Serious about everything I said about the world economy, political stability, even the possibility of revolution.
Revolution can come in many forms, the major shifting of views for example, not just in the physical war sense. But I dont discount that as a possibililty.
I believe history always repeats itself unless we learn from past mistakes & history itself. Unfortunately, most people dont read, study history, remember the lessons or have the intellectual curiousity to ask the important questions.
It is always possible that calmer heads prevail...hopefully...but I think globally people are getting fed up. Things are reaching a boiling point. People are hurting and getting angry and tired of the status quo or being told they are the ones having to take the austerity measures for the sake of the "establishment".
While there are those with the collective memory of the past, there are many who do not nor care to know....So yes, I do think that the same mistakes and possibilities exist for there to be a rise of a central figure, a "strongman" or movement, like we have seen before and of which Krugman referred to and I seconded similar to Hungary and frankly happening in many countries in Europe like I referenced. My grandparents who saw what happened in the lead up and aftermath of the 3rd Reich used to tell me it could happen anywhere and again. The danger they said is when people think it cant happen again or that they are exempt.
In terms of a merging of governments or sharing of views, I would make the argument that is already happening, in particular in the example of the EU which is why there is actually the backlash that has been growing against it and a rise in the more nationalistic and right-wing movements in many of these countries. The mass murder in Norway last summer at the youth camp and the rising number of neo-nazi/xenophobic/nationalistic members in various parliaments in various countries like Sweden, Italy, Austria etc is a reflection of that growing movement and is very real.
I very much believe that every government is very aware of the unrest and watching events ranging from the Arab Spring to Wikileaks to the Occupy Movement etc very carefully. Yes, they would like to make sure they keep the "common man" in their place. The status quo benefits them and what they fear most is the population getting fed up and yes, revolting.
Dear Dan, you & I have been posting on DU for many years, and I dont believe either one of us has ever been someone who says something that isnt serious or said without some serious thought...you in particular have always been someone I have recalled over the years who was infrequent, but quick to the point, short & no long rants.
I appreciate that you responded and asked me if I was serious and I hope I answered your question... 
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