Good Morning everyone ! After reading a great comment in a greek newspaper this morning , the parallels between Greece , the US , Uk and much of the West rally came home to me. One question , simply framed indeed . Where are the Leaders ? In the US , one might wonder , who might be the next Franklin Delano Roosevelt ? In the UK , one might ask - who might arise from the muck as the next Churchill ? Can Hollande in France remove the stain of Sarkozy's reign and rise to greatness - or will he prove just another small town Mayor in well over his head ? Greek newspaer Kathimerini ( in a piece written by Alexis Papachelas ) wonders " where is the next Eleftherios Venizelos or Constatine Karmanis ? Papachelas next queries " Do any of Greece's politicians have the courage to tell people the truth about the situation and then move on to do what what needs to be done ? Can any of them look our foreign partners in the eye and negotiate ? We know the answer - and the problem isn't just in Greece . It's the sam issue here in the US regarding the quality of leadership. It's the same problem in formerly prosperous Ireland ( consider what happened when Ireland dumped the failed leadership of Taoiseach Brian Cowen of Fianna Fail - the Fine Gael Party , led by Enda Kenny has continued to same failed appeasement of the Troika and failed policy of appeasing the banksters that caused Ireland's problems in the first place).
We don't need to devote a lot of space to the US - simply ask yourself , what has been the essential difference ( when you drill down to foreign and domestic policies ) between George W Bush and Barack Obama , then ask what is the essential difference between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney ? When you get the fact that there is no essential difference , you then ponder the amateur clown show elections have become - a crass reality show ( any wonder why Trump plays the role he does ) where the pols pose as learned fools , believing they can fool the rest of us ! The embarrassment that was Herman Cain as come and gone - but why was the guy even in the race ? would you trust him handling the countries money or making critical decisions concerning foreign policy ? But do we feel any better concerning the apparent choices we will have this fall - at best , it's a choice between worse and worst ? Where are the leaders here in the US - is this truly the best we can do ?
As we consider the fate of Greece - a fate to be decide by others , consider the following thoughts . this applies to all nations , not just Greece or the Us or Ireland . Who do you want to lead your country ? Do you trust your leader or future leader to guide your country through tough times with perhaps generational consequences at stake ? Will you buy the tough sounding sound bites from the stump - only to face the reality and buyers regret later that it was all stage craft ? Are the politicians doing all they can to sabotage the political system , the financial systems and the Constitution - and are you okay with that ? Will you demand leaders that speak the truth , rather than what they think you want to hear today ? do you have the courage to demand politicians treat you as adults and not children , that meek and mild imbeciles ? Or will we collectively prove the clownsters correct in their assessment of us ? Good morning and God bless !
http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite3_1_13/02/2012_427556
By Nick Malkoutzis
Collapsing buildings seem to be a good metaphor for Greece during these dark days. A number of edifices in Athens are likely to be demolished after being gutted by fire during rioting on Sunday night. The vandalism and violence destroyed what was a large and peaceful demonstration against the austerity measures in Greece’s latest loan agreement with the European Union and International Monetary Fund. The deal was approved by MPs but the turmoil this process caused within Greece’s parties emphasized that the country’s political structure is also crumbling.
While the expulsion of 43 MPs from PASOK and New Democracy for not approving the bailout was the most visible sign of a political system that is reaching the end of its days, the last week laid bare much greater inadequacies. No matter how many lawmakers are jettisoned from this hot air balloon, it won’t get off the ground again.
PASOK, which began its time in power just over two years ago with high hopes and a leader in George Papandreou who promised a new way of doing things, lies battered and beaten. It’s shedding MPs at an alarming rate and its poll ratings are about to drop through the floor. Papandreou, meanwhile, appears a little boy lost as the political rubble falls around him. More importantly, though, PASOK is absolutely devoid of ideas. It does not stand for anything after spending the last couple of years accepting the troika’s instructions with no input of its own.
New Democracy and its leader Antonis Samaras have been backed into a corner. A staunch opponent of the austerity-led philosophy of the first EU-IMF loan agreement, Samaras has been forced to argue that this time things are different. He has clung to his red line on pension cuts, hoping it will prove he is committed to the idea of not fueling the recession. But holding back the marauding troika with one hand while waving them on with the other, as was the case with a savage reduction to the minimum wage, means that Samaras is more traffic cop than five-star general in most people’s view.
The most spectacular implosion of all, however, was that of Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) and its leader Giorgos Karatzaferis. From his quotes by poet Constantine Cavafy and the Beatles to his claims about the German jackboot, Karatzaferis revealed himself to be nothing more than a very poor master of ceremonies in the three-ring circus of Greek politics. For all his posturing during this crisis, for all the witticisms and know-it-all comments, when the decisive moment came, Karatzaferis ran for cover. His decision to abstain from the vote will make it very difficult for him to visit village squares and claim to be the defender of the national interest. Nobody defended anything by hiding in Parliament’s corridors.
