Government

‘Greece Under Pressure’: Beck’s Amazing Midnight Visit to Athens

For over a year, we’ve heard dire warnings that Greece is teetering on the brink of a catastrophic financial collapse. The country has already been bailed out by the European Union once, but more money is required. Complicating this problem is the fact that a meltdown of the Greek economy would likely trigger serious problems or a domino-like collapse in countries like Spain and Italy.

As the European finance ministers debate the size, scope, and conditions of a second Greek bailout, the country has become increasingly volatile. Riots and demonstrations are happening on a regular basis. And last week, two of the protests degenerated into violent outbreaks that torched buildings and destroyed millions of dollars in property.

We happened to be in Rome this weekend with Glenn Beck (on an unrelated project), and it was decided that a quick visit to Athens might offer some eyewitness clarity on the situation. Beck stated that he hoped to gain a deeper understanding of the problems faced by the Greek people.  The details of the trip will be shared on radio and television today. Plus, a mini-documentary on “The Real Face of Greece” and what Glenn discovered on this trip will also be seen this week on GBTV.

Our crew landed in Athens on Saturday night, just before midnight. The beautiful countryside and virtually new superhighway that led us to the city seemed to be in complete contradiction with what we were hearing about the country. Everything on this road appeared to be new and in great shape. Our driver informed us that the beautiful toll road was built for the 2004 Olympics, using German bond money. He also added that the Germans were still sharing in the toll revenues.

From our well-informed host we also learned:

  • Wages in Greece have fallen 25% in the last couple of years.
  • Unemployment sits at a staggering 20%. (Youth unemployment is considerably worse, hovering in the 45-50% zone.)
  • Inflation is also a concern… Fuel costs have rise 100% in two years and more increases are expected.
  • Small businesses, the lifeblood of any economy, are folding. Half of them could close  this year, further crippling Greece.

The general sentiment of the Greek people is one of concern for their future, but there is also no willingness to accept the austerity cuts mandated by the eurozone finance ministers.

Beck Visits Athens To Investigate the Greek Riots

Beck arrives at the Acropolis at midnight. Photo by Mark Mabry.

After a brief visit to the Acropolis, we stopped by the Greek Parliament building where the protests are regularly held.

Beck Visits Athens To Investigate the Greek Riots

Greece's Parliament Building. Photo by Mike Opelka

The plaza was empty. However, we heard stories from the soldiers and citizens explaining that a one-hour protest had happened earlier in the day. (Apparently it was Halloween weekend in Greece and there were costumes to be donned and parties to attend.)

Our next stop was the Ministry of Arts and Sciences. This is a beautiful complex that has been repeatedly tagged with graffiti by the anarchists.

Beck Visits Athens To Investigate the Greek Riots

Glenn Beck in front of a warning from Greek anarchists. Photo by Mark Mabry

Translation: “If the revolution will not happen peacefully, then it will happen violently. Anarchy!”

On both sides of the main entrance to the beautiful building we found graffiti that was pro-Communism and pro-revolution. One popular sentiment just stated “Anarchy = Freedom.”

As we talked with more passersby about the situation, two self-proclaimed anarchists approached us. They were in a zombie-like state, both carrying beers but appearing to be under the influence of something else as well. They asked what we were doing.  We said that we were trying to understand the riots and the graffiti. One kept repeating that “Anarchy equals Freedom.”

Beck Visits Athens To Investigate the Greek Riots

Beck joined by Anarchists in Greece. Photo by Mark Mabry.

Next, we drove to see one of the burned out buildings from last week’s riots. Our driver told us that the universities offered a unique protection to the rioters and anarchists. If anyone is being pursued by the police and manages to get on university property, the police cannot arrest them without a warrant, and the warrant must be authorized by the university’s president. Virtually all of the university presidents have refused to approve these warrants, rendering the schools as sanctuaries.

Beck heard this and remarked, “The universities have replaced the churches.”

The previous weekend a local shopping mall and office complex was firebombed by the rioters.

Beck Visits Athens To Investigate the Greek Riots

Beck surveys riot-damaged mall in Athens. Photo by Mike Opelka

We spoke with Con (as in Constantino), a man who owns a security company hired to protect the building. Con told us that the rioters tossed Molotov cocktails inside the stores on the first floor and then lay down in the streets surrounding the area. This road blocking action prevented fire departments from getting to the building for two hours and allowed the fire to burn out of control. The police have also warned Con that intelligence reports say another attack on the building could happen within the next day or two.

