Realignment, part III

The Eurozone clearly is not working out as planned, it might be time to revisit the whole grand plan. Grand plans have a way of doing that, going slightly awry, despite the brilliant schemes and best intentions of the interested parties.

The unintended consequences of making such grand plans and embarking on extraordinary experiments is not a reason not to have big ideas or attempt big ventures. Rather it's an opportunity to rethink the big ideas and remake the big ventures, not necessarily according to the conventional wisdom in Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, or Brussels under which they were conceived.

A modest revision might model the single-currency of the European Union on the other big thing all the Eurozone countries have in common, which is, of course, futbol (soccer). A team (usually a city) plays its way into the upper echelon of competition, recognition, and rewards. The cream rises to the top at all levels, so not only do the best players from every country go to the top teams in the top leagues, but the best teams are elevated to the top leagues.

If Manchester United fails to perform well in the English Premier League, the team will drop down to a lower level league, like a major league baseball player being sent to the minors to regain his stroke, strength, or confidence. If he works his way back into shape pitching for the Toledo Mud Hens, he'll be back with the Tigers in no time.

If American ballteams, and not just players, followed this principle, the cellar-dwellers in the majors would drop to Triple-A, and the Columbus Clippers, or whoever wins the American Association, would rise to the major leagues. A couple of bad years, and the Pirates or Royals might find themselves playing triple-A ball with the likes of Scranton and Charlotte.

Could nation, cities, or banks do this?