Victims of Socialism

Just watched a CNBC interview featuring dueling politicians... The Maybe-Former-Spendthrift from Georgia made the case for cutting entitlements... While the Still-A-Spendthrift from Maryland said "Screw that! We simply need to raise the debt ceiling and increase taxes on businesses..."

Let's say your finances are a virtual microcosm of your government's... I.e., you're in dire straits; and you're looking to hire some help: Advisor A suggests you stop eating out, stop shopping at Nordstrom, sell the Range Rover and pay cash for a used Yugo... Advisor B says "Screw that! Apply for an increase in your Visa limit and we'll find someone to sue in the meantime..." Of course B is out of his friggin mind. Right? Say Yes!!

Three Athens families lost dear loved ones last May as protestors torched the bank where they worked... I was certain I was viewing a clip of that event when I turned on the telly this morning... Unfortunately Molotov cocktails are exploding in downtown Athens as I type... These victims of socialism, these public employees who've been living unsustainable debt-financed lifestyles, can't understand why they just don't print more euro... And they'll literally kill to maintain the status quo...

I assure you, the gent from Maryland sees job security in appeasing the beneficiaries of America's brand of socialism... The Georgian believes a lasting career in politics rests on his ability to turn this ship around... In essence, these blokes are interchangeable; they're simply interpreting the political winds...

Warranted cynicism or not, we have to assume that the only way we don't become Greece times a billion (we're not there just yet) is to push very very hard on our policymakers...

I assume you know in which direction to push...