Greece is in trouble.
Big trouble.
Of course, this is what happens when you tax and tax and tax all the while believing that government won’t spend and spend and spend.
In the end, people don’t see the expenditures as a method to deal with a short-term crisis or as a stimulus; they see it as an entitlement. These people literally feel it is their ‘effin birthright to be be born, work a little while, and then retire to a life of luxury at the ripe old age of 52.
Vacations and wine for everyone!
Well, when the excess of the Leftist rears its ugly hangover, this is what you get:
(Reuters) – Greek riot police with teargas and batons fought hooded youths near parliament on Tuesday as violence broke out at a rally against anti-austerity measures international lenders have demanded from the Athens government.
With Greece on the edge of bankruptcy, parliament is due to vote this week on a package of spending cuts, tax increases and privatizations agreed as part of a massive bailout aimed at averting the euro zone’s first default.
In the face of massive default, they can’t let go the concept that they don’t own what they didn’t earn.
Lord help us!
Well, a big problem in Greece is tax evasion. The wealthy especially simply don’t pay taxes, and there isn’t a good enforcement mechanism. I also think it’s not the left, it’s a problem in Greek politics and culture. In countries like Germany you get competent economic stewardship from both left and right. In Greece neither provided it. I mean, retirement at 52? That’s not something anyone in the SPD in Germany would support!
The wealthy especially simply don’t pay taxes, and there isn’t a good enforcement mechanism.
Interesting.
While I’m not a big tax guy, I do think that if there is a tax on the books there shouldn’t be loopholes or the ability to avoid paying the tax.
I mean, retirement at 52? That’s not something anyone in the SPD in Germany would support!
Very well said.
Pingback: Greece: How Long Until You Visit Our Shores? » Greece on WEB
From what I’ve read, Greek culture has an anti Government essence to it that does not extend to collecting entitlements, just contributing . They were controlled by the Turks and developed strategies for screwing the system . Even though now , they are themselves the system, the average Greek takes as much from and gives as little as possible to the welfare state as he can . No one wants to be the sucker who pays for anything . It ain’t just the wealthy .
Even though now , they are themselves the system, the average Greek takes as much from and gives as little as possible to the welfare state as he can .
On some pathetic level, who can blame ’em?
Incentives are incentives.