I read a story a few years ago (I don't know if it's true) about two elementary children running for class President. The winner announced they would give everyone free ice cream, which led to their victory.
That's politics at the simplest level; promises that can't be kