Socialists in America also see Americans ruled by corporations or the military complex.  This is all very old hat.  Are we still reading Galbraith?Corporations don't vote. The government does regulate and tax corporations as well as give them certain benefits.  As it does for enviromental groups, unions and other entities.  Europe does not do the same?  

I trust individuals to make free, unfettered decisions.  Americans support their system because it has promoted individual achievement and generated personal wealth.  

As for the mutual defense, does Germany still want Alsace Lorraine?  Europe's borders have been cemented over the past 50 years.  Democracies do not war with each other.  America has pretty muched guaranteed europe's freedom from soviet threats. So, war in Europe shouldnt really be a factor.  When there was (Kosovo), europe didnt do anything about it.

And if Europeans wholeheartedly support the EU, why are the member states governments trying to backdoor popular referendums to avoid "Non" votes again?

Terry