When the Euro was introduced in 1999, I wrote a column opposing the single European currency.
The idea that Europe could be united by a currency was doomed to fail. First, Europe doesn't share much in common. There are different languages, different cultures and different histories with the armies of one or more invading other nations. Different religions, too, though Europe is becoming more secular, except for its growing Muslim population.
Why did they ever think they could be like America, which has more than a common currency? We have a common language and a common history. We mostly have a common set of values.
Europe is in trouble because in large part it ignored its differences and falsely believed money alone could unite the continent.
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher refused to go along, and she was right not to. Europeans and even the U.S., with a shaky stock market, are paying the price for this bad decision.
I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.
Publication date: May 16, 2012
