Posted on 06/05/2005 7:01:27 AM PDT by voletti
THERE is a nice variant of one of Aesop's Fables which goes like this. A tiny frog shares a field with a giant ox. The frog tries to get the ox's attention by puffing himself up. The ox fails to notice the frog. The frog puffs himself up some more. The ox continues not to notice him. The frog finally puffs himself up so much that he explodes. But the ox still doesn't notice him.
Something much like this happened last Sunday. Many of the supporters of the European constitution nourish dreams of creating a United States of Europe. Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, the constitution's leading light, frequently spoke of his admiration for the American constitution. But the American reaction to the French non vote was a giant yawn. The news networks gave as much priority to the simultaneous vote in Lebanon, and both elections seemed less important than the result of the Indy 500.
Europe is clearly not as important as it thinks it is: that would be impossible. Yet America's indifference to it is wrong. It remains America's biggest trading partner and closest ally. Two-thirds of America's foreign investment since 2000 has gone to Europe. For all their problems, the EU and America work closely together in steering the world's economy: China is too undeveloped and Japan has failed to assume a leadership position. Since coming to office in 2001, George Bush has spent more time in Europe than anywhere else abroad—44 days, compared with 13 in Asia. And since being re-elected in 2004 he has put heavy emphasis on repairing the European relationship. For good reason: American action abroad is easier if Europe approves of it.
(Excerpt) Read more at economist.com ...
"[Europe] remains America's biggest trading partner and closest ally."
I thought Canada was our biggest trading partner.
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1.There's a difference between indifference and disgust.
2. "Europe" is not our closest ally.
Canada is number 1. I suppose if you agglomerated all the Euro nations, they might outrank Canada by itself.
New Europe is an ally. Countries like France are done. The way American's feel about Europe is not wrong. It was these so called allies that turned their back on us. I seem to remember a place called Normandy. Our focus should be on our new and real allies in Europe who backed up America's play in Iraqi. Call me old fashion but I remember a time when an ally was an ally.
Like the drone of a nagging wife, we have successfully learned to block out the sound of Europe.
Maybe if they had something positive to say about the US? Maybe?
Of individual nations, it is. But when compared to something named "Europe," it's not. I'd question the assertion since Europe is a conglomeration of nations with differing trade laws and not a single entity, but hey, who needs common sense when one is trying to make a point in an editorial?
I've been in Europe for over 4 months now, and... eh... just eh. They have nice old buildings and nice pieces of art, but as for the rest, it's like being on the wrong side of town in the States. When you cut through all the PC, that's all they are anyway... They are not significant because they believe in nothing. Once they wake-up, I will take more notice of this tired place.
The failure of the EU constitution has one unfortunate by-product: it will delay the dissolution of NATO and the withdrawl of American military commitment to European nations that are no longer allies. The removal of large numbers of our troops from Germany is a positive development, but isn't it time that we select allies on a bilateral basis. We will stick with those who will stick with us. Let the Eurosocialists fend for their own defense.
The Europeans are irrelevant, lead buy a bunch of irrelevant people. They stopped being relevant when they would rather make deals to hide a problem rather than fix it.
Actually I believe that it is Australia that has most consistently stood by the USA in foreign policy. Australia would be our "closest ally" in areas that matter.
I suppose it's equally true to say that foreign countries considered as a single group constitutes our biggest trading partner.
I'm not sure what information this adds, however
"America doesn't notice Europe so much these days."
Couldn't help but notice that there are FIVE times as many threads on the EU constitution on Free Repupublic than there are on Guardian Talk.
The BBC is not happy. Their interviews with various Old Europe movers and shakers have a whiff of desperation. If they could figure out a way to blame the US, they would.
So, so FUNNY! A keeper.
Oh, CRIPES THAT'S FUNNY!!
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