During the last two great world wars, the United States of America aided its Allies in Europe. It offered material, funds and, above all, blood and lives.
It was not long ago we celebrated, here in Europe, the 75th anniversary of D-Day. It was June 6, 1944, when the Allies, including the U.S., launched the greatest effort in the war, which resulted in the long period of peace we enjoy today.
From my perspective, it appears that the U.S. is now involved in another type of war – one more subtle and complicated. A few days ago, China – the apparent financial rival of the U.S. – banned the importation of all agricultural products by any government-controlled enterprise, which practically means a virtual ban on all U.S. agricultural products. This is part of the ongoing money war between the U.S. and China and it is neither my place nor vocation to express even a half-educated guess about what is going on or how this will end up.
But, as a lover of history, and a true believer of the axiom that says, “friends do business with friends,” I have a very big question to ask my fellow Europeans (and not just the EU): Will we help the U.S., our ally, in this new war: WW$? Will we buy more of its agricultural products to help it now in its time of need as it helped us back then? Or we will stick to the least expensive option and continue to buy from whomever offers the cheapest products? And, if we do, as is our right to do, will we be able to ask the U.S. for another helping hand – God forbid – should we need its military help again in the future?
I think we are heading in the right direction. I was watching U.S. TV a few days ago and I saw an agreement signed between U.S. and EU for the importation of more U.S. beef into the EU. Having tasted U.S. beef during my 10 short years there, I have only one last question: Where can I buy some?
