Saint Etienne

European bloggers supposedly played a big role in the recent votes on the EU constitution. Etienne Chouard has become a folk hero among the French for giving voice to the populist 'Non' with an essay on his weblog while the government and media establishment were pushing the citizens to vote 'Oui'. (Via Instapundit)

I can't reckon if the now-virtually-defunct EU constitution is a net positive or negative. I tend to endorse the right of nations and individuals to be independent, sovereign, and self-determined (the Texas or New Hampshire model) - so if the Dutch citizenry want to tell the technocrats in Brussels where to stick it - well, I'm inclined to be supportive. However, many people have said that a unified Europe would benefit America when crucial international matters are at stake. True I suppose, if Europe and America agree on things. But lately they think we are acting crazy with our preemptive war.

But to the matter of Euro-bloggers, this is a classic example of a story the media will get wrong. The bloggers didn't whip up support for a 'No' vote. They articulated a sentiment that already existed, and which wasn't being given voice in the channels of cultural debate.

Soon bloggers will be the explanation behind any unknown. The unexpected, counterintuitive results of a vote? Must be bloggers at work. Somebody tore up the new flower bed you recently planted? Bloggers again, sneaking in under cover of darkness and snickering like munchkins. Crop circles, dandruff, or a missing slipper? Bloggers, bloggers, bloggers!