Thread by @Louis_Drounau

For #GeorgeWashington, Great Britain waged a tariff war against the US, believing US States "never could unite in opposition to it". Until proven otherwise, the US would remain "in a ridiculous point of view in the eyes of the nations of the earth". Sounds familiar? #EUisthenewUS

In 1783, #Hamilton noted that "the road to popularity in each state is to inspire jealousy of the power of Congress, though nothing can be more apparent that [Congress has] no power." Sounds familiar? #EuroBashing #EuropeanParliament #EUisthenewUS

In 1787, Charles Pinckney of #SouthCarolina had concluded that the "depressed situation of the union is undoubtedly owing" to this "absurd" requirement of unanimous consent for amendments. Sounds familiar? #EUreform #TreatyChange #EUisthenewUS

In 1783, following reports that France and Great Britain considered discriminatory trade restrictions against the US, a Congressional Committee deemed it “of the highest importance [that] a general power should somewhere be lodged” to respond in kind. #TradeWar #EUisthenewUS

In 1785, following Congress' inability to adopt an important amendment, James Monroe wrote: “the importance of the subject and the deep and radical change it will create in the bond of the union,... [1/2]

... together with the conviction that something must be done, seems to create an aversion or rather a fear of action on it”. Congress never adopted the amendment. Sounds like Europe stalling on essential reform. #EUisthenewUS [2/2]

Remedying defects in the federal system was crucial, Madison told Monroe, “not only because such amendments will make it better answer the purpose for which it was instituted, ... [1/2]

... but because I apprehend danger to its very existence from a continuance of defects which expose a part if not the whole of the empire to severe distress.” See the #EU's lack of response to #migration which only directly concerns border states. #EUisthenewUS [2/2]

In 1786, Rufus King observed that “the imaginary interests of the states are so opposite that without the danger of some evil that will affect each member of the confederacy, a reasonable hope cannot be indulged of a reform.” Sounds familiar? #EUisthenewUS

In 1785, Washington wrote, “[I]t is one of the most extraordinary things in nature that we should confederate for national purposes, and yet be afraid to give the rulers… — who are the creatures of our own making, appointed for a limited and short duration, ... [1/2]

who are amenable for every action, recallable at any moment, and subject to all the evils they may be instrumental in producing — sufficient powers to order and direct the affairs of [the] nation.” Time to strengthen the #EuropeanParliament. #EUisthenewUS [2/2]

In 1786, Washington to John Jay, “To be fearful of vesting Congress […] with ample authorities for national purposes, appears to me the very climax of popular absurdity and madness.” Time to give the right to #legislativeinitiative to the #EuropeanParliament. #EUisthenewUS

In 1787, Madison wrote, the Articles of Confederation manifested “a mistaken confidence… [in] the justice, the good faith, the honor, [and] the sound policy of the several legislative assemblies.” ... [1/2]

It had become clear that “a unanimous and punctual obedience of 13 independent bodies to the acts of the federal government ought not to be calculated on.”
It is time to do away with the #unanimity and #consensus in the #EuropeanCouncil. #EUCO #EUisthenewUS [2/2]

In 1780, Hamilton wrote that one “defect in our system is want [i.e. lack] of method and energy in the administration,” which was partly due to “the want of a proper executive.” It is time to create a true #European government. #EUisthenewUS

In 1786, Rufus King wrote of European powers that they “looked upon us with a jealous eye and, though they wished us to be independent, they never wished us to be free.” Replace "European powers" with "US", "Russia" and "China". #EUisthenewUS

In 1786, a South Carolina newspaper concluded that “[a]s well may ye expect to behold a large camel shooting through the eye of a needle, as America happy or safe without a federal government.” #EUisthenewUS