At least two other buildings have suffered a similar fate as the mall, both of them banks.

Beck Visits Athens To Investigate the Greek Riots

Beck walks through graffitied neighborhood of Athens. Photo by Mark Mabry.

The downtown area surrounding the Parliament building is littered with graffiti, many well-fed and friendly stray dogs can be seen everywhere, and an alarming number of homeless people shuffle along the streets with a glazed look in their eyes. In one case we witnessed a man shooting up in the doorway of a store where he planned to spend the night.

Beck Visits Athens To Investigate the Greek Riots

Homeless drug addict on the streets of Athens. Photo by Mark Mabry

It is no secret that Greece is in serious trouble. Decades of out of control government spending on social programs that have now become an untouchable right in the minds of many Greeks are at the heart of the problem. Something must be done or the economy will collapse under its own weight.

Most of the Greek people seem to understand that their current situation is unsustainable, but they also are sympathetic to the protesters. It is this position that seems to render the Greeks incapable of taking action that could save their country.

This attitude was clearly evident when Glenn Beck asked, “Who is at fault for the violence and destruction, the banks or the protesters?” One citizen paused for a second and remarked, “They’re both criminals.”

 

(As mentioned above, Glenn Beck’s late-night trip to Greece is being made into a mini-documentary to be shown on GBTV later this week.)

Comments (138)

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  • chris47601
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:12am

    This will be America VERY VERY soon if we maintain the status quo. Now is a desperate time for America. We must do a 180 degree turn. Only 2 candidates offer this turn – Ron Paul and Gary Johnson.

     
    • llleslie
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:37am

      Ron Paul would legalize what the man is doing in the last photo.

      Report Post »  
    • chris47601
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:50am

      You’re missing the point. That man is still doing it….and It’s illegal. We have bigger fish to fry.

      http://www.constitution.org/col/cuddy_nwo.htm

      Report Post »  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 12:00pm

      LLLESLIE…You do not understand Ron Pauls position on drugs at all. Stop spouting off what you hear in the main stream media. You look like a fool when you do so.

      Ron Paul would turn the matters over to the State instead of the federal Government for control and enforcement. Your post is nothing more than ignorance on your part.

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • JosephPlumbMartin
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 2:10pm

      i respectfully disagree..
      Ron Paul and Gary Johnson are both too far out to ever be elected..
      i am not a believer in no government, just much much much LESS government..
      (i am reading the “Gallatin Divergence” by L. Neil Smith right now)
      I firmly believe that under all the negatives heaped upon Newt Gingrich, he is one of only a few who can realistically beat Obama and make him and his whole gang of thugs a bad memory.
      I know I will be beat up hereabouts for this belief but, c’est laVie, so it goes..

      Back to Ron Paul, I would love to see him in a high cabinet position in the Gingrich/Rubio Administration as well as Michelle Bachmann and other conservative and libertarian people..

      WE MUST TAKE THE UNITED STATES back from the thugs who are now buying the elections or there will be nothing left and Soros and his gang of One World Government types will succeed in the fundamental transformation of the USA from a liberty loving nation into another greek tragedy..!

      Report Post » JosephPlumbMartin  
    • ladyda
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 2:13pm

      @LLLELSE, Ron Paul does not advocate a free for all drug fests. His view is a common sense one that the States should have the ability to enact their own laws, through the voters, knowing full well that legalizing drugs would not be something a sensible majority of the public would go for.

      Report Post » ladyda  
    • Roy Baty
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 3:05pm

      Its amazing that I am always reading from the followers of Ron Paul that “what he really meant, or what he really means, when he says for example, America deserved 9-11″. The Paulistas think the rest of us conservatives are stupid. Ron Paul is a disgrace.

      Report Post »  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 3:05pm

      What is up with the truth getting sold to people? I’ll tell ya what, give me 777 trillion dollars and I’ll tell you about life the universe and everything.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • A Correspondent in Virginia
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 3:06pm

      Yes, Ron Paul would legalize it, but he would also eliminate the government subsidized perpetuation of it allowing people to reap the consequences of their actions rather than enabling them.

