I'm still a big enough softy that I am moved by your sentiments of concern and solidarity with our European allies.  The costs of the coming crises in Europe will be considerable for America.  But I would caution you to always consider the huge costs to America of continuing to take on responsibility for Europe's survival.  And, on a side note about your suggestion about cultural exchanges:  there was a group of Chinese citizens in Washington on a cultural exchange on September 11, 2001.  When they saw the destruction on television, they broke into spontaneous rejoicing -- in front of their State Department hosts.  Cultural exchanges only go so far.  Shitheads will be shitheads no matter what, and sometimes seeing how well our culture functions only angers visitors (Muslims in particular) who are committed to their fantasies about American vulgarity and violence.

Europe has language barriers and national pride. It amazes me to this day so many in Europe are seeking unity. I am an American and it makes my day a little better to see Europe admire what we have, dysfunctional it seems most of the time, which we call America. Clearly you all still have reservations over Russia since the USSR, and that is understandable. Who wants to be controlled by someone controlling the energy? Just curious, what is the better deal for Europe, would it be Russia or OPEC?

Europeans are admirable people just for their multilingual culture. Despite lacking a unifying common language you all manage your affairs quite well, and peacefully too. You should feel good about this. WWII was a horrible time for your continent. Taken from an American point of view, I think the EU offers promise so long as it is handled as the USA does with respect to states and governors and senators and representatives. Certainly I do not suggest you all copy what we do here in entirety. For the record, I don't drink soft drinks like Coca Cola and I am quite embarrassed by the nasty porn industry the world assumes is America. Hollywood is fantasy land, nothing more. If movies are violent it is because there are a lot of people that just wish they could hit back. Few do. I'm sorry you all see us in this manner. It would be nice if Europe would look more our way and not be so mean to us as we fight an enemy south of your lands. It would be nice if we could spend more time together as people. What might be best for Europe is cultural exchanges and travel between our states and yours. We should not let Hollywood-style false news and childish weakminded people using words to cause hatred and dissent create barriers between us. We are the same people separated by a vast ocean. I think the EU has a chance so long as the lessons of two world wars and freedoms are maintained. You can look to the USA anytime should you need some guidance. The world is not as bad as it is painted. Today the sun is shining with a gentle breeze. The hate is beneath me. Don't give up Europe.

How do you sell an institution that will kill any individualism (and perhaps even existing collectivist society) is the question that the EU has been asking, but has not been answering.  That is why their approach has been not to sell it, but to impose it and justify it afterwards.

They obviously feel that they have the power and can impose the EU system unless they create a huge outcry against specific segments.  It seems to be working.

People have bought the concept that unity of markets and ideas is necessary for progress of people within the societies of the individual countries and that the whole institution may be acceptable for that reason.  The people otherwise seem to have either little to say against the imposition so long as they themselves have nothing to do with it or view it as inevitable.

The citizen has little way to judge the longer term consequences.  There is little information filtering down to their level about the structure.  The existing operations to implement it are too remote from their consciousness to enable a feeling that they themselves may able to have a say in it.  They seem to view it as acceptable because it is remote and being done by those who are entrusted by someone to do it. They seem not to recognize the difficulty or impossibility of undoing something that is faulty after it has become established into existing frameworks.

Is there even any question being raised about whether UN directives and laws are being implemented and adopted by the Eurocentrists along with the EU structure?  I think it is a valid and reasonable concern.  The people seem not to have enough information to even raise valid questions should they be so inclined.  The media seems blind to all except the most obvious inquiries which may place the process in the public consciousness and place the process low on the screen of the viewers.