[NEBUCHADNEZZAR1961]

The nightmare is because of a huge welfare state, not free trade or a single currency.

Nice try. The problem is that Europe, before and after the EU enactment was a welfare state. The FT's told us that the spreading of free-trade thoughout Europe would bring a wave of prosperity, a promise predicated on the knowledge that Europe was a welfare-state. Just another Free-Trade promise not kept.

[staytrue]

before and after the EU enactment was a welfare state.

I agree, but before and after the EU enactment, EU growth lagged US growth. Ergo, I say the lack of growth in the EU compared to the US is due to the welfare state.

[Toddsterpatriot]

The FT's told us that the spreading of free-trade thoughout Europe would bring a wave of prosperity,

Who are these imaginary FT's you keep quoting? Put down the pipe and step away from your keyboard. LOL!