      Report Post » A Correspondent in Virginia  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 3:07pm

      And for ten dollars more, I can tell you the best way to move ahead in the heaven-line.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • nuthrdumkinsrvativ
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 3:10pm

      Gary Johnson? Wow lets jump on his bandwagon, I think its a Radio Flyer, there’s plenty of room in there.
      And Ron Paul? We need someone who can explain that what’s wrong with Banks, Wall Street and Big Business is NOT that they are all crooks, its that the crooked few are asking for MORE regulation (and volunteering to be the regulators). Too many Ron Paul supporters would destroy Walls Street to try to fix it.

      Report Post »  
    • Wilbur Longshank
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 3:43pm

      Ron Paull = CRAZY

      Report Post »  
    • realindependent
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 4:35pm

      Yes this will happen soon. If Paul Ryan and his buddies get there way with the budget. cut more taxes and give big tax breaks to corporations. And pay for all of this on the backs of the middle class. Oh and throw in another Republican war “Iran” and not pay for it. We will be Greece unless you vote for Real Americans like Barrack Obama. 4 more Years!!!!!

      Report Post » realindependent  
    • sndrman
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 5:20pm

      i’m a libertarian by heart,i truly believe in FREEDOM but there must be rules and laws,although i have wrestled with the drug question,if it is legal like all legal activities, will it then give the young children who are in danger due to, their environment, the green light to do drugs.i fully understand if anyone wants to do drugs they will do drugs,also policies where a person involved in drug use or drug selling gets more time in jail then say manslaughter is not fair. i have not heard a strong enough argument pro or con in the libertarian contest….it’s the owies kids that worry me.they want “change” as i look back when i was in my 20′s i thought i knew everything but as i get older the more i realize i know nothing…so these kids have all this energy and they are being led to use it for a purpose of suppressing people’s rights. unfortunately when they do wake up and understand it will be to late. wish there was a education system where true education was taught and given both sides instead of indoctrination…..ONLY GOD CAN HELP US AND WE NEED HIM MORE THAN EVER NOW….MR WE COULD USE A MAN LIKE RONALD REAGAN………..but “a man does not make the times but times make the man”… hopefully there is man out there that can defeat this marxist we have now….

      Report Post »  
    • USMCRETIRED2001
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 7:05pm

      Libertarians ? I believe myself to be a hard core conservative and Libertarians, although I agree with most of what they believe, take things to the extreme. It is not reality and unfortunately, true Ron Paul followers are of the “my way or the highway” attitude. When I listen to them speak, they have alot in common with the “occupy” movement. It is bordering on Anarchy ! Look to Greece, except instead of relying on the government, its all about self governance, free for all, legalize drugs, NO foreign policy, no rules, lawlessness. We are governed by the rule of law, more often than not there are TOO many laws, regulations, govt policies. Government has its place, albeit it has grown out of control at the national, state and local level. There is a happy medium that must be maintained.
      My fear is, those who are true libertarians are only going to vote for THEIR guy, not realizing that NOT voting is indeed a vote for Obama, he will get re-elected.

      Report Post » USMCRETIRED2001  
    • karen162
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 8:41pm

      “This will be America VERY VERY soon if we maintain the status quo.”

      Its an EMPTY SQUARE in a peaceful city! Yes, I do hope that will be America….but I fear the daytime riots that Glenn captured none of and never got near, will be our future.

      Report Post » karen162  
    • wandamurline
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:18pm

      Me thinks that if these people laid down in the road…here in Texas, they would get tazered and hauled to jail. You cannot give in to these people…you have to draw a line in the sand and dare them to cross and then commit to handle the situation if they are stupid enough to cross the line. When you do nothing, they will run you over…stand your ground.

      Report Post »  
    • thebadwhisky
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:58pm

      realindependent, Finally chewed through those leather straps did you……. I’ll not be voting that way I can assure you, a gutless congress incapible of doing their duty under oath is the only reason Obama is still in office, and re-electing him may very well lead the US to a greece like anarchy.

      Report Post »  
    • johngs54
      Posted on February 21, 2012 at 6:44am

      That is what we need here, Legal Dope and no Military Standing in the world. Are you CRAZY? We need the pride and power we had in the 40s. Family morals. Firm beliefs in our Country being the Best, Strongest and no Fear. Paul needs to pack up and go home. Good Guy but he doesn’t have it right. He will probably run Independent and split the Conservative Vote and cost us the Whitehouse. That will tick me off. We can’t handle another 4 from this Socialist bunch.

