O%.
There were cheers from supporters of the "No" campaign when exit polls
were announced just after voting ended at 2200 local time (2000 GMT).
Those who rejected the treaty included Communists, various left-wing
groups, dissident socialists and far-right parties.
One of the leading right-wing opponents of the treaty, Philippe de
Villiers, said: "Europe has to be rebuilt. The constitution is no more."
He urged Mr Chirac either to stand down or dissolve parliament.
Foreign Minister Michel Barmier said the vote was a "real
disappointment" - but urged other EU countries to go ahead with their
own votes on the constitution.
So far nine countries have formally endorsed the constitutional treaty.
Already Ratified Treaty |
Austria |
Germany |
Greece |
Hungary |
Italy |
Lithuania |
Slovakia |
Slovenia |
Spain |
Eight national referendums are still to come, including one in the
Netherlands on Wednesday, where the "No" side is leading the opinion polls.
Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende called on his compatriots to
approve the treaty despite France's rejection.
"There is all the more reason to say 'Yes' so that some progress can be
recorded," he said.
In the UK, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said the result raised "profound
questions" about the future direction of Europe and about the ability of
the EU to respond to the demands of its citizens.
The constitution was finalised last year after long and difficult
negotiations among EU governments.
The treaty includes the union's Charter of Fundamental Rights and
establishes a foreign minister.
Member states can ratify the document through a referendum or by
parliamentary vote. Germany ratified it on Friday.
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In Pennsylvania, 603 N. 3rd. St., Harrisburg, Pa.
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