The European Union is a farce...It's Germany's way of getting back at the Allied countries. My humble opinions: I feel that once the Euro has amassed worldwide support as the safe haven currency, overpowering the dollar and being used by reserve Banks for Intl. settlements instead of the dollar (it already is in European Nations), Germany, the backbone would perhaps be the most powerful country in the world. As per my meandering mind, it is then that the Fourth Reich will take over with brutal force. Deaths will be in the millions: Not by weapons but through economic embargos, civil war brought about by poverty and ultra scheming monetary/fiscal policies...damn, just my imagination running wild here!! BTW, Nice article Mr. August. I read this back in '98, my freshman year.