      Report Post » johngs54  
    • davel6969
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:36pm

      I made the same comments in the Harvard review look for them there

      Report Post »  
  • christianforisrael
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:07am

    Seems to me the elites in this country want these type of people to be embraced. I hear all the time the Occupy movement has a good purpose its just disorganized and out of control. The article says the people of Greece are scared and they do not trust the government. Yet, the only group they look to is the rioters in their streets? We continue to hear the elites defend and herald the Occupy movement. I believe americans had best read their history and see what kinds of societies develop out of chaos!

    Report Post »  
    • Marine25
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:22am

      Yes, indeed. Our history shows that out of great protest and chaos rose the American Revolution, The Declaration of Independence, and thusly, The United States of America.

      Report Post »  
    • mils
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:57am

      I wonder if earlier protests, uprisings etc that led to our consitution/America…were like the “riots” we have now..
      **You know..the ones where the “downtrodden” (people that refuse to work and “need” the money you have worked for) walk into stores and steal everything not nailed down..or burn things down, steal all the tv’s, and shoes they can carry ,or squat in the streets in tents and crap on cars..or if they used drugs, hid rapes…
      just wondering…
      What we have going on is different from what Greece has…
      We have gotten ourselves where we are..by the people we keep electing to represent us.

      Report Post »  
    • iblvingd
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:08pm

      @MILS Your right about we keep electing the people that got us here. We also got us here by NOT voting and allowing these people to stay in the government for 34 yrs. Our apathy has also got us here!

      I sent an email to Senator Hatch in regards global warming and a few other things. He mailed back a response that solidified the fact that these cronies need to go.I am going to the caucus meetings and
      will actively help vote these people OUT in my state.

      Report Post »  
    • 1minuteman
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:55pm

      marine25. you cannot compare our founding fathers with the OWS crowd. it is apples and oranges. the OWS crowd is made up of communists,socislist’s, nazi’s, radical islam, union thugs, paid demonstrators etc. the founding fathers knew what they were protesting and who to protest. the ows crowd most of them do not even know what they are protesting but what they want is more handouts.

      Report Post » 1minuteman  
    • Marine25
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 2:22pm

      Actually I cited a society created out of chaos and rebellion. I didn’t compare the founders to the occupy movement. I do, however, think you overestimate the organization and unity present at the Second Continental Congress and tor that matter throughout the colonies. The delegates in Philadelphia were hardly unified and only through extraordinary negotiations and compromise was the Declaration ratified. Initially half the delegates had to be convinced there was in fact anything worthy of protest never mind rebellion. One third of the colonists were sympathetic to the crown and another third remained neutral. Ben Franklin said “rebellion is only treasonous in the third person; their rebellion, and never in the first; our rebellion.” The political and military tactics of our 18th century ancestors were no more typical, acceptable, or palatable in their own time than the bigoted language of the tea party or the confrontational approach of the occupiers are today.

      Report Post »  
  • DeOppressoLiber
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:04am

    Just like Greece we can not use Socialist solutions to capitalist problems. We need to get back to a free market economy and cut loose that economic engine. The Sec of Treasury is on the record that we can not sustain our debt. They now are either arrogant and will not take any advice or are they are intentionally running this country over a cliff. Somebody has to get them to admit it either one. I would use Little Timmy Geithner recent statements against them. Run it on a loop; “We can not sustain this debt, but we do not want your solution…) A perfect statement on how their socialists solutions are not working.

    Report Post »  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 12:48pm

      Little timmy….If you RUN with skunks, you will SMELL like them. Proverbs 13:20..He that walketh with wise (men) shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

      Report Post »  
    • sheffie
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:34pm

      The council of foreign affairs are telling obamas adminastration what to do.utube them and youll see whos writing our laws.this is very shocking. almost every politician from 2008 election. everybody needs to see this.

      Report Post »  
  • marthasusan40
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:57am

    Thanks Glenn for bringing us the REAL news….thank Goodness you and your family are home safe.

    Report Post »  
    • flyoverbob
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:12am

      If you want the facts on Greece watch this guy.
      http://youtu.be/W8Ayb8P1LbU

      Report Post »  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 12:58pm

      Amen! Just a thought: surprised Glenn did not have to leave his cane with ATF agents, before boarding. LOL…. If his cane had been red & white (story of the Christmas candy-cane), he would have had to leave the cane behind!….don’t want to offend anyone! sign of the times! on American soil & expecially overseas!

