Germany's Role In The EU

Speaking of the great German nation, I've detected an irony in the image of the strong German.

After WWII, Europe was for all intents and purposes destroyed. Finished. The torch carrying Western civilization was passed on to the United States. Europe, given its pride and glorious history, weren't quite ready to give the torch so easily and decided on creating the European Economic Community consisting of the originals: Germany, Benelux (Belgium and Holland), France, Luxembourg, and Italy.

The way I see how the Germans were talked into it is this way. Already a pariah on the world stage, what with "starting" two of world history's bloodiest and costliest wars, Germany was also in economic shambles but possessed the added problem of being despised. The French, not interested in being over run and bent over by the Germans any longer, decided the best way to keep the Germans at bay is to unite with them in a common market focusing on common interests. Notably in countering growing American power.

It was a no-brainer for France. It got to keep a close eye on Germany plus it could claim they were helping to foster a movement last tried under Charlemagne who tried to unite all of Europe under the Holy Roman Empire. His model was Rome. Equally if not more important, it was a great way to pretend to still being a great power and a thorn in the side of the Americans.

Everybody happy? France yes. Germany was just a dumb big dog following hoping to be loved. Britain no. The French under De Gaulle deliberately kept the UK out. While the English whined about it, the interesting thing is they never really were sure if the wanted in in the first place! Some believed their destiny lay with the United States (and its satellites Canada and Australia).

The EEC eventually morphed into the EU which then impressively spawned the Euro. On both counts, I think, Germany gained less out of it. They were pulled into the EU at which point weaker nations were benefitting off their backs (for Germany is the economic engine of the EU) while Germany found itself as the babysitter.

Fast forward to today and how Germany keeps getting the short stick. I can't see how it's Germany's business to bail out Greece. France I get. Italy more so. These are Mediterranean countries. In the case of Italy, a cousin which shares part of its heritage with Ancient Greece. But Germany? They were again played like a fiddle under the guise of "catastrophe if we don't do anything" crap.

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Speaking of which (again) of "we must act" mots de morts, Obama was lecturing Spain that they must get their financial house in order. Now that's rich. The one guy who set America's spending policies into unsustainable overdrive (he may go down as the President who put the stake in the heart of American liberalism and tax and spend theories) is telling another country how to run its affairs?

Hey, I happen to think Spain is one of the few poor countries that actually didn't make a mockery (hello Greece) of being part of the EU. It did manage to improve its image and economic affairs. From what I hear, they also have a competent central bank.

If anything, Mr. President, they probably should be lecturing you!