Europe is more a competitor than ally

Orlando Sentinel ^ | Feb. 18, 2005 | Peter A. Brown

[Unam Sanctam]

The American people should consider President Bush's visit to Europe the same way we would view one to China -- a business trip to a rival whose interests and ours often differ.

Until Europe show it once again wants to be a U.S. ally, rather than an ambitious competitor, it would be foolish to treat the Europeans otherwise.

Bush understands the changing nature of the U.S. relationship with the continent from which most of our citizens trace their heritage. He is aware of the animus with which he is viewed there and that most of its leaders rooted for his defeat last year.

[Pittsburg Phil]

Europe will want to be our ally once again only if they get they candy-asses caught in a wriger. It's always a one-way street with Europe - serve us, they squeal. Fortunately with the changing demographics in America, the next time Europe comes expecting help the answer may well be "no."

[Sax]

Well, some rehashed data, but not really a newsflash. 6 years ago when the first group of countries fixed their currencies to the Euro it was plainly apparent that the US-European competition was racheting up. That was their first move to creating the "united states of europe."

[hermgem]

Exports are the number one lifeblood for these in Socialism miring Governments.
Unemployment in the third largest world economy, Germany, is an astounding 12.1% with more increases expected. Others hover at close to 10%.
They are dependent on exports, forgetting entirely that stimulation, worldwide, is dependent upon reciprocation.
In fact, these people slow down worldwide growth affecting not only the developed, but also the underdeveloped world.
Their economic growth is dismal and sets them on a course to further continue falling behind.
Needless to say, dependency on one's lifeblood of exports leads to compromises.
If a customer is in need of political or U.N. favors, he will not hesitate to dangle contracts to suppliers.
The future for these countries:
Stepping from exporters to suppliers or in other words: if one is in unanticipated need, call your supplier for a quick delivery.
Both China and India will not stop their growth to allow for outdated socialistic economic models to stay even.

[cleo1939]

It is about time that we started thinking and calling the EU by
its proper name "United States of Europe". This concept is being
treated as though it was something new. No, it is not new and we
(some in our government) have understood this for some years.
Like it don't like it NAFTA is in part an answer to the United
States of Europe as well as working closer with Asia.

Right now the U.S.E. has a lot going for it and a lot of clout
as the article points out but without a military to speak of
and the fact that it is still learning to walk as a unit gives
us the time to firm up our relationships elsewhere as suggested
above.

Socialism/Capitalism? which will it be?

I like ownership but then that is just me.