      Report Post »  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:43am

    From everything I have read and researched, the Greeks should just say no and declare bankrutcy. They would be better off in the long run, rather than letting the rest of Europe keep them in further debt. They won’t get credit for awhile, but that’s not all bad, and it would let Greeks figure out new industries. The best financial people won’t say it out loud, but that’s their opinion to.

    Report Post »  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:37am

    We are Greece on steroids……

    Report Post »  
  • mypresidentme
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:34am

    Nice photos. What a rich heritage that company has! Too bad. Both Greece and US: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DxBdAm4YFE&feature=related

    Report Post » mypresidentme  
  • Guitar Master
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:29am

    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
    From THE REPORTER
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

    Glenn is an “action” man, a man of action and not just words. We should all be thankful for his leadership..

    This struggle is more than that of corrupt governments, it’s a struggle between good and evil. An evil cloud has engulfed the entire world. Could it be the “end time,” who’s to say? Many thought that Hitler‘s reign was the end time but it wasn’t.

    What we are up against is spiritual, make no mistake about it. There is only one way to overcome and defeat the evil that is overtaking us and that is to remain calm, stand together and maintain faith in the almighty. There is a reason for Glenn Beck’s presence at this time in history and that might very well be to alert us to reestablish our faith in God.

    Report Post »  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:48am

      He surely is no traditional newsman who stands far back and reports but does nothing about it. He is anything but! He gets out there and finds out first hand the stories the MSM will not cover. He covers stories that if exposed will tell the truth about our own situation. This situation is just what the MSM does not want you to know about. But hang some socalled nooses in a Southern High School and you’ll have them out in swarms. Then when the truth really does come out ie the Duke rapists, they all walk away and leave the story as initially reported. They never say sorry to the new and real victims.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • logmeout
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:25am

    The hatred for Germany by Greeks goes back to WWII. I worked for a man 2 years ago born in Greece and still has businesses there. The man is 83 years old. As a young boy he killed Nazi soldiers occupying his country. They brutalized the citizens of Greece. Now they feel like Germany is occupying them once again. As I see it, however, that is their excuse for not looking at themselves and the financial mess the Euro Zone has created in Greece. First, the Euro Zone took all of Greece’s manufacturing away (moved to Germany). Then they allowed countries like Greece to spend themselves into oblivion without a way to pay for it. Now the Greeks have no way of supporting themselves. This is going to get very nasty. Even with all of Greece’s faults in this, they are in no mood to be lectured by Germans.

    Report Post »  
  • Hrothgar
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:22am

    Athens, the Detroit of Europe. This didn‘t open my eyes and this isn’t something that only Beck has been covering. I have been quite aware to the Greece situation for quite sometime. I doubt bailing Greece out will help ease the fall of the EU. I expect them to fully abandon the currency within the next two years or so.

    Report Post » Hrothgar  
  • for HIS glory
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:58am

    Hey Glenn, nice work…you always did tell us to go the PRIMARY SOURCES for info and here you are in Greece to see things first hand. This is a guy who doesn’t just talk.

    Report Post » for HIS glory  
  • MichiganPatriot
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:51am

    All I can do is laugh at these fools who actually think that socialism works. When you live at the expense of another person and do not contribute it does nothing but burden society as a whole this is why Socialism will never work regardless of what people wish to be true. The land of rainbows and lollypops actually doesn’t exist, even if fools like Harry Reid say they do.

    Report Post » MichiganPatriot  
    • rambosharley
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:33pm

      Hear Hear!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 2:41pm

      I believe socialism works. It really does.

      So far it has been proven to work form groups of 150 individuals or less. Attempts by groups that practice socialism has shown that they cannot get above the 150 person limit.

      People who try have not done enough research or the right research. Most of them who espouse socialism are MIND NUMBED ROBOTS. Notice the drug use among the anachists?

      Report Post »  
    • Quiata
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 4:21pm

      @WALKABOUT The 150-person rule seems to be the social limit on a per-individual basis; that is, all of us generally know about 150 people. It could also be extrapolated to a large extended family unit.

      That being said, socialism does not work. It does not harness the basic human tendency to look after one‘s self and one’s family FIRST, and then local community, and then nation. Socialism (and it’s sibling, communism) embrace the idea that people will look after the state’s needs FIRST and then themselves.

      A friend of mine who had defected (remember those days?) from a former Eastern Bloc country back in the 1970s, put it succinctly:
      “Socialism must remake the man to fit the mold.”
      Enough said.

