(12-22-2020, 07:17 AM)F2d5thCav Wrote: @"Ninurta"
I was in Europe when Germany reunited, and later, when the last Soviet troops went home.
There was a palpable feeling of hope all over Europe. People felt like the page was finally turning on the brutal conflicts of the 20th century.
30 years later, here we are. The EU operates with selective repression and enforces its rules equally selectively. The economies of eastern Europe are kept in a state of perpetual exploitation so that a very few in the western half of the continent can grow obscenely wealthy. Rich nations like Germany shirk their NATO obligations while cutting deals with Russia that are disadvantageous to both NATO and other members of the EU.
And so many people were shocked that Trump spoke bluntly to the Europeans about their financial, trade, and defense practices.
In 30 short years (less actually) the European leadership pissed away an opportunity that very few nations ever experience. A colossal failure, not only of leadership, but of vision as well.
@"Wallfire" has pointed out there are dark clouds gathering on Europe's horizons. The disconnect from reality is too great here, and reality will come calling.
Cheers
I remember those days. Even here, we had such high hopes that the tide had turned. But, as you so rightly point out, here we are just 30 short years later. I held off having kids for years. Life was too uncertain, the world not a place I was sure I wanted to bring children into. But then, the world appeared to change, and I thought there was a good chance for a better future for them. But, here we are. My son will be 25 in April, and I shudder to think of the world I've left him, and my grand children.
There is always, it seems, some sons of bitches hiding in the shadows just waiting to seize power and create Hell on Earth.
The price of Freedom is eternal vigilance, even through the good times, to watch for those sons of bitches to jump out and shake the foundations of Earth when, it appears, you least expect it.
We took our eyes off the ball, just for a minute, and here we are.
.
Diogenes was eating bread and lentils for supper. He was seen by the philosopher Aristippus, who lived comfortably by flattering the king.
Said Aristippus, ‘If you would learn to be subservient to the king you would not have to live on lentils.’ Said Diogenes, ‘Learn to live on lentils and you will not have to be subservient to the king.’
Said Aristippus, ‘If you would learn to be subservient to the king you would not have to live on lentils.’ Said Diogenes, ‘Learn to live on lentils and you will not have to be subservient to the king.’