The truth is that history constantly presents new problems in the guise of old. - William Pfaff

America's problem is how to free itself from the grip of it's exhausted ideas.

Europeans believe in democracy - or, at least, in republican government - but they have considered the alternatives, and continue to do so, and that scandalizes Americans.

For four hundred years European civilization has dominated the world - for better or for worse. It is convenient, and flattering, for Americans to assume that this is all over; but it very rash to do so.