Identical problems with their political systems? Surely you jest. America is deeply corrupt. There is corruption, in varying degrees, in EU member states. But very few with levels anywhere near America's institutionalized corruption.

And, I have to vigorously object to offhand comments by an American relating to the Ireland vote on Lisbon as having been a wonderful thing. Especially one pretending to be from the left side of the spectrum. It is absolutely in America's interest that EU integration fail, which is why a big funding source for the No campaign in Ireland came from pro-US business elemets associated with the American military.

Seeing such shallow analyses, in view of the geopolitical context, coming form the so-called American "left" is like lecturing Europeans on income inequality or torture.  

Excuse me for calling bullshit.

The Hun is always either at your throat or at your feet. Winston Churchill