The sword of Damocles
The Hellenic culture of Greek history has given us democracy and most Western ideas about society, but don't they owe us some kind of debt as the Euro-zone starts to implode with Brexit, Frexit and Polexit?
The complete mis-management of the Euro-zone has made us all question the mis-management of our own economies. This appears to coalesce around the fact that there is a false logic going on here - ever more cash held by society and the overall public debt spiralling out of control.
The question of whether modern day Greece should be given loans to combat its own public debt has made many look back to great Greek philosophers and ask: Would they approve, or would they be vicious in their attacks?
The burden of history
It appears for many modern Greeks that their history is indeed a burden around their necks that they permanently carry around with them. As the famous Greek George Seferis once said "Wherever I go, Greece hurts me."
Solon the great Athenian statesman made a national sport of playing the game of fiscal fraud. Even modern day Greek politicians love to cajole with Germany over their public debts to the Eurozone.
Pericles also claimed the creative use of public funds from Athens allies to rebuild the Acropolis. He warned against a rapacious war, until he changed his mind. He thought the army with the biggest coffers and weapons would prevail. Look at how the modern day Iraq turned out.
I feel that the notion that Greeks invented democracy is a double edged sword for them. Modern pundits curse them, yet historians cheerfully laud them. The excessive Greek pride still lives on ... it's more than alive and kicking!
Having a national debt is much worse when it is in a currency you don't control, especially when that currency is tuned for a different kind of economy. The current solutions do nothing, as all the money going to Greece bounces right back into German and other banks.
The Greeks may have indebted themselves, but the Euro and its masters are blocking a way out. No good will come of this.
The purse strings were let out many moons ago ... Medusa awaits!
I do like the ship analogy :) Thanks for the vid Kobie.
No worries. I get distracted every now and again as I have a lot on my plate but check in and contribute when I am able!
I know Kobie. It's called life. We all have our troubles to deal with offline. I do look forward to a new article from you soon :)
I just wrote about this very thing and crazy thing called life. Today was a good day and I managed to post a couple stories of my own as well as read some other's posts.
OK Kobie ... on my way over for a looko! ....
Finally found some time to do a couple posts and check out other's posts.
Life is good :)
Quality article @mindhunter. Upvoted and resteemed.
Thanks V.
That naughty Council of Nicea has indeed let to rampant and rapacious capitalism like you say @baah! Good to have you pass by as always :) Now fuck off out of here as you would say ... Ha ha!
P.S. This rewards pool is filling up real nice @baah ... get thee to thy quill!!