I don't want to get started on a rant here. (Or maybe I do, stay tuned kids). But I do think Geo's got it all sewn up -- geography/cultural norms, etc. preclude a tight organization.
What is the point of the EU? As I understand it, a major reason was to normalize tariffs and strengthen economic power by presenting a unified economic policy across the countries and that's a worthwhile goal.
But how could the US join in that regard? If it did who's currency would the Euro trade against so it can grow?
I think the US still conducts trade with Europe. And Russia, China, and African and Middle Eastern nations. How close do you have to be to be optimal.
[ July 25, 2003, 19:27: Message edited by: Arkcon ]