The triangle made up of southwestern Poland, the northern part of the Czech Republic, and the German federal state of Saxony already comprises just such an informal economic unit. It may be that southwestern Slovakia, northeastern Austria, and northwestern Hungary will soon coalesce economically in the same fashion. In any event, in spite of the ambitious European Union, blossoming regional economies, and vibrant local cultures, I do not foresee the demise of the nation-state in Europe in the near future, if ever. Old loyalties simple run too deep. That is democracy.
Democracy is the glue that can bind together diverse elements in society.
Democracy is the catalyst than can make the whole of society greater than the sum of its parts. Democracy is the best secular vehicle for every citizen to realize his or her God-given potential. And the spread of democracy is the best guarantee that Europe will not relapse into self-destructive violence and war. The Czech and Slovak peoples have demonstrated that they appreciate the potential of democracy. I am particularly proud that the United States of America is aiding the Czech Republic and Slovakia in fulfilling democracy's promise.