While it is true that the dollar was not forced on Americans - it predates independence - the US dollar had as much in common with the Confederate dollar as it now has with the Canadian dollar: a shared name. Nothing else.

"The Euro was forced on any country that wanted to join ..." Since when does willing consent amount to compulsion? As far as I can tell, no-one is really pissed off about Euro membership - witness the attempts to shore it up. Sure Germany baulks at the cost, but does not, in the end, falter. The Euro is far more important than the uneven burden of providing temporary support, and the goal of uniting Europe is worth a much greater cost than buying up some Italian debt.

Besides, it seems to me that the countries most in trouble are the ones that were in receipt of the largest "handouts". Perhaps we held back too much.

As for Sterling, it's a joke. When the Euro was launched in 1999, it was worth 71 pence. It's now worth 86 pence - an increase of over 20%. Sterling might temporarily be outperforming the Euro by tiny amounts due to the debt crisis, but the Euro has the better historical record, and, if it is properly managed, the better prospects, too. I see few benefits from being outside the Eurozone. Sure we can have the Queen's portrait on Bank of England notes, and on coins, and the Royal Bank of Scotland (and 2 other banks) can continue to print its own banknotes in Scotland (doesn't that make you a little bit scared?), but I also see that prices are higher in the UK (and seemingly always have been) than in Europe, while wages are lower. Let us join in and share the benefits of price harmonisation while strengthening the currency.

The UK is just as exposed to the debt crisis as every other European country, and if the Euro fails, Sterling will be brought down too. Remember, when Ireland was teetering, we were worried if we would be next, because we held so much toxic debt. We are not so much better off now, despite what the politicians tell you. Look at Italy and consider, "There but for fortune ..."

At least their political leaders are worth a laugh.