One need look no further than the very phrase European Union to understand why it is so sick today.  The fact is, the so-called European Union is made up of many different countries with different languages and different cultures.  One might say, isn’t that true of the US as well?  Not exactly.  The US is a “melting pot”, One Pot.   The European union is composed of many different, essentially homogeneous pots attempting to become one pot.  Unfortunately it isn’t that simple.  There is a history which no one can deny despite all of the years that have passed.  We fought a civil war but it was an internal conflict albeit horrific and bloody.  In the end, the country reunited and despite some turbulent history, we are one Union (E Pluribus Unum – out of many, One).  In fact, when visiting Europe, one gets the sense that the people don’t care one way or the other. If the European financial crisis deteriorates any further, which appears inevitable, we will see patriotism to the individual countries, Not The Union.   That could set the stage for the eventual collapse, which is no more impossible than the sinking of an unsinkable ship on its maiden voyage.