Silverfinger Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 Debt-addicted Greece must go cold turkey, says finance minister Given their present demeanor: 100% guaranteed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybong Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 (edited) What quantitative data is there to suggest it's failed by any of those criteria? It's hard to see how you'd objectively assess "bringing together the peoples of Europe", but living standards and working conditions have unequivocally increased across Europe since the mid-70s (especially in Eastern and Southern Europe), growth and trade have likewise expanded immensely, Europe's poorest regions have come a long way towards catching up with northern Europe, and as for peace and freedom, well, it's been a good long while since the last European war and all of the dictatorships and juntas have fallen. It's very disputable whether zero hours contracts, temporary work, make work, increasingly variable hour shift work patterns, significant and increasing redistribution of wealth to the "1%", stagnant/declining real wages, crazy house prices, living standards dependent on both partners working, theft of pensions and savings through various means, massive effective unemployment - taking everything into account, ever increasing congestion, spamscam telephone calls day after day, mountains of spamscam sales litter, overbearing security everywhere etc etc is an improvement in living standards and working conditions. The Common Market and even the eu started off as reasonable ideas but it's become evident that in the UK and in many of the poorer nations any growth has been mainly through massive debt and more recently money printing as well as manipulated statistics etc rather than trade. Now that the debt is being discovered in the poorer nations it's clear what the help was and that was mainly dodgy accounting and off balance sheet debt that the centre is reluctant to admit never mind mitigate. Whether it's correct for them to take that stance is another thing (because the poorer nations weren't entirely blameless either) but it wasn't helping any country to allow all that debt and dodgy accounting in the first place. It'll more than likely take for ever for the likes of Greece to catch up now. The mass protests and voting patterns in Spain and Greece etc etc (and even the UK's voting patterns - including the need for a Scottish referendum) don't suggest increasing togetherness. Then there's the continued decline of UK industry and its share of trade with the world, replaced with the house price/debt economy with total public/private debt at Japanese levels. Then there's the CCTV everywhere, sometimes there seems to be more security guards than customers in the shops, malls and shopping centres, the overbearing political correctness and restrictions on free speech, doctors turned bounty hunters being paid a bounty to diagnose illnesses, social engineering and overbearing control on a grand scale etc etc. That's freedom? The main military dictatorships were replaced decades ago in the 1970s and well before the eu became unioned, rigid and overbearing so it's doubtful that the eu can really claim responsiblity for that. How many wars have there been around the periphery which now seem to risk being imported. Apparently last year there were multiple plots reported in the news that could have caused untold damage etc etc. That's peace? Edited February 2, 2015 by billybong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R K Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Obama > Merkin Graeme Wearden @graemewearden 1h1 hour ago Greek shares surge after Pres. Obama calls for compromise and a growth strategy for Greece http://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2015/feb/02/greek-finance-minister-yanis-varoufakis-george-osborne-debt-deal-live-updates#block-54cf3c25e4b0bd4d54fe6916 … Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
interestrateripoff Posted February 2, 2015 Author Share Posted February 2, 2015 Obama > Merkin Graeme Wearden @graemewearden 1h1 hour ago Greek shares surge after Pres. Obama calls for compromise and a growth strategy for Greece http://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2015/feb/02/greek-finance-minister-yanis-varoufakis-george-osborne-debt-deal-live-updates#block-54cf3c25e4b0bd4d54fe6916 … Incredible how making a statement suddenly boost shares with nothing committed. I wonder who knew before the statement? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zugzwang Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Obama > Merkin Graeme Wearden @graemewearden 1h1 hour ago Greek shares surge after Pres. Obama calls for compromise and a growth strategy for Greece http://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2015/feb/02/greek-finance-minister-yanis-varoufakis-george-osborne-debt-deal-live-updates#block-54cf3c25e4b0bd4d54fe6916 … Excellent idea from Mrs Merkin. Get Barmy Barry to bailout Stavros! