Why do you presume that the Euro is a suitable yardstick to measure the value of the dollar against?

I don't, however, it is a free floating currency and I see the comparative value of currency a vote in a economy. Meaning, the more comparative value a fiat currency has the more faith and confidence there is in that economy and government.

There was more faith and confidence in the U.S. economy when the euro debuted, and the exchange rate was inverse of what it is today. That faith and confidence in the U.S. has eroded during Bush's tenure. Obama's policies seem to be a continuation of, at least, the bailout initiated by the Fed and Treasury Dept. during Bush's last term.

I expect the same exercise could be done with the dollar versus the euro purchasing power for any commodity. The dollar's buying power is less because spending money on the bailout has weakened it further.

How about US inflation?

Wouldn't inflation in the U.S. further weaken the dollar when compared to the euro?

What, exactly, are you trying to prove?

Um, nothing. Like I said I am pretending. But since you want me to have a point, how about it would have been cheaper for an American to travel to Europe last October than it is today. :-)