[nobel prize] and the grumblings of discontent

The Americans seem a trifle miffed about the winner of the Nobel prize for Literature, Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio:

Last week, Engdahl, the Swedish Academy's permanent secretary, called American literary culture "too isolated, too insular. They don't translate enough and don't really participate in the big dialogue of literature" -- comments widely seen in the United States as evidence of the insularity of the Nobel itself and proof that American writers would be shut out again.

This is a storm in a teacup in one way but it is also a harbinger of troubles ahead where everyone and his dog seem a little testy at this time. The expression "trigger finger" springs to mind and a lot of shooting from the hip may well ensue, causing Europeans to call for action on the U.S. and vice versa.

Why do the U.S. and Europe need to be reminded that they are both socio-religiously from the same stock, the same economic structure and the same grey suited leadership? Conflict is stupidity between these blocs when there are other far more real enemies to contend with.