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CHEESE FESTIVAL
in Alkmaar, Hol–
land. Tons of cheese are delivered
by local farmers to wholesale market
in town square. Cheeses are bought,
labeled, and later shipped around the
world. lt's all part of the European
Community's burgeoning expart trade
in farm produce which indirectly drives
up domestic food prices.
Joltn
Kilbum - Ploin
Truth
the devaluations of the dollar, the
Watergate affai r, charges against the
Vice-'President, food and fuel short–
ages, major inftation and social prob–
lems from drugs to racial turmoil,
Europeans a re drawing the con–
clusion that maybe
they
don't have it
so bad after all. And
that
despite the
fact the average European is basi–
cally concerned a bout the same prob–
lems his American cousins are facing
- the cost of living, and particularly,
the cost of food.
The growing economic weakness
of the United States is refiected,
many Europeans note, in the fact that
Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark and
Germany all now have a higher GNP
(Gross National Product) rating on a
per capita basis than the United
States.
The moral role ofthe United States
has also deteriorated in European
eyes, resulting in a loss of respect.
With a quiet shaking of the head,
many Europeans express bewilder–
ment and concern at the interna!
weakening taking place in the United
States. Europeans feel that these
problems are unfortunately turning
the United States inward. Such a
trend, ifperpetuated, could lead toa
United States neglect of its responsi–
bilities and relationships in the rest of
the world.
Basically, however, America's
roots are in Europe, and many ex–
press this fundamental fact. The
el
ose
personal ties that exist have main–
tained a strong bond between the two
continents. American aid during the
wars is still highly respected by the
older generation, but unfortunately,
these people a re no longer the major–
ity, and events are swiftly moving
on.
o
PLAIN TRUTH Oc tober 1973
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