JJ's Journal: US-Europe relations

/i*one entry from a new collection*i/
      Americans, when relating to Europe have always had two modes, both of which are always in action even though one or the other appears more dominant. The first is as Europe's kid brother. It is attributted to Will Rogers ". . . America has never lost a war or won a peace conference . . ." (Said before the Vietnam War.) The second mode is with independent values and a different morality than Europe. American's value self-reliance and independence above a social welfare standard.
      Both modes are always in play even if one seems dominant in particular Americans (say Presidents.) Bill Clinton's need to be loved forced him into the first mode when dealing with Europe. George W. Bush political powerbase demands he play the second. But neither is without the opposite mode.