Why don't you ask me to explain the folly of man? To put it in historical context, why don't you ask me, why England slept? Why don't you ask me why the United States did not prepare itself for war with Japan? Why did the United States entered the First World War utterly devoid of adequate men and matériel even though the war had been going on since 1914?
The answer to your question is that the folly inherent in man does not justify the folly of those European politicians who preferred to take the money and buy votes with it then spend on defense, especially if they know that their contribution will not tip the balance and they rise or fall, win or lose, on the intervention of America on their behalf.
Last week, I was speaking to a German neighbor who was astonished to learn that his country had failed to spend its 2% in its own defense. The culture in Europe simply is not there and it is dissipating fast in America.
Finally, I invite your attention to post #48 by, daniel1212 which might alter your opinion somewhat.
Our children are being taught indoctrinated to NOT stand up to bullies; but to get an 'authority' figure to handle the problem.
I just sent this out to my e-mail folks bringing them up to speed somewhat.