From the cradle of democracy comes a shining light of hope for the rest of the world following last weekend’s rejection of austerity by more than 60 per cent of the Greek people.
Having been elected on a policy of resisting the European Union’s punishment of ordinary Greeks for the corruption and profligacy of previous Greek governments, the left-wing Syriza party not only kept it’s election promise to resist EU imposed austerity once it came to power but then arranged a referendum that let the people speak for themselves.
Prime Minister Tsipras and his finance minister showed true leadership and real respect for the will of the people they were elected to represent by initiating that referendum.
In other words, Tsipras’ government heard the people, spoke plainly to the people and then allowed the people to decide their own future through proper democratic processes.
Contrast that with what we Australians get from our federal governments. Tony Abhorrent and his imaginary Team Ocker, when seen through the lens of Greece’s outbreak of real democracy, are nothing but scared little muppets who have no regard for the will of the Aussie people.
Ef Karisto (thankyou) to the Greek people for showing us that democracy can still work for ordinary human beings if it is allowed to function properly.
To the Liberal, National and Labor parties of Australia – grow a spine, keep your election promises, stop pretending that you are dictators and get back to representing us in a truly democratic way that benefits the majority rather than the privileged few.
Bruce McQueen, Mt Burrell
Democracy is internal. One country cannot use the outcome of election or referendum to get another country or countries to conform. For example, Ukraine people cannot vote to get money from Switzerland.
EU is a democratic system with 19 countries. However, Greece never conforms to this bigger democratic system.
From under the downward clenched austerity fist of government comes a gritty under-cut punch from the Greek people.
They are on a stand to fight but on either side there is nothing to bank on. They are closed, and when the banks open the money and the liquidity will run out and run dry in a very short time.
Hey Bruce much to your chagrin, and I know most people hate being told the truth, Abbott was elected by a majority of Team Ocker. That is democracy and the only democracy we have. Everything else is debate.
Hey Mike (no last name ) The Libs and their lapdogs the gNats got less than 50% of the first preferences of the Australian people. So what “truth” are you telling, old mate? PS – The Team Ocker I refer to is PM Abhorrent and his Ministry, not the gullible and blind who voted COALition.