Oh, and by the way, when you think about the cultural differences between
the states that existed, say, in 1840 (e.g., between Massachusetts vs.
Georgia, Texas, etc.) it is even more a good example of what the EU
represents in terms of the hurdles of integration -- that is, think of the
accomplishments of the US in binding all 50 together over the 150 years,
the Civil War not withstanding.
My point I guess: our biggest states (CA, TX, NY, FL) probably do not want
to return to separate status, what they would have had early on in our
history - separate money, policy, military, borders, perhaps even language
(e.g., Spanish) etc. Indeed, recall that the 1787 constitution arose
exactly because the EU-like confederation didn't and couldn't work.
My own opinion: I think it's a shame that the natural human (and
especially European) instincts for bureaucratization is sinking the idea of
the EU. I do hope the same fate doesn't face the US because of federal
overreaching and inattention to (as Ken put it) the Hoi Polloi).
*Bob*
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