The Stormy Daniels Trial Was Always Going to Be a Circus. It's Reached...
Biden Administration Hurls Israel Under the Bus Again
MSNBC Is Pro-Adult Film Testimony
Joe Biden’s Biggest Problem
Stunned by the Reaction to the Hamas Attack on Israel
Are We Really Going to Let the Mob Set American Public Policy?
Congress Must Act to Stop Noncitizens from Voting
The Climate Church is Hemorrhaging Parishioners
The Egg and I: Could Today’s Bird Flu Be Tomorrow’s COVID?
Economic Freedom Increases Human Welfare
Pro-Growth Tax Reform is Driving Arizona’s Bright Economic Outlook
Here's Where Speaker Mike Johnson Stands on Abortion
Trump Addresses the Very Real Chance of Him Going to Jail
Yes, Jen Psaki Really Said This About Biden Cutting Off Weapons Supply to...
3,000 Fulton County Ballots Were Scanned Twice During the 2020 Election Recount
OPINION

'Splainin' in Spain Falls Mostly on the...?

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Townhall.com.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has given a whole new meaning to Ricky Ricardo’s famous phrase, “Lucy, you’ve got some ‘splainin to do!” 

Faced with the impossible odds of resurrecting the growth pattern of a country whose place in current history is now being questioned, Rajoy chose to save the bankers and let the people be damned. 

Advertisement

The current recession that inflicts Spain is highlighted by 25% unemployment, collapsing real estate markets, and widespread corruption within the banking system. 

Therefore, the normal response should be “what do we need to do in order to turn this thing around?” 

In my opinion, Spain should withdraw from the European Union since the EU cannot seem to escape crisis mode.  Also, in order to avoid being at the mercy of other entities, they should also revert back to their own currency. 

Next, decrease the value added tax (VAT) from 18% to 10% which would allow more money to be kept in people’s pockets, thus encouraging spending. 

In addition, maintain jobless benefits for the unemployed because it would automatically provide a safety net for those who need it while still keeping a small velocity of money in the system. 

Preserve salaries for state employees at current levels to not only instill confidence, but to keep a tax base, as well. 

Last, eliminate all artificial budget deficit targets since it’s widely known they’re inherently unachievable. 

The combination of these actions will start to put the people of Spain back on the right path.  However, and this is where the ‘splainin comes in; Rajoy has decided to do just the opposite. 

Advertisement

He has decided to increase, not decrease, the VAT. 

He chose to cut, not maintain, jobless benefits and state employee salaries. 

Finally, he’s about to embark on a plan of local government reform in order to try and save billions of euros. 

Yet, reforms are usually code for “less people employed, less money paid, and more money taxed.” 

Rajoy told lawmakers in parliament “we are trying to stick to a path that is not easy, short, or comfortable, but we cannot avoid it.”  “It’s the only one that leads to recovery.” 

After listening to such a convoluted answer, which makes absolutely no sense to anyone except for Hollande, Monti, Merkel, and even Obama, Rajoy certainly made Lucy, in her ‘splainin to Ricky, sound like a Rhodes Scholar. 

Join the conversation as a VIP Member

Recommended

Trending on Townhall Videos