In contrast to PASOK, New Democracy and LAOS, the three parties of the left -- Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA), the Communist Party (KKE) and Democratic Left -- have seen their support in the opinion polls increase. This reflects the collapse of PASOK and the rising anger with austerity measures. Yet, for those who feel the troika is dragging Greece toward a dead end, the three leftist parties have struggled to come up with credible alternatives.
KKE says Greece should stop paying its creditors but has little idea how the country, which is still running a primary budget deficit, could go on paying its own citizens. SYRIZA has suggested the threat of a disorderly default by Greece should be used as a leverage tool in negotiations, ignoring the fact that Germany and the other eurozone countries have -- with the help of the European Central Bank -- spent the last few months shoring up their defenses against such an eventuality.
Democratic Left is a little more creative in its approach. Its leader, the mild-mannered Fotis Kouvelis, suggests that some of Greece’s debt should be transferred to the ECB and that the country should issue investment bonds, as well as making more use of funds from the European Investment Bank. They are fine suggestions and show the kind of out-of-the-box thinking that was missing at the beginning of this crisis. Unfortunately, there is no longer the kind of good will for Greece within the eurozone that would make these options even remotely plausible.
In the swirl caused by the crisis, the parties have lost their relevance. Faced with the most complicated and destructive of problems, they are devoid of ideas. They offer Greeks no inspiration or shelter for voters. Some will suffer at the general elections, scheduled for April. It seems certain -- given opinion poll ratings over the last few months -- that the next government will be a coalition. These disheveled and disparate political elements will have to find a way to work together. It’s probably the greatest punishment their voters could inflict on them.
One of the reasons a coalition will be necessary is that there’s a lack of new blood in Greek politics. Those who might be tempted to hear the call are standing back. They can see the political structure ready to collapse and don’t want to be tainted with the asbestos of defunct partisanship, so they won’t enter until the whole thing has come down and the dust has settled.
As long as this persists, Greece will go through a strange transition phase where the discredited will continue to hold power. The next government will likely have to be based on cooperation between PASOK and New Democracy. But they might not be able to form a government on their own. Given that all the other parties -- bar the tiny Democratic Alliance -- oppose the EU-IMF loan agreement, what basis will there be for a coalition?
This is where we get into really dangerous territory because the eurozone and the IMF are only agreeing to provide loans to Greece on the basis that its government is fully committed to the terms of the agreement. A coalition that would include Democratic Left, for instance, might not be in a position to offer this commitment.
This means that within the next couple of months, the wishes of Greece’s lenders could come into direct conflict with the will of the Greek people. The eurozone has essentially already set out what kind of government it wants after the snap election. Greek voters won’t necessarily want to comply with these wishes. The respect for democratic principles that the European Union was meant to uphold could face its most severe test yet. Another edifice -- the biggest and grandest of them all -- could also come tumbling down.
We don't need to devote a lot of space to the US - simply ask yourself , what has been the essential difference ( when you drill down to foreign and domestic policies ) between George W Bush and Barack Obama , then ask what is the essential difference between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney ? When you get the fact that there is no essential difference , you then ponder the amateur clown show elections have become - a crass reality show ( any wonder why Trump plays the role he does ) where the pols pose as learned fools , believing they can fool the rest of us ! The embarrassment that was Herman Cain as come and gone - but why was the guy even in the race ? would you trust him handling the countries money or making critical decisions concerning foreign policy ? But do we feel any better concerning the apparent choices we will have this fall - at best , it's a choice between worse and worst ? Where are the leaders here in the US - is this truly the best we can do ?
As we consider the fate of Greece - a fate to be decide by others , consider the following thoughts . this applies to all nations , not just Greece or the Us or Ireland . Who do you want to lead your country ? Do you trust your leader or future leader to guide your country through tough times with perhaps generational consequences at stake ? Will you buy the tough sounding sound bites from the stump - only to face the reality and buyers regret later that it was all stage craft ? Are the politicians doing all they can to sabotage the political system , the financial systems and the Constitution - and are you okay with that ? Will you demand leaders that speak the truth , rather than what they think you want to hear today ? do you have the courage to demand politicians treat you as adults and not children , that meek and mild imbeciles ? Or will we collectively prove the clownsters correct in their assessment of us ? Good morning and God bless !
http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite3_1_13/02/2012_427556
They all fall down
  |
Collapsing buildings seem to be a good metaphor for Greece during these dark days. A number of edifices in Athens are likely to be demolished after being gutted by fire during rioting on Sunday night. The vandalism and violence destroyed what was a large and peaceful demonstration against the austerity measures in Greece’s latest loan agreement with the European Union and International Monetary Fund. The deal was approved by MPs but the turmoil this process caused within Greece’s parties emphasized that the country’s political structure is also crumbling.
