Ah, but you forget the advantage the American economy had. Vast mineralogical reserves, coal and oil, iron, grain. Not least it had people, hundreds of millions of them.

And it became the world's powerhouse in the aftermath of the 2nd world war when all of the previous powerhouses were on their knees in the aftermath of a war that left them literally and economically shattered and exhausted. It had no competition for 30 years and created a mythology of economic supremacy that overwhelmed the world. You either collaborated or you went under.

Now the US and Britain sustain themselves on momentum alone. It is regrettable that just at the moment when other paradigms are needed, the French might lose confidence in theirs'. But one thing is sure, if neither the French electorate nor the politicians seeking their vote truly understand the issues they face, I must suggest that in this they seem to share their ignorance with elecotrates and politicians everywhere. Just remember, the Americans voted for George Bush twice, that is surely not an informed decision.

keep to the Fen Causeway