Readers reply to a question: "If it’s wrong for European countries to come together as a fully federal EU, why is it right for the US to be a federation rather than separate states?" The question notes that the US has become powerful as an umbrella for smaller entities, whereas the EU is criticised unfairly for a similar system.
History and Language
Several readers point to history: Europe has centuries of nationalism and war, while the US was formed as a union with a common language. John_Brown1955 says there's no nostalgic past for US states to hark back to, unlike Europe where nationalism fuels secession. jno50 notes English unites the US but divides the EU. David Michaels adds that the US was put together 200 years ago with one language, while the EU has 20 different languages and citizens were never asked if they wanted a federal state.
Criticism of the EU
Roger Irwin says the EU has failed to solve petty problems and made Europe insignificant in geopolitical turmoil despite its population and GDP. Chris Zisimides argues the EU was born from deceit, with its true aim of political union hidden as a "common market", and calls it undemocratic because its president is elected by council members, not direct vote.
Secession Movements and External Influence
anda_skoa suggests same forces (Russia, corporate entities, tech billionaires) try to break up both blocs, but now US government insiders want to break the EU while the reverse is not true. Carnthebombers says the US civil war settled the question that states cannot leave. GrumpyMat notes the EU is newer and change is easier to undo. TobermoryNightlife says Russia feels threatened by a united Europe. ErasmusVanBaltimore calls for the UK to rejoin the EU and for Canada to get associate membership.
Comparison to US Unity
Dallastxhollywood says Europeans are used to the US as one country, while Europe has never been unified. GrasmereGardens likens it to comparing apples with elephants. Jebedee notes deeper integration brings scale and uniformity but reduces local autonomy, and the US states have been part of the union for over a century.
The article concludes without a definitive answer, reflecting the complexity of comparing the two unions.
