Hell, Greece is an EU member and is no closer to reclaiming "the Four Graces."

I would have demanded the entire contents of every museum in Europe as colateral for the money lavished by the Marshal Plan. I am not just talking assignments either.

These treasures would have been packed up and sent the US. We could have created period art theme parks across the US. Each state could operate their own tourist traps, featuring pawned artwork.

We would have then deserved the the title Pax Americana. Our debters would then avoid the shame of being rescued from their neighbors, and have the experience of pride of ownership having reclaimed "Pawn Shop" style, with cash, with the meter running, their art work.

This way, France could bitch for real about French Culture being co-opted by the the Ugly Americans.

Randy