> Hell yes. Those countries trade mostly with each
> other, share a commitment
> to some form of social democracy
That last part is pure fantasy. The EU as an entity, and the leading member states within it, has been solidly committed to Neo-Liberalism since at least as far back as Maastricht.
With the Hartz IV reforms, Germany has taken the widest step to dismantling the postwar system of unemployment insurance.
Dennis, your attitude is not untypical of many American leftists with regards to Europe. Many of my friends in the States express the same hopes, that somehow Europe is more peaceful, more social democratic alternative to America. But it's pure fantasy.
If the leading European states can pursue their interests at the side of the U.S., they will do so (Yugoslavia, Afghanistan). If they have to contradict the U.S., they will do so (Iraq).
But the desire to see some sort of partner for emancipation in the European project is just wishful thinking. It's another manifestation of Yoshie-Hitchens Syndrome, but with a slightly less distasteful object of affection.
__________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com