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zugzwang Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Incredible how making a statement suddenly boost shares with nothing committed. I wonder who knew before the statement? Goldman Sachs, Jp Morgan, Deutschebank, Barclays, HSBC, UBS etc. etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCountOfNowhere Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Obama > Merkin Do you mean....Obama is A-merkin ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R K Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Excellent idea from Mrs Merkin. Get Barmy Barry to bailout Stavros! Tsipras has already said IMF will get their money back in full. Its the german debts of c 60bln they want written down. US understand Germany/Merkin is the problem, not Greece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R K Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 The smartest (and coolest) finance minister in Europe. And George Osborne Graeme Wearden @graemewearden 31m31 minutes ago @redknighttrader @EmilyPurserSky Yup, all looked terribly amicable..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Errol Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Not quite sure what it has to do with Obama. Perhaps he should concentrate on his own country, which is in a quite terrifying mess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R K Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 (edited) Not quite sure what it has to do with Obama. Perhaps he should concentrate on his own country, which is in a quite terrifying mess. IMF loan. Plus of course germany wilfully starving global economy (not just EZ) of much needed demand. i.e. cheating. Protectionist policies usually end badly often in war. germany should know that. Edited February 2, 2015 by R K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCountOfNowhere Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Not quite sure what it has to do with Obama. Perhaps he should concentrate on his own country, which is in a quite terrifying mess. US banks might collapse per chance ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19 year mortgage 8itch Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Not quite sure what it has to do with Obama. Perhaps he should concentrate on his own country, which is in a quite terrifying mess.Aw, bless. Is Vlad upset that Greece is 'putin' it about? Don't worry, you guys can have sloppy seconds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Errol Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Yanis Varoufakis blog - http://yanisvaroufakis.eu/ He's going to continue blogging even now he is Finance minister. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19 year mortgage 8itch Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Yanis Varoufakis blog - http://yanisvaroufakis.eu/ He's going to continue blogging even now he is Finance minister. Of course he will, think of all those click-thrus. He'll have paid off the Greek debt in no time. I assume you are getting affiliate rates, hence the direct link? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
long time lurking Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Aw, bless. Is Vlad upset that Greece is 'putin' it about? Don't worry, you guys can have sloppy seconds. Dowt it the EU need unanimity when it comes to renewing the sanctions against Russia in March (when they expire) if Greece say`s no then it`s no can do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19 year mortgage 8itch Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 (edited) Dowt it the EU need unanimity when it comes to renewing the sanctions against Russia in March (when they expire) if Greece say`s no then it`s no can doWhy do you think Barry Obama is making friendly overtures? Greece has gone from ugly sister to Cinderella in a week with 2 Princes fighting over her.When the moon hits the sky like a big piece of (sic) pita, that's game theory... Edited February 2, 2015 by 8 year itch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R K Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 (edited) Expensive coat bought on tic. Because these are his ministerial wheels (or did you mean Osbornes bankster suit?) (as far as Im aware he was working in Texas, for a digital gaming co. and before that Australia before taking up post) What does Osborne ponce about in paid for by the taxpayer? Varoufakis flew economy. Osborne travels 1st class........ Edited February 2, 2015 by R K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
council dweller Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Yamaha!! That`s all you need..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
interestrateripoff Posted February 2, 2015 Author Share Posted February 2, 2015 Osborne warns of Greece 'risk'George Osborne warns the standoff between Greece and the eurozone "is fast becoming the biggest risk to the global economy". Greece debt talks 'must help Europe' Greek bailout 'troika' may go - EU Greece profile George trying to appear an insightful stateman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
