It’s ironic that we beat the drum about our involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan, or dozens of other countries.
It’s usually about our fighting for the freedom of expression, the freedom of self-determination, or the freedom of a form of democracy.
These freedoms have been a cornerstone of our heritage for the last several hundred years.
They have been worth fighting for, and, in many instances, worth dying for.
Thus, we sadly but proudly send our young men and women into harm’s way.
They tell us in most instances involvement also protects our interests. I’ll let others discuss that topic, and I’ll discuss the issue of freedom.
Every free world politician has applauded the fall of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. They cited his tyrannical abuse of power and suppression of his people.
Now, it’s said his people will be able to determine their own future.
It’s ironic then that these same people don’t want the Greeks to have the same ability. To them I say: Hypocrites, shame on you!
George Papandreou realized the severe measures imposed by the Troika will completely stifle the growth and thus the future of Greece and its people.
Extreme austerity coupled with rising debt is a no-win situation for any country, least of all Greece.
Thus, Papandreou decided to call for a referendum, a vote by the populace as to whether they wanted to go forward with the plan as decided by 16 other heads of state.
Keep in mind; this was a plan that had more advantages for the others than could be configured for the Greeks.
So, it should be simple.
If the world applauds self determination, they would certainly applaud Papandreou’s action. But, au contraire.
Giving people the right to determine their future has upset the plans of too many others. It’s created chaos and havoc in the financial markets and uncertainty around the world. What if people rejected what was being imposed upon them?
What if they wanted out of the EU?
What if they didn’t want to bailout the banks? What if, what if, what if?
Worldwide opinion was so great that at this writing the referendum has been cancelled. German insurer Allianz’s CEO called the referendum very unfortunate and suggested it may have a disastrous impact on the country.
I wonder if we will stand up for the people’s rights in Greece as we have done in other countries. I don’t think that will take much thought to determine which way we go on this one.
When it’s expedient for us, we go in with guns blazing. But when it is not, we simply say, “the people be damned.”
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