That might not be a bad option but we’re not at the precipice yet, a bridge can be conceived, but not if the material is strict functionality. I do not see Germany as intellectually and culturally stronger than these nations, and that is a large part of what I am talking about when I speak of European culture. Italy, its splendid natural and crafted beauty, the bizarre Church that inspires the fear of American politicians - it is immensely powerful in ‘will and imagination’. France possesses as has been seen always a popular power, a surplus spiritedness of the people when it coms to political matters. A public conscience in a sense that would represent much of what I think Europe ought to stand for. Where Germany is, in a more ‘mechanic’ sense, what Europe is. Clearly we are closer than ever to bringing those in harmonic tension to each other. England would necessarily join the dance of nations if it occurred.
The end of the EU is certainly preferable to the EU as it is now, even though NATO will still present a large problem…it may force the problem in more rational, empirical terms. From our confrontation this agreement then was forged; that if possible, Germany should relax, shift a few degrees to the he generous king, at the cost of being the pure enforcer of discipline. Surely Berlin can afford a great new building, a cathedral to European diplomacy. A symbol of its good will to hold sway over a confident union. Gestures are important, and Germany had been good at making them. I think that much of its military energy has been compressed into industrial energy, much like what happened in Japan. But France has a versatile and sophisticated industry and is good at building for time, it has also made some of the most impressive bridges. A great bridge near Strasbourg, an economic center across the Rhine, built with a sense of friendly competition on either shore, that sort of thing. Economy is about inspiring citizens to participate in potential dynamics to make them real. The rhineland could be host to a historic statues of Bismarck and De Gaulle, two Realpolitiker who both secured their nations interests under very dire circumstances. It is good that they are not directly opposed in time, that they represent different epochs. But both represent the instinct to self preservation, as well as the aspiration to honor. So they are surely both respectable men, sure of their responsibility to their people. And alas now we are for the moment one people under one fate, and certainly France and Germany are not at arms. This can be more than just a softening of danger - it can be an advantage. In fact now that the danger has been overcome, it is ‘supposed’ to grow into an advantage. I have some reason to believe the French youths are quite ready to accept overt Germanic influence, if it comes in the form of a ‘we’. The power of Germany is unmistakable. Now it must become ‘the good’ - that is how power survives.