While the expulsion of 43 MPs from PASOK and New Democracy for not approving the bailout was the most visible sign of a political system that is reaching the end of its days, the last week laid bare much greater inadequacies. No matter how many lawmakers are jettisoned from this hot air balloon, it won’t get off the ground again.
PASOK, which began its time in power just over two years ago with high hopes and a leader in George Papandreou who promised a new way of doing things, lies battered and beaten. It’s shedding MPs at an alarming rate and its poll ratings are about to drop through the floor. Papandreou, meanwhile, appears a little boy lost as the political rubble falls around him. More importantly, though, PASOK is absolutely devoid of ideas. It does not stand for anything after spending the last couple of years accepting the troika’s instructions with no input of its own.
New Democracy and its leader Antonis Samaras have been backed into a corner. A staunch opponent of the austerity-led philosophy of the first EU-IMF loan agreement, Samaras has been forced to argue that this time things are different. He has clung to his red line on pension cuts, hoping it will prove he is committed to the idea of not fueling the recession. But holding back the marauding troika with one hand while waving them on with the other, as was the case with a savage reduction to the minimum wage, means that Samaras is more traffic cop than five-star general in most people’s view.
The most spectacular implosion of all, however, was that of Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) and its leader Giorgos Karatzaferis. From his quotes by poet Constantine Cavafy and the Beatles to his claims about the German jackboot, Karatzaferis revealed himself to be nothing more than a very poor master of ceremonies in the three-ring circus of Greek politics. For all his posturing during this crisis, for all the witticisms and know-it-all comments, when the decisive moment came, Karatzaferis ran for cover. His decision to abstain from the vote will make it very difficult for him to visit village squares and claim to be the defender of the national interest. Nobody defended anything by hiding in Parliament’s corridors.
In contrast to PASOK, New Democracy and LAOS, the three parties of the left -- Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA), the Communist Party (KKE) and Democratic Left -- have seen their support in the opinion polls increase. This reflects the collapse of PASOK and the rising anger with austerity measures. Yet, for those who feel the troika is dragging Greece toward a dead end, the three leftist parties have struggled to come up with credible alternatives.
KKE says Greece should stop paying its creditors but has little idea how the country, which is still running a primary budget deficit, could go on paying its own citizens. SYRIZA has suggested the threat of a disorderly default by Greece should be used as a leverage tool in negotiations, ignoring the fact that Germany and the other eurozone countries have -- with the help of the European Central Bank -- spent the last few months shoring up their defenses against such an eventuality.
Democratic Left is a little more creative in its approach. Its leader, the mild-mannered Fotis Kouvelis, suggests that some of Greece’s debt should be transferred to the ECB and that the country should issue investment bonds, as well as making more use of funds from the European Investment Bank. They are fine suggestions and show the kind of out-of-the-box thinking that was missing at the beginning of this crisis. Unfortunately, there is no longer the kind of good will for Greece within the eurozone that would make these options even remotely plausible.
In the swirl caused by the crisis, the parties have lost their relevance. Faced with the most complicated and destructive of problems, they are devoid of ideas. They offer Greeks no inspiration or shelter for voters. Some will suffer at the general elections, scheduled for April. It seems certain -- given opinion poll ratings over the last few months -- that the next government will be a coalition. These disheveled and disparate political elements will have to find a way to work together. It’s probably the greatest punishment their voters could inflict on them.
One of the reasons a coalition will be necessary is that there’s a lack of new blood in Greek politics. Those who might be tempted to hear the call are standing back. They can see the political structure ready to collapse and don’t want to be tainted with the asbestos of defunct partisanship, so they won’t enter until the whole thing has come down and the dust has settled.
As long as this persists, Greece will go through a strange transition phase where the discredited will continue to hold power. The next government will likely have to be based on cooperation between PASOK and New Democracy. But they might not be able to form a government on their own. Given that all the other parties -- bar the tiny Democratic Alliance -- oppose the EU-IMF loan agreement, what basis will there be for a coalition?
This is where we get into really dangerous territory because the eurozone and the IMF are only agreeing to provide loans to Greece on the basis that its government is fully committed to the terms of the agreement. A coalition that would include Democratic Left, for instance, might not be in a position to offer this commitment.
This means that within the next couple of months, the wishes of Greece’s lenders could come into direct conflict with the will of the Greek people. The eurozone has essentially already set out what kind of government it wants after the snap election. Greek voters won’t necessarily want to comply with these wishes. The respect for democratic principles that the European Union was meant to uphold could face its most severe test yet. Another edifice -- the biggest and grandest of them all -- could also come tumbling down.
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