Never said Europe is way ahead in space technology. Just said that now (2005/06 ,not 1969) the US aren't way ahead. Just compare
present space activities, neither history nor programs.
If it's annoying for you, it's not my fault.
You seems more French than German to me in the way you use this twisted logic. It is a joke to compare your European space program to ours. Name one major space technology invented by the European space program.