Tuesday 8 May 2012

Europeans don't want to be poor; they say no to austerity!

There is something rather childish about European politics right now.

In virtually every country in the European Union, public expenditure is outstripping tax revenues. The continent hasn't grown in five years. Nevertheless, Europeans have chosen ignore these harsh realities. Everywhere, we hear the cry of "no more austerity".

But what does it mean? Europeans want higher living standards, they want to work less, they want more social protection, they want better public services, and they want to pay less tax. It is one massive continent wide political tantrum.

It is something akin to saying "we don't want to be poor". Of course, nobody wants to be poor. However, avoiding poverty means working hard, saving, investing and generally accumulating wealth. Activities that no longer interest the majority of Europeans.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

The problem is the Emperor, he isn't wearing any clothes.
When you can print billions for banks but have to tax people to death for education and health care sooner or later the public add 2+2 and get 4. The fake money is seen for what it is.

Jim said...

Your post pretty much sums up the state of the Western world today.

Anonymous said...

Don't think it's a case of saying No to austerity, it's the refusal to accept the debts run up by the political class. One has only to look at the voter turn outs, which in the UK are showing that there is only 16 to 20% of people voting, which means as 80% are not voting, none of the winning parties has a mandate!

Electro-Kevin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Electro-Kevin said...

Anon @ 15.14

I can't speak for the Greeks but the Brits lapped up Labour debt (and much besides) so long as there was Association Football and copious amounts of personal credit.

Those now being assisted with 0.5% interest most definitely share the blame

Stevie b. said...

we europeans have a natural right to a certain standard of living, dammit!