      Report Post »  
  • BehindBlueEyes
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:43am

    Here’s the future for Greece and any other nation foolish enough to follow their example – socialism leads to Marxism, Marxism leads to communism which leads to totalitarianism.
    It’s all variations on a theme of control of the masses and it never ends well. The antithesis of freedom.

    Report Post » BehindBlueEyes  
  • CROCK-HANDLER
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:38am

    Thanks Glenn, no one else is showing this.

    Report Post »  
    • IntheDirt
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 3:14pm

      Here Here
      Thank you Glenn.
      I am puzzled as to why they don’t add deregulation to the austerity measures. If everyone is on the dole, and you cut them off at least make it easier for the small businesses to survive.
      Obviously the “security firm” didn’t shoot the rioters who burned the building. That is a big difference between the USA and Europe… for now. Nobody is doing that to my business unless we have a shootout first.

      Report Post »  
  • awiderview
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:37am

    “Decades of out of control government spending on social programs that have now become an untouchable right in the minds of many Greeks are at the heart of the problem.”

    It’s always about socialism. Give me a break. There are plenty of countries providing much better social benefits than Greece…Scandinavian countries, Germany, Holland, just to name a few…and these countries are in much better economic shape than Greece (and the US, for that matter). No, Greece’s problems go way beyond providing social benefits (which actually become more important as the economy implodes- obviously a real paradox). The problems are very complicated: Surely government policies and corruption have played a role, but collecting taxes has always been a major problem. Couple that with a poor economic/industrial base and clearly Greece cannot maintain it’s place with the Euro. The only reason the EU is “bailing out” Greece, is to save it’s own banks while they deleverage (Greece is the relatively easy part…Italy, Spain, etc are the “elephants” in the room). Not to mention, how Europe (especially Germany) has profited by having Greece join the Euro.
    No, it’s not about socialism- that can be done right (again there are economically stable countries with abundant social programs). It’s more about capitalistic greed…both within and outside of Greece (i.e. benefit for the rich countries of the EU). Bottom line: The Euro, as it exits now, is unsustainable…social benefit

    Report Post »  
    • originalthought
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 12:12pm

      Ist what is socialism? Control by the government of all means of manufacture and private property. That would sum it up. Well Sweden is always held up as the paradigm of socialism. Let’s take a look.
      TAXES.
      Government regulations VERY low.
      No death tax.
      No minimum wage. Everyone pays taxes! No 50% tax free class. There exists a 25% consumption tax ( FAIR TAX ) on everyone.
      Low national income tax. 20-25 %.
      Highest taxes levied by local governments-25-35 %. ie no over powering central government!
      Summary: Income tax-average 57%
      Consumption tax ( fair tax ) 25% on everyone!
      Corporate tax-26% Much lower than USA
      IMMIGRATION
      Very strict policies.
      Very low rate of immigration.
      WARS
      Non-sat out WWI , WWII etc. But seem to be reaping the benefits?
      National income
      Would be the poorest per capita state of the 50 states in our union -is about the size of Illinois without the corrupt socialist-Democrats of course.
      Has poverty rate when adjusted for sameness of about twice as high as the USA

      No liberal paradise here. They do everything opposite from what the progressives here in the USA want. And with all the above theit natinal debt is approaching 50% and climbing fast! Trouble ahead??

      Just for general knowledge Denmark has probably THE most strict immigration laws in the western world. Don’t come unless you can pay your own way-period !

      Report Post »  
    • rdk
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:39pm

      The northern European countries have a built in advantage. Their people are not lazy and shiftless. They have no significant underclass of people who prefer entitlements rather than work.

      Report Post »  
    • awiderview
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 1:53pm

      @originalthought
      Good points.
      I don’t feel any country has all the answers. In fact, I would readily accept that there are good and bad policies in any country- depending on one’s perspective, of course. I just wanted to point out that the conclusion that “socialism” was the cause of Greece’s problems was too simplistic.

      Report Post »  
    • originalthought
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 2:55pm

      You‘ll have to accept the fact that socialism is the major cause of any socialist country’s eventual problems. Historically it just is!
      As far as our style of government goes, I think Ben Franklin said it best: “Our Constitutional republic is and always will be a mess but it beats the next best thing by miles! ”
      Anyone trying to subvert our form of government out side of Constitutional methods is a seditionist at best and if they swore and oath to uphold the Conctitution , they are traitors.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 4:21pm

      originalthought
      Copied your post. going to verify it.

