Hi Well, I think I can largely agree with you there; but what makes you think I disagreed with this, provided that, by "sharing the same ethical values" you mean those values which constitute a strong, vibrant, robust, participatory democracy? ...

The case for Greece: when it forgave German debt

Actually, it occurred to me while writing the above post that it is quite crass and irresponsible to only institute austerity measures during times of crisis. That is like saying that a nation's resources and systems can be exploited and even ...

The case for Greece: when it forgave German debt

Sorry, I missed your post until now. Yes, IMO "austerity" can be be applied to any purposeful measure (legislative, structural reform, financial) designed to 'tighten up' by reducing unintended consequences, wastage and/or to ensure the ...

The case for Greece: when it forgave German debt

Sorry, I missed this post for a while. Yes, IMO "austerity" could encompass any purposeful measure (legislation, structural reform, financial) that is designed to 'tighten up' in such a way that unintended consequences and wastage are removed. ...

The case for Greece: when it forgave German debt

I don't think reforming an ailing economy is primarily about simply giving it enough time. Many have pointed out the peculiarities of Greek history and argued that there has not been enough attention paid to the particulars of the Greek case by the ...

The case for Greece: when it forgave German debt

Hi Elisabeth Thanks for the extra information. I found it interesting. My main point was that, from what I can make out, during the recent German austerity programme, the old East Germany continued to get substantial financial support - and so it ...

The case for Greece: when it forgave German debt

Hi there Syriza has made some mistakes, but only because they have, from the beginning, insisted on a plan that is not simply a hand-out of more cash. Their core request has been for a plan that involves debt relief - ie. debt forgiveness and debt ...

The case for Greece: when it forgave German debt

I actually believe that austerity has its uses. A general definition of austerity is: "The quality or fact of being plain, strict, simple, or severe" and would seem to entail being prepared to adopt a sober, reflective and self-critical attitude. In ...

The case for Greece: when it forgave German debt

First, I am not Anglo-Saxon. Not withstanding the period immediately following reunification, see this for Germany's austerity programme - on itself - which began in 2010. url And this for an about face on austerity. Schaeuble stars in this one: ...

The case for Greece: when it forgave German debt

Thanks Elisabeth This is all internal restructuring. Bearing in mind that some of these may have been described (by somebody) from a right-wing angle with a view to undermining useful protections (eg. "tedious employment laws"), have any of these ...

Greek referendum poll shows lead for 'No' vote, but narrowing

On the IMF article, Varoufakis, has consistently said from the beginning that managed privatisations etc are all on the table, provided the Troika agreed to a programme of debt relief - meaning forgiveness and/or restructuring. Therefore, one can ...

I.M.F. Report Accuses Greek Government of Economic Mismanagement

Nice article Kiwis, which shows how Germany seems have conveniently forgotten its own post war history. The same happened much more recently when, during an austerity programme, erstwhile East Germany, received huge financial support.

The case for Greece: when it forgave German debt

Apart from saying it, the Bloomberg article, nor anyone else, has provided evidence to demonstrate how, early in the negotiations, the Greek negotiators were "infuriating". What they did was set out their negotiating position in a way which ...

Greeks Should Vote Yes

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Greece's pro-bailout campaign is gaining momentum

I fervently hope that Greeks, the rest of Europe and the world are starting to see the consequences here of essentially the same mentality that has come to dominate our economic, political and cultural existence. You can bet your boots that it did ...

I.M.F. Report Accuses Greek Government of Economic Mismanagement

Hi Elisabeth What was the mistake? Can you please elaborate on this? Thanks

Greek referendum poll shows lead for 'No' vote, but narrowing

No, but it isn't beyond the bounds of possibility that Russia (or more likely China or Japan) will purchase Greece's debt. They would not be the only country to do it. For example, see this pie graph for the distribution of US debt in 2014. url ...

Greek referendum poll shows lead for 'No' vote, but narrowing

Yeah! Donald is so great! As a kid I used to read about him as often as I could. I especially enjoyed the pics and the antics of his three boys. As I remember, Grandad was rich but very tight with his money, and Donald didn't have much luck with the ...

5 Things to Watch in the June Jobs Report

Here's another thought or two: What do Europe's power elites (bankers, other corporates and their political henchmen) really think the Europe project is all about? Is this different from what they would like it to be about? Is the corporate world ...

Greek referendum poll shows lead for 'No' vote, but narrowing

Who is playing brinksmanship games here: 1. Only days before the due date of the IMF payment, the Greek negotiators seemed to be getting nowhere with their constant stream of alternative proposals. Did they not have reason, therefore, to conclude ...

Greek referendum poll shows lead for 'No' vote, but narrowing