A Greek whisper to Europe

[Fotis1991]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyjVAUhHqzs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QimxVuicZU

[jaslake]

Hi Fotis

Ramblings of an old man...probably break every Rule of the Forum in posting this...who gives a crap...it's important.

The Videos are powerful stuff...the first. Couldn't understand the second...don't speak the language.

I read about the things that are happening in your Country and I'm amazed at how they parallel what's happening here in the States.

The top 1% of the wealthy in my Country have effectively taken over control of the US economy such that the rest of us are suffering a degradation of opportunity and lifestyle that we've not seen since the Great Depression of the 1920's (before my time...I was born in '41...but I know of it from Parents, Grandparents and reading...a LOT).

I do recognize the European Union is in a much more perilous state than we in the US...but...we all have battles to fight, you and I, and our Friends and Neighbors...God help us...God Bless in our efforts.

To Hell with Politicians...let's take control...in the States the percentage of Voter turnout for Presidential Elections is in the neighborhood of 60%. I believe Greece is about the same.

Let's fix that. All of my Children Vote...as they become of age, all my Grandchildren will vote...it's what we've taught them. I'd assume you do the same...this must be TAUGHT and ENCOURAGED...it's the ONLY way for change...won't happen soon but WILL happen...if we TEACH and PREACH...

[Fotis1991]

...Ramblings of an old man...

John.

In ancient Greece the old men were those who all appreciated and respected their opinion.

I don't have Grandchildren(yet!!) although I could(my daughter is 24 and i was born in 63),but my children and we(my wife and me) have exactly the same logic as you have.

I agree 100% with ALL that you say.

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post.

All the best.

[AB33]

Hi Fotis

The top 1% of the wealthy in my Country have effectively taken over control of the US economy such that the rest of us are suffering a degradation of opportunity and lifestyle that we've not seen since the Great Depression of the 1920's (before my time...I was born in '41...but I know of it from Parents, Grandparents and reading...a LOT).

...

John,
What is new then? The system is called capitalism or if you want be a bit polite, you call it "Free Market".
It is the survival for or of fittest. The cake has been always owned by them. I would rather stop here before you call me a "Socialist".

[xladept]

I've heard that our Government used to discourage acquisitions and mergers. I worked at the original Bank of America in the early nineties - there is a large polished stone sculpture out in the courtyard - known to us as the Banker's Heart. All my life(1939 -?), until now, I was able to get some kind of work.

We used to make things in America - we used to give people on the job training - America used to be a fun place to live!

[jaslake]

John,
What is new then? The system is called capitalism or if you want be a bit polite, you call it "Free Market".
It is the survival for or of fittest. The cake has been always owned by them. I would rather stop here before you call me a "Socialist".

I'll not call you anything...don't know who you are or where "TBA" is so I have no concept of your experience. "Capitalism" is good...call it "Free Market" if you will. Nothing wrong with it...with controls. That's what we hire politicians to do. In my opinion, seems they're falling down on the job currently...so, we need to change the persons we hire.

That's my job and that of my Family and that of the Electorate of my Country...gotta get to work!!!

[AB33]

John,
Yes, you can hire and fire the person-that is your right. The new person can tweak and tinker around the system , but the %age ownership of the cake will not move up by much. The 1% might go up to 3% or even % 5%.
Most capitalists do not have background or boarders, they just go where ever the profit is.

[Fotis1991]

The real problem starts when we are talking for human lifes.

[XOR LX]

"Capitalism" is good...call it "Free Market" if you will. Nothing wrong with it...with controls.

But the free market cannot be controlled, by definition.

And, for as long as any state subscribes to a capitalistic economy, it is irrelevant which individuals we "hire" to run those countries, in so far as a belief that those individuals will be inclined to seek to change the very system which served to elect them is misguided.

More importantly, even if those elected had such an inclination, there would be little they could do. The very idea that a free market can be held in check is illusory. The rapacious and unrelenting beast that is capitalism, once set loose, cannot be simply reined in on a leash whenever one chooses.

The "good old days" of capitalism in its nascent years may give fond - if rose-tinted - memories to some, but they will remain just that, i.e. memories. The truth is that there never was, and never will be, a "golden era of capitalism".

As its subjects, we are no freer now than was a slave in ancient antiquity. We merely convince ourselves that we are.

Regards

[AB33]

XOR LX,
Brilliant argument!
You are well versed in the history and behaviour of the "Des Capita"

[xladept]

Au contraire - America has become a shade of its former self - the politician in chief is changing the fabric and the mores of the United States!

I too thought that there would be little anyone could do to ruin us - I stand corrected