Greece, Liberals, and U.S. Socialist Democrats

by Col. Bob Pappas, USMC, Ret.

Let’s see if I have this straight. Greece is, but for Germany and other EU nations bailing it out, bankrupt. The long and short of how that happened is that Greece having joined the EU adopted a cradle-to-grave economic model and embarked on paying its workers dream salaries and retirement benefits, not to mention “universal” health care, such as that is. Costs rapidly escalated given increases both in the number and breadth of government programs. Having found liberal lending at the EU “trough” the cure to its expanding largesse, Greek politicians believed the “borrowing well” was infinitely deep and would be a permanent cure for its spending addiction much like U.S. Democrats and the Obama Administration. In the meantime, Greek government unions like SEIU in California, Wisconsin, Ohio, New Jersey and other places kept beating the drum for more. The government responded by borrowing more so politicians could dole it out to union members who in turn paid union dues, a portion of which was then used to help elect the same politicians who would continue the cycle.

But interest on the borrowed money i.e. the Greek national debt, began to mount to the point where the EU realized that Greece was too far over-extended to service, much less repay its debt. The scenario is somewhat reminiscent of Zorba, the Greek with Greece representing Zorba. When responsible people at the EU awakened to the fact that it was impossible for Greece to service its debt, it instructed Greece to find ways to economize. For a short time the Greek Government “cooked the books” but was soon found out and forced to begin to tighten its economic belt. Greek Unions/Socialists/Communists reacted by blaming everyone but themselves and the situation turned ugly; Unions continue to foment riots seen daily on TV in response to government grappling with the out-of-control economic situation.

Were Greeks so stupid like Zorba, as to believe there would never be a day of reckoning? (Are U.S. Democrats any different?) Did they really believe that EU membership would not exact a toll on its sovereignty? (U.S. Democrats in general could care less about sovereignty.) Did they actually believe that borrowing more than the country could produce would have no consequences? Talk about arrogant! “Because I am, you owe me,” a concept with a familiar ring in certain all liberal U.S. circles.

Across the Atlantic in Washington, D.C., Obama lead Democrats, liberals and their fellow travelers (and to the extent that it includes Republicans, so be it) have the mistaken impression that like Greek politicians the country’s wealth is theirs to give or take, and if taxes are not generating enough revenue, “raise taxes on the rich,” or borrow more from Communist China. Those despicable politicians believe that the Federal Government owns the Country.  Why else would Congressional Democrats unilaterally enact "Obamacare" over the objections of the majority of U.S. population? Their mindset is abundantly manifest in the laws they have enacted. Notwithstanding their oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, most are interested only in advancing their political careers and that includes all careerist politicians whether left or right. 

Democrat strategy has always been to overspend then “force” an increase in taxes to cover the costs. In the past that worked because the expanding economy was enough to support their idiocy, but this time spending is so obscene that the economy can’t sustain it and U.S. citizen taxpayers are rebelling.  How to deal with the resultant debt is the struggle in the ongoing budget debate in Washington.

Increasing taxes on “the rich” would not work even if increased to 100% because there is not enough money even at that rate to cover Federal spending. Incidentally, 100% taxation was Obama’s father’s “dream.” If those who presently pay no taxes believe they would escape, they should think again because they will be forced to work.  The days of the free ride are over. In a few years of the current policy they will be forced to help carry the load of their “entitlements.” “Where’s my check” will be a thing of the past and it will be forced work on a plantation, but this time it will be a government plantation.  It would be better to get a real job and avoid that. The inescapable fact is that working and earning a living is a condition of life. Free loaders had best get used to it whether one lives in Greece or the United States of America.

Semper Fidelis

Copyright © October 31, 2011, by Robert L. Pappas. With proper attribution, this essay may be quoted and redistributed, except it may not be used in conjunction with any advertisement without the author’s expressed written permission.