      The left always like to trot out the mixed socialism/capitalism nations of Western & Northern Europe as showing that it works.

      Report Post »  
    • Quiata
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 4:37pm

      Many of those Scandinavian countries (e.g. Norway) like to claim they’re “socialist” (’cause it feels good to say that, all fuzzy cuddly) when in fact they are ‘mixed’ economies. They are typically “socialistic” riding astride hefty capitalist engines. Norway supplies much of Europe with oil, and what better combination to have than a small, largely homogeneous population (~ 5 million), limited access by land (a geographic cul-de-sac), and a ton of oil to sell. What enterprising politician wouldn’t take advantage of that by creating a “socialist paradise”?

      Report Post »  
    • awiderview
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 6:00pm

      The debate about “socialism” is endless…and obviously I misspoke: the countries I mentioned could hardly be considered “socialist states.” The point I wanted to make is that Greece‘s problems really don’t trace to “social benefits”- in fact, it would be a whole lot easier to solve their financial problems if they did. Certainly, Greece is no Norway and I agree that Norway has some significant geographic advantages. Getting back to my original point: The above article I’m commenting on, does indeed try to link Greece’s problems to “social” policies. I think that’s misleading and very much in line with how messages on this site are contrived. I know there’s a clear agenda to sites like the TheBlaze (and many other, if not all other political writings), but wouldn‘t it be nice if the theme wasn’t always to ridicule based on ideology. A little deeper analysis would be nice…but who am I kidding.

      Report Post »  
    • Puddle Duck
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 11:58pm

      Apparently Awiderview the only person you are kidding is yourself. Greece has had a socialist leaning Gov’t for over 35 years. There is a large segment of the plitical class that decalres itself opnely communist. The average state worker was getting ridiculous benifits packages (vs the private sector) which in essence through off the delicate balance of spending vs the take from tax reciepts. A lot of state workers were retiring at age 45 often times with multiple pensions to collect on all funded by the private sector…these contracts quickly outstripped the public pusre whilke successive Gov’ts under tremendous pressure from organized labor and the Communist party element were assaulting the voters with outright lies, effectively inty6imidating a Gov’t that wanted to reform thses benifits (knowing that if they did not at some point down the road the nation would face a crisis). Theses Gov‘t’s over the years chose to raise taxes to cover costs and begin a program of borrowing to meet the yearly shortfall (as private enterprise could no longer foot the bill , they also looked at other nations in which to relocate in order to esxcape high taxation and remain solvent). The system they have lived by is the classic socialist model and it has as other socialist experiments have, ended in failure with complete collpase just around the corner. The old adage “Socialism is great as long as you never run out of other peoples money” has never been truer.

      Report Post » Puddle Duck  
  • robert
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:37am

    “Complicating this problem is the fact that a meltdown of the Greek economy would likely trigger serious problems or a domino-like collapse in countries like Spain and Italy.”

    For certain it would do just that and the shock waves would reverberate all the way across the Atlantic to the US, which would continue further into its economic death throes.

    But the MOST serious consequences would be outright rebellion on a massive scale that would cause the entire Western world to erupt into large scale civil upheaval. US citizens are armed to the teeth, but, where people might ask, would the Europeans get arms, since they’re banned? The answer to that is, “When the revolutions begin, the guns will appear.” Police stations, armories, and military bases will be sacked and stripped, just as they were in Libya, the Balkans and every upheaval in recent times.

    With youth unemployment at about 50%, and further cut-backs in wages, pensions and benefits in the works, Greece has the makings of an imminent civil war scenario, because it just isn’t possible to award people payments and benefits, until they get conmfortable with the lifestyle created by these factors, then jump forward and immediately take them away.

    As Gerald Celente often remarks, “When the money stops flowing to the streets, the blood will start flowing IN the streets.”

    When people have nothing else to lose, they “lose it.”

    Report Post »  
    • awiderview
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:46am

      Frightening but true. Another reason why the EU has to fabricate a bailout…the consequences of not doing something are worse. It‘s anybody’s guest what will happen in the long run. There are no simple solutions and I am not optimistic.

      Report Post »  
  • schroeder123
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:28am

    Where are the US News ? MSN, NBC, CBS ?

    Report Post » schroeder123  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:49am

      They’re part of the problem,their agenda fits nicely with our ows infestation here and the socialists\communists\anarchists in Greece.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • veruca salt
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 10:03am

      The main news channels were there when the Molotov cocktails were flying and people were actually clashing with the police. They were too chicken to show upa week after the action at midnight to interview a security guard and take pics of the homeless, unlike the Courageous Mr Beck.

