Greeks Riot Over Useless Austerity Package

If anyone wants a preview over what is coming to a street corner near you, look no further to the chaos across the globe as the rich attempt to wring every last bit of money from those that can barely afford it. Greece is locked into a damned if they do, damned if they don't moment that is going to send shock waves across the planet.

Over the next few days, the Greek Parliament will vote on a new set of austerity packages meant to reign in the amount of money they are losing every day. Two groups, unions and the rich (ain't that always the way), got sweetheart deals like retirement at 55 and massive tax breaks for the rich that eventually bankrupted the country. Regular readers of this column know I support union within reason, but as with many public workers here, the deals they got were simply out of whack with what was affordable. No as a result, EVERYONE is made to suffer, especially on those that cannot afford it. Putting a ten percent income tax on people making as little as 12,000 dollars a year is a sure fire way to kill an economy.

This is not the first time austerity packages have been rammed down the average Greek's throat. Remember last year when they said they had their ducks in a row if only they got a little help from the EU? But, much as our policy on fiscal responsibility is looking, it relied too heavily on new taxes aimed at those that can't afford it and not enough on the people that caused it in the first place. As a result, the unemployment rate has doubled, collectible taxes have dropped dramatically, and people are pissed.

Today, rioting is taking place across the country as a nationwide strike has crippled it. Worse, the army has said they will not support any new austerity measures which they say, and rightfully so, that the new policy unfairly affects the poor.

If they pass the new measure, it's civil war. If they don't, they're the equivalent of Lehman Brother. Either way, the country is toast by trying to live too high on the hog and expecting someone else to pick up the check. But the bill is now due and everyone has headed to the bathroom.

This is exactly the scenario soon to play out here as the Republicans seem determined to saddle their debt on the poor by eliminating all services that benefit them and lowering taxes on the rich. The only question is, will our military support us or the elite? Those I've talked to in current military service say they will in no way fight against their own people. Plus, as they might not be getting paid after August 2nd, how many there will be left to fight is a whole other manner. Supposedly, they have to show up regardless, but I have a feeling that might not go over so well with soldiers with families who may be thrust into the streets.

The Greek situation is headed toward our shores and soon. Are you ready for it?