An intriguing, if not topical issue, is the mooted proposal to create an American Union out of the current NAFTA partners. This union would create one truly free market in goods, capital and labour, a single North American currency, and some inevitable joint political institutions. While America’s current insularity and global odium renders this project very unlikely in the short-term, many including this writer, believe its completion is not only inevitable but desirable.

Predictably in America’s current political climate, characterised by border fences and wrathful xenophobia, the proposal has its militantly passionate detractors, some of whom are decidedly apoplectic. I believe they would better serve humanity by resisting their unworthy xenophobia, and instead appraise the proposed situation with rational open minds.

There were those who strenuously resisted the liberation of slaves in America, enfranchisement of women, racial desegregation and NAFTA. The ‘reasons’ usually emit from an instinctive fear and loathing of change, of foreigners, and the unfamiliar. At every historical juncture, there are those who unworthily hold progress back.

The Euro has not only been a sterling economic success; the underlying project of political unification is the most noble political enterprise in history. The idea of the nation state is the root of international warfare, restricted trade and limited personal opportunity. The Euro consolidation promises: larger markets for all enterprises, meaning larger profits, tax revenues and employment oppurtunities; a more flexibly labour market, with optimum wage levels and workers able to go where their skills are most needed; and best of all, political unity, the only dependable final solution to the history of intra-continental warfare in Europe.

The American project promises akin benefits. One Cyclopean market means more wealth for legacy Canadians, Mexicans and Americans. One labour market means enterprises are matched with workers in the most efficient way. Political cooperation is a source of strength, resulting from an even mightier entity than the USA. What is so loathsome about a super state, mightier, wealthier, and more diverse than any of its legacy entities? Is the strongest argument against it that it is different from what we are familiar with?

There will always be those that baulk when poised on the cusp of history. Where are those that campaigned against desegregation, the manumission of slaves, or the Euro? Relegated to the wrong side of history is the answer. Those who let their trepidation at change, their paucity of vision and aversion for the man of a different colour determine their actions, will be similarly consigned to historical ignominy and eventual oblivion.