Sorry to re-hash an earlier post but for some reason I missed dlw10's original post and didn't see it until Frankie quoted it (above). dlw10 refers to Greece saying that the EU has 'stood with Greece helping her out of her trouble'. Well the trouble Greece are in is, indirectly, the fault of the EU. The Greece economy has always been a bit of a basket case, mainly due to the fact that most of the population of Greece don't believe in paying tax. However, the problem that Greece are experiencing now is solely due to the fact that they joined the euro. There is no way that the economy passed the stringent rules for getting into the euro but is a well known 'secret' that Greece fiddled the figures and Brussels knew they had but turned a blind eye. Brussels were anxious to get as many countries into the euro as they could. A currency designed for the powerhouse of Germany was totally unsuitable for a weak economy like Greece. The economy of Greece deteriorated rapidly and the austerity that they now have, and have had for several years, was imposed by the EU. That austerity is worse than anything in the UK by about a factor of ten. Some stats: (From the Guardian website - not the Daily Mail!). Unemployment is 30%. Youth unemployment is 50% (has been as high as 60%). Real incomes are down 25%. Pensions are down 25%.Frankie wrote:dlw10 wrote:I've not said much on this thread as I don't actually like discussing politics on a football forum but what you say there Melloe is very much what I believe. Those who voted out will not see us achieve what they thought it would deliver. I am still very concerned that we could be left high and dry in so many aspects, not least financial. The world is too big and interconnected these days and being in the same boat as Europe, holed as she is near the water line, was, for me, far preferable to being in a small dinghy. I'm not sure we can withstand a major financial catastrophe on our own whereas I believe the whole of Europe could - as they have stood with Greece helping her out of her troubles. My hope is still that Europe will see that it has to change and does change and that we can eventually join with them again in a new alliance.Mellor wrote:It's not so much what I want (the full implications of BREXIT will take umpteen years to work through so they'll pass me by, it's more that BREXIT won't give those who voted for it what they want. I'm satisfied that what's wrong in the UK is nothing to do with the EU.
I'm genuinely interested in the direction of travel and see little sign of what that is. I think we're at least one great speech short of what's required, we have the sat nav but no postcode.
My stance is similar to you and Mellor.
I don't think the population of Greece see the EU as a 'benevolent uncle'.
The problem is, that there is no way out for the Greece economy, they are stuck with austerity as the economy cannot manage the debt. There are only two options. 1. Debt cancellation. This is not on as other EU countries would also demand it, plus countries who have been through the austerity and come out the other side eg Ireland, would not be too happy. 2. Bail out of the euro and return to the drachma. This in itself would cause major problems over several years but at least would give an opportunity, over the longer term, to rescue the situation.
