Alfons

Why not? Russia wonna never joint EU. But a Union between both countries is better as a war and give many benefits for theyr economies. A survey in Russia sayed that only 37 % of Russians wonna closely relationship to EU but 41 % prefere USA. When Vlad and JWB gotta go why not try to make a Union like EU?

John1234

Interesting.
I am all for friendly relations.
I do not know about a "Union" of any kind though.
And i am not even sure of what you mean by "Union"...

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Kandahar

We don't even have a political union with our NAFTA partners yet. I'm completely in favor of a free trade agreement (that excludes weapons) between the United States and Russia, but I don't think that's the type of union you had in mind.

I'd be against any kind of political union at this time. Our cultures, economies, political systems, and histories are simply too different. If we're going to form a political union, there are many countries way ahead of Russia on that list.

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fromderinside

I rarely agree with the 'Independent' Lou Dobbs on CNN. But, when he points out that the US worker is competing with up to 300 million unemployed and under-employed in China, for instance, that just isn't a setting for free trade.

The US just doesn't benefit under those conditions no matter how productive they become.

The notion of infrastructure of workforce needs to be taken into account when we negotiate 'free trade' agreements. It is NOT a zero sum game otherwise.

There are reasons for tariffs and constraints on trade beyond those which protect, minimally, consumers.

Alfons

I mean only a Union like EU or other closed relationship.
Maybe with common money and economy. It could be better opportunities for both countries in this difficult time.

RightOfCenter

Agreed. Stronger ties to Canada and Mexico before we try and reach across the ocean to a nation we have very few similarities to, especially considering the current and past animosities between our two countries.

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Alfons

If you go to Moscow to you'll be amazed how like USA this city is. I think that russian business is like more american as european. The same with the people.
Only few americans go to Russia as tourist.The situation can be changed if the americans receive a possibility gotta more time in Russia for their life.

Bodhisattva

What nationality are you? You seem to have some kind of accent...

I am an American living abroad.

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Kandahar

I disagree. If you dropped me in any large city in Russia and/or any large city in the United States, I would be able to tell you which country I was in within ten minutes (even without obvious giveaways like language or money).

Moscow is hardly Toronto. If we don't even have a political union with our largest trading partner and a nation that is almost culturally identical to us (except Quebec...and even Quebec is more American than Russia is), why would we establish one with Russia?

Furthermore, why would we want to establish a common monetary policy with Russia? The Russian government is corrupt and cannot be trusted to adhere to the agreed policies. It would further destabilize American currency, and foster resentment in both countries. Russians would resent being bossed around by their monetary partners in America, and Americans would resent the weakness of their currency caused by an irresponsible monetary policy.

I agree that we should have a "common economy" with Russia in the sense that there should be no trade or immigration barriers between our nations (aside from the weapons trade)...but I would say the same thing about almost every country in the world. Ultimately our goal should be a common global economy.

Joby

I thought Russia was going to get in on the pan-Asian currency. That makes a lot more sense for them, if they're irreversibly opposed towards joining the EU one day.

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