Former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on Sunday called for the creation of a "United States of Europe," saying the bloc needed a common government to avoid future economic crises. Schroeder, a Social Democrat who ran the country from 1998 to 2005, said in an interview with Der Spiegel that European Union leaders were wrong to expect the euro to drive the bloc on its own. "The current crisis makes it relentlessly clear that we cannot have a common currency zone without a common fiscal, economic and social policy," Schroeder said. He added: "We will have to give up national sovereignty." – Reuters

Dominant Social Theme: This was supposed to be a good deal easier! What the heck is going on? People need to accept a United States of Europe. It works for America doesn't it?

Free-Market Analysis: Presumably Gerhard Schroeder couldn't stand it anymore. The corrupt and failing European Union, which has not delivered on a single promise made by its founders and enablers, is in serious trouble and Schroeder was ready to move ahead with a long-planned script.

What is it? Well, as the DB and other alternative news forums have pointed out, Europe's leaders expected a financial crisis would drive the EU toward political as well as economic consolidation. It is not working out that way.

Blame it on the Internet Reformation, which has enlightened many Europeans about what the EU really means and how their leaders have planned to manipulate them. From Spain to Greece to Italy and Ireland, Europe is aflame with protests and recriminations. The EU is not currently seen as a success by many involved in its direction and fate.

Germans, too, are joining forces with the discontented populace frequenting the PIGS of Europe. The upcoming decision by the German Constitutional Court on Wednesday regarding whether or not the EU bailout moves of Chancellor Angela Merkel are within the EU charter may be rendered moot by the continued fury of the German people.

Germans feel pinched by an impending recession at the same time as the euro is inflating. They are fearful of ending up as the payers of last resort for Europe and there are plenty of ways to build a market for their well-tooled products. They don't need the EU, certainly not one as large and problematic as this one.