Europe, you're on your own

In case you’ve got any misgivings about the tough love the Trump administration is giving Europe just read this. It’s emblematic of the ingratitude we’ve been subjected to over the past 80 years of Pax Americana, when we defended Europe from the Russian menace at great expense, not to mention, expending enormous amounts of blood and treasure to liberate them from the Germans in World Wars I AND II.

I came across this repugnant rant from a Belgian named Christina Witvrouwen:

“Oh, merci beaucoup, America! 🇺🇸

Because apparently, without you, all of Europe would be goose-stepping its way through history class right now—according to the White House’s very own Press Secretary, Nazi Barbie, Karoline Leavitt.

Karoline, Belgium here. You know, that tiny country you probably couldn’t find on a map without Google Earth and divine intervention? Yeah, hi. We just wanted to say thanks—for the history lesson nobody asked for. Because without America, we’d all be speaking German? Sweetheart, a third of Belgium already does. We multitask over here. Three national languages, fluent sarcasm, and enough beer varieties to drown an empire. What can you do? Oh right, mispronounce “croissant.”

And about showing up in WWII—huge congrats on that whole saving Europe thing. After, you know, sitting on the sidelines for the first six years while Europe burned. But sure, kick in the door at the eleventh hour, bring the fireworks, and then act like you hosted the whole party. Classic.

Here’s a little perspective from the Belgian side: while your grandfathers were storming the beaches in ‘44 (respect), ours were being flattened again, because apparently, Belgium’s favorite hobby is getting invaded every twenty years. So yeah, we get it. Grateful? Sure. Eternally in your debt? Relax.

And while you’re patting yourselves on the back, we’re over here perfecting the art of living well. You know—real beer. None of that watery nonsense. We brew Trappist ales so strong they come with a warning label. Chocolate? Ours is so good your Swiss cousins cry into their fondue. Fries? We invented them. That’s right—Belgian fries. And they’re served with mayo, not freedom.

And since we’re swapping historical favors, here’s a little reminder: without France, you’d still be British. Yeah. If it weren’t for French troops, French ships, and a French king footing the bill, you’d still be pledging allegiance to the crown and calling it football. So maybe, just maybe, ease up on the lectures about who should be grateful to whom. Lafayette didn’t cross the Atlantic for this nonsense.

But here’s the thing: we are allies. We have been for a long time. Shoulder to shoulder in the trenches, on the beaches, in NATO briefings, and everything in between. So maybe it’s time to act like allies—mutual respect, shared history, and all that good stuff. Not condescending lectures from someone who confuses diplomacy with a cheerleading routine.

Meanwhile, we’ll be over here in Brussels—running the EU, drinking beer older than your country, eating chocolate that could end wars, and juggling three languages before you finish your morning Pop-Tart.

So yes, Karoline: dank u wel, merci, and danke schön for the unsolicited reminder. Now go touch some grass. Or at least try a Chimay. You need it.

Thank you.”

Well, I say no thanks to Christina. We’ve spent trillions of dollars and an ocean of blood to defend these ungrateful Eurotrash for 80 years. They’re the ultimate free riders. While some of my generation is still nostalgic for the days of the Cold War when we felt protective of Europe, folks like Christina make it clear that they are neither thankful nor grateful, but spiteful and hateful. They don't deserve our protection-perhaps they never did. After all, in this day and age one can make the case that the atrocities in the Belgian Congo perpetrated by Christina’s ancestors should condemn the entire country to punishment for crimes against humanity. So much for the art of living well.

This has been evident many times over the years when Europeans rioted in the streets over American policies, many of which were intended to protect them.

We can be grateful to ingrates like Christina for making it clear why Trump has taken the stance he has toward Europe, and making easier to see with crystal clarity that the time has come to let Europe fend for itself, defend itself at its own expense. Perhaps Americans and Europeans can agree that this is the common sense, sensible center position.