Time for Countries to Contract

Is it us or are there too many damn countries? What's the point? We advocate some good old fashioned contraction. Start with Europe. Andorra: Dudes, pick a side and be done with it. It can go on like this. San Marino: Who are you guys kidding? Join Italy and stop pretending. Lickenshtein: Come on. You too. You're just taking up space.

Look at it this way: At least you'll do better in world soccer.

As for the rest of you - and you know who you are - contract voluntarily! Run to your nearest regional hegemon and beg for admission - and in some cases mercy. Be honest with yourselves. Are you really giving back to mankind being independent? Chances are you're not. You're only causing more grief to us loopy North American kids who have to learn your lousy exports and official languishing languages. You're also making the opening ceremonies at the Olympics that much longer and harder to watch. It's a sad site to see one shlepp with zero chance at a medal carrying the colours of a flag no one really cares about.