Greenspan said the debt will eventually constrain the U.S.economy and erode America's place on the world stage.

VOA: standard.2010.02.07

But rejoining has proved controversial in France with the opposition Socialist party, and even members of Mr.Sarkozy's center right Union for a Popular Majority party, opposing the move, fearing France's independence will erode.

VOA: standard.2009.03.11

So there is a fear and I think that is what this change is tapping into, a grumpy,worried national audience that is very,very concerned that somehow when their lives are somewhat fragile, things are going to even erode or crack further,"

VOA: standard.2009.08.17