      Report Post »  
    • My Two Cents
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 12:42pm

      Most of them can be found in the Obama cheerleading section.

      Report Post »  
  • G man
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:27am

    I went to Greece 30 years ago. It was a beautiful place. But I can remember communists marching in the streets of Athens one morning. Red flags flying. I was like 23 or so. I thought it weird. I had no idea. Not a clue. I’m so wide awake that I sometimes wish I were not.

    Report Post » G man  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:36am

      Communists are a patient lot,they’ll plant a seed of their sick twisted ideology and let it fester until it consumes the host.Greece tried the failed ideology of socialism and they’re paying for it now,we’re in the on deck circle.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • Duckhead
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:56am

      Ephesians 6:12
      For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

      Communists aren’t patient, but their “handlers” are.

      Report Post »  
  • BlackCrow
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:22am

    And the difference between the Greek protesters and the OWS fleas is?

    Report Post » BlackCrow  
  • TERIPA
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:13am

    Good for you, Glenn. Great work. Spreading the word of GBTV.

    The EU is the beast with ten horns, referred to as Babylon, in the Book of Revelation.
    Babylon will fall, and be dominated by the Red Dragon, China, and it’s ally, Big Bear, Russia. Communism will rule. Religion will be banned.

    You can start preparing now. Much prayer will dilute the power of the Beast, the Bear, and the Ted Dragon. The will rule for a very short time, and then be destroyed.

    Start preparng now, here, with these messages:
    http://www.thewarningsecondcoming.com

    Report Post » TERIPA  
    • Jack of Hearts
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 12:29pm

      Yep, watch out for that Ted Dragon, tricky little devil. try cutting down on the medication.
      lmao

      Report Post » Jack of Hearts  
    • objectivetruth
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 2:28pm

      Not to disrespect your beliefs.You are however decades behind.The beast with two lives indicates that the first is dated wrong in prophecy.The beast is the top ten governments coupling with the top ten religions[false religion and prophets] on earth.[The true antichrist]Babylon[Their child] falling is the world wide collapse we currently see.The effect of the corruption of money and power interwoven and intermingling between the two.The plagues and other atrocities are the direct culmination of the after effects of this coupling and sucessive collapse.
      @to the other poster
      If I could find a med that would give you compassion and make you human.I’d be rich.

      Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:06am

    Greece is a socialist country and a failed state and socialism is very consistent wherever it’s practiced throughout the world,it always fails.These constant bailouts are just delaying the inevitable and Greece should default,it makes no sense throwing good money after bad.

    We see Greece and sadly it’s our future and I believe a total economic collapse of our economy will happen within five years.Our government is addicted to spending and will never cut spending,they‘ll simply slow the rate of growth which won’t fix the problem.

    Communists have been at the highest levels of our government for many years,perverting our constitution with unending unconstitutional social programs,ever expanding promising ‘free’ health care
    a job and cash.We’ve created an entitlement society expecting the government to take care of us from cradle to grave,sound familiar? Make no mistake our day of reckoning is coming and there‘s trillions and trillions of reasons why it’s coming.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:02am

    Now we have first hand account of Greece’ the news that our propaganda news sources will never cover; and of course the universities, home of the forthcoming communist/socialist masters of the state are unharmed.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:18am

      Our universities which have produced communists socialists and anarchists will do the same here with regards to protecting the rioters when our collapse commences.It makes sense,they produced them now they’re protecting them.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • Delores at CH WV
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 9:00am

    Glenn: We must pray for the people of Greece; if the universities are like churches; then, who is their gods? All things are possible by our one true God! Paul preached to the Greeks 2 thousand years ago; many were saved. It time to bring these people back to GOD . . .Pray that God sends a savior to these lost people. It seems they have little Hope left into their lives. Surely, there are a few Christians in this country to save souls for Christ!

    Report Post »  
  • Ivehadenoughtofthisgovenmentcrap
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 8:46am

    Perty gutsy Glenn. I’m glade the Lord was with you !!!

    Report Post » Ivehadenoughtofthisgovenmentcrap  
  • piper60
    Posted on February 20, 2012 at 8:46am

    Well, I am glad that Glenn went to Greece. It’s still so sad what has happened to that country.

    Report Post » piper60  
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