Why do so many Americans have this grin attitude to the EU?

[Robert Jan]

Often on this board I hear things like

The EU is nothing
The EU is not an entity only a trade agreement
The EU is a lot of hot air

ETC ETC

I live in the center of the center of the EU connections wise...
I meet people from all over Europe on a daily basis now
And the European identity is indeed strongly taking over the national identity.

I just wonder what this, condescending attitude to the whole thing is supposed to mean. I'm optimistic about this big plan to unite Europe further.

Yes the EU is meant in part to have more of a voice towards the USA or another big entity like China for instance. Whats so bloody bad about that?
Besides, it was a natural thing to happen. In an advanced society in the 21st century its illogical and rudimentary to have very different cultures living in such close proximity. It was bound to amalgamate (spell) at one time or another. Situations occur where somebody from Holland for instance would import 80% of his goods from other european nations, export 80% of what he produces back, and have many personal friends in other nations. The lines have been slowly fading for decades, it's not a sudden move to piss off the USA

Also do keep in mind it was all going on long before Iraq. It has nothing to do with that

 

[WODIN]

I think the EU is swell.

Feel better?

 

[gregory]

They're jellous sp? Because Europe is just Cooler.

 

[GoldenDelicious]

imo its ignorance, europe has been hindered by all the bullshit with different currencies, laws, borders etc etc for so long i think many people dont realise how much potential/capacity europe has

i chat with my cousins in greece and i cant believe how fast things are changing...as a matter of fact niether can they. ten years ago it was a semi third world country that was great to holiday in because everything was so cheap, but now....lol most people from australia can barely afford to holiday on islands that they own houses on..

 

[Robert Jan]

I think a lot of americans have this feeling that we're trying to team up here to give the USA some kind of spanking

this is silly it would be completely against everyones interests, and if it were military it would be out of our capabilities too.

 

[GoldenDelicious]

well it does work against the USA. the competition is getting more organised

 

[Robert Jan]

So the reason for discontent is that its an economical threat, and the argument made it against it, is that its really no threat at all?

 

[gregory]

I don't see it as a threat, but a benefit. Trading wise the EU is a good partner to the US. I don't see what the big deal is.

 

[Robert Jan]

I dont either.

but ive seen posts from several different members on here who say condescending things about the whole plan

 

[gregory]

That would be mainly Poink i think.