Hi Raoul,

I may have gotten carried away re the failure of the EU - but it seems that the unification of europe is like the issue of reparations for slaves here in the US - take away from the haves and give to the have-nots.

I take this from a German perspective (naturally;-) and many Germans feel like they are forfeiting their quality of life to give handouts to the rest of Europe.

The German mark and British pound naturally suffered the most with the new EU currency. So their economies naturally hurt the most as well.

For the have-nots the EU is wonderful - for the haves it is the end of their quality of life...and as you pointed out it is just beginning...

No surprise about some of the folks that got elected in Austria, or the resurgence of neo-nazis etc...the same conditions which allowed a crazed individual like Hitler get into power exist again on a smaller scale.

High unemployment, reduced benefits to allow for others welfare, increased crime...

That is the inherent problem with a socialist system -particularly the blending of nations with various wealth and education levels - there is an inherent unfairness applied for the 'good of all'.

After the reunification - germany absorbed folks who were inherently lazy on the communist system - then add the EU burdens and the camels back broke - and now many folks just get ticked off.

The glass is suddenly full for some and nearing empty for others - so it depends upon your point of view.

I like the idea of socialism - in theory - but in practice it has many complications which make QOL higher here in America for those who can afford it.

For those who can't, socialism - is a much better alternative. Thats because socialist systems provide a better security net for the have nots than the US does. But the curse - is things cost then so much more in Europe as a result.

So even a poor person here can have order four cheap 'special' McChicken sandwiches for under $4 to feed his family.

or go to Taco Bell and order ten 49 cent tacos for $4.90

and buy 4 special 69cent 44oz diet cokes at the corner gas station to wash it down for only $2.80

The poor person in Europe needs socialized medicine because they pay so much more for everything else!

But having been here in the states...you knew that.

Take care Raoul,

SDAI-Tech1