interestrateripoff Posted February 2, 2015 Author Share Posted February 2, 2015 Eurozone crisis George Osborne urges Athens and Brussels to strike deal UK chancellor says debt talks are greatest threat to world economy during meeting with Greek finance chief Yanis Varoufakis Eurozone crisis Greek debt standoff – as it happened Analysis Greece’s problems are the result of the eurozone having no fiscal policy George Osborne urges Athens and Brussels to strike deal Aer Lingus offered Heathrow slots guarantees by British Airways’ owner Ryanair warns falling oil price will hurt profits Aer Lingus offered Heathrow slots guarantees by British Airways’ owner Obama's $4tn budget wishlist sets up yet another face-off with Republicans US consumer spending weakest since 2009 despite lower gas prices 57 comments Obama's $4tn budget wishlist sets up yet another face-off with Republicans Eurozone deflation deepens in January 111 comments Eurozone deflation deepens in January John Lewis group ditches final-salary pension for staff contribution scheme 18 comments John Lewis group ditches final-salary pension for staff contribution scheme Tories are on hunt for anti-Labour mouthpieces, says Balls 151 comments Tories are on hunt for anti-Labour mouthpieces, says Balls UK manufacturing growth picks up pace as prices dive 22 comments UK manufacturing growth picks up pace as prices dive Global deflation risk deepens as China economy slows Global deflation risk deepens as China economy slows Property developers allowed to reduce affordable housing commitments 798 comments Property developers allowed to reduce affordable housing commitments Free accounts ‘make mis-selling more likely’, PwC claims Free accounts ‘make mis-selling more likely’, PwC claims Business leaders’ confidence falls again Business leaders’ confidence falls again BP to follow Shell in cutting spending 13 comments BP to follow Shell in cutting spending The innovators Are Britain’s foodies ready to eat insects? Are Britain’s foodies ready to eat insects? Nissan rejects State Department mediation in dispute with union 0 comments Nissan rejects State Department mediation in dispute with union Stefano Pessina: Boots boss with knack for engineering deals and controversy Stefano Pessina: Boots boss with knack for engineering deals and controversy Capita fined over failure to provide interpreters to family courts Capita fined over failure to provide interpreters to family courts Walkouts at Texas oil refineries could threaten gasoline production 0 comments Walkouts at Texas oil refineries could threaten gasoline production George Osborne warns Greek debt standoff is threatening global economy – live updates George Osborne warns Greek debt standoff is threatening global economy – live updates US consumer spending weakest since 2009 despite lower gas prices 14 comments US consumer spending weakest since 2009 despite lower gas prices FTSE moves higher as oil shares rise, with Tullow up on bid talk 0 comments FTSE moves higher as oil shares rise, with Tullow up on bid talk Lands' End CEO to be replaced by US head of Dolce & Gabbana 3 comments Lands' End CEO to be replaced by US head of Dolce & Gabbana McCarthy & Stone to create 400 jobs as it expands retirement homes business McCarthy & Stone to create 400 jobs as it expands retirement homes business Inmarsat climbs after successful satellite launch 0 comments Inmarsat climbs after successful satellite launch Afren jumps 50% after delaying $65m of due payments 0 comments Afren jumps 50% after delaying $65m of due payments FTSE climbs on positive US manufacturing and CRH deal for Tarmac 1 comment FTSE climbs on positive US manufacturing and CRH deal for Tarmac Ryanair warns plunging oil price will hurt profits 27 comments Ryanair warns plunging oil price will hurt profits James Packer's crown loses gloss as he's dealt out of the casino game in Sri Lanka Apple: what do you do after becoming the world’s most profitable company? 311 comments Apple: what do you do after becoming the world’s most profitable company? Beyond GDP: Greens spark debate on a better measure of progress 34 comments Beyond GDP: Greens spark debate on a better measure of progress Observer analysis Vodafone and Sky: sound at the back 0 comments Vodafone and Sky: sound at the back Syriza has bold solutions to the forces of austerity that are strangling Europe Costas Lapavitsas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silverfinger Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 German news outlets this morning say that Varoufakis does not want to call it "default" or "jubilee" anymore, since it is not acceptable to the German electorate, but instead he wants to extend to infinity. Now, is that not what has been done right from the start - extend and pretend, and is this not what he was all against? Sounds like he is starting to cave in.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rantnrave Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 George trying to appear an insightful stateman.Apparently when Varoufakis said that things in Greece were on the verge of folding, George showed him his towel handling technique. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Errol Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 German news outlets this morning say that Varoufakis does not want to call it "default" or "jubilee" anymore, since it is not acceptable to the German electorate, Why does he give a **** about the German electorate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limon Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Why does he give a **** about the German electorate? Because without their support or at least acceptance, he won't be able to get a new deal for Greece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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