[mac_truck]

Germany will prosper again as it has miraculously prospered in the past because it is an economy grounded in the idea of producing value added and selling it to less advanced economies. China is the recent champion in this game but America is becoming the less advanced economy that will soon run out of resources even to play the subservient role of consumer.

Well done...you've captured the smug arrogance mixed with a total lack of self awareness that Europeans have toward the United States perfectly.

[nathanbedford]

Please you are projecting onto me that for which you have absolutely no evidence.

Coincidentally however, today I had an argument with a German who started his rant against America by castigating Trump and sneering at American gun law. You are quite right, he is ill-informed and he is somewhat smug but in truth he has much to be smug about.

Since 1945 we Americans have subsidized Germany's wonderful lifestyle which I am happy to partake of myself. Why should Germany defend itself when it can provide me and others here with wonderful healthcare at minimal cost with the dollars it does not need to spend on defense?

The Germans have played us beautifully but it is idle to blame them for it. We would do exactly the same if we could.