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My take on #Bulgaria's veto of N. #Macedonia's start of accession negotiations w/ #EU. While 
is to blame - the 
shares responsibility. Many in 
are, once again, disappointed. However, I'd argue that Macedonian politicians and citizens are equally to blame 1/7
is to blame - the shares responsibility. Many in are, once again, disappointed. However, I'd argue that Macedonian politicians and citizens are equally to blame 1/7
Political parties in sell us two visions (or some combo) of the future - (1) a "nationalist" vision led by VMRO-DPMNE and (2) a "European" vision led by SDSM. Both visions are based on a false premise, a silver bullet solution to the country's woes 2/7
sell us two visions (or some combo) of the future - (1) a "nationalist" vision led by VMRO-DPMNE and (2) a "European" vision led by SDSM. Both visions are based on a false premise, a silver bullet solution to the country's woes 2/7
The nationalist vision argues we don't need the EU or anyone for our future development. We should focus internally. But it has no policies for how... it's all about waving the flag, singing patriotic songs, saying MACEDONIA and not North, and beating your fists to your chest 3/7
The European vision claims we must join the EU for our future development. It's a priority. All the while it loses any sense of the felt woes that average citizens face... instead of patriotic songs and flags it's all slogans and catchphrases sprinkled w/ "EU" and "NATO" 4/7
flags it's all slogans and catchphrases sprinkled w/ "EU" and "NATO" 4/7
Analysts often describe these visions as pro-Western or pro-Russian, pro-democracy or pro-authoritarian, etc. But these visions aren't even competing... they're both empty. Neither addresses the needs of average Macedonian citizens - healthcare, education, employment, etc. 5/7
Most citizens follow one of these visions, that ultimately won't address our needs, yet we believe they will. Maybe, just maybe, instead of dreaming about a silver bullet we should be pressuring Macedonian politicians to focus on the direct needs of average citizens 6/7
Whether we get into the EU or not, whether we change the name back or not, we all deserve better health care, better education, better job opportunities, a greener environment, and more. We should make sure our politicians deliver on that regardless of the vision they sell us 7/7
