The limp reaction of the European Union to backsliding among its recent members, and especially Romania and Bulgaria, boggles the mind (“Worrying about a Crash,” July 7, 2007). What else could be expected from the corrupt governments of Central or Eastern Europe? How come better safeguards were not put into place before the fateful accession dates in 2004 and 2007? For the backsliding could have easily been predicted, given that the main reward of politicians in the region has been simply to remain in power. Ubiquitous corruption has long done the rest to line their pockets. The situation cannot get but worse, either. Whatever the Union now does will punish only those who remain outside the bewitching circle of power. The long-suffering masses will thus remain in the firm grip of venal politicians whose power should have been checked while the Union was still in full control.