Quote:
Originally Posted by horseofcourse
I know nothing about Greece or it's economic woes other than what I've read and I don't trust much of what I read. I know nothing about their "leader" and I'm sure he's done woeful things and everything. AFter all he is a national leader and nearly all of those are incompetent today, but why is it so horrible he is making this latest dictum from the European "big boys" a referendum to be voted on by the Greek citizens?? I have to credit him if for nothing else actually doing something democratic in this instance. THe Greek people are screwed regardless of anything...whether they default or accept this order from the "important" Euros. I find it cool they have their choice of the method of their screwing. And if everyone is absolutely horrified by this decision by the Greek president, I can only conclude he is doing the right thing in at least this one instance. I find it quaint and cozy that the world's powers are simply horrified by this little instance of democracy being proposed by a nation's president. Again, the Greek country is likely horribly run by this man, but the Greek people should absolutely have a say in how their demise should commence (well, continue). There is nothing leaders hate more than democracy most of the time.
(this is a great thread)
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The Greek people gave up their right to have a say in their demise by asking for entry into the EU and for electing weak, corrupt leaders and allowing their version of unions to bankrupt the company. If you are asking for a bailout while at the same time complaining about the conditions...well too bad. I understand the Greek President trying to maintain a semblence of nationalism but the reality is that there is really no way out of this mess that isn't going to plunge the country into a terrible depression. AND it still might not matter. The EU is German-centric mostly because they have the strongest economy and wealthiest banks. The German people DO NOT want Germany to bailout Greece yet they are still going to hence the need for harsh measures against the Greeks. In other words the powers that be in Gemany realize they they need to deal with the Greek (and Italian) problem against the wishes of it citizens therefore have to come across as the stern father figure (which they more or less are here). No one knows how much exposure the Central European bank and other financial institutions really have and are terrified to find out therefore are willing to try to "save" Greece (and Italy and perhaps Spain and Ireland as well). The greek people will surely not vote for the measures that will be asked of them and sadly they may not be nearly as stringent or draconian as needed anyway.
This link about the Greek railroad system kind of makes it clear the issue that they are dealing with
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/21/bu...al/21rail.html