with the failure of Boomer-era Republican government.  It's completely obstructionist to any recognition of Democratic representation in Congress, ironic given the GOP's name.

In Europe on the other hand, far too many people either think their welfare state is secure or it ulitmately just doesn't matter.  I'm generalizing but they haven't yet lost their medical care, their educational rights, their homes, et al.  Inequality is rapidly rising though, especially in the UK, and it remains to be seen whether the collapse of the world economy will significantly derail society in Europe to the extent that Europeans see through their "liberal" politicians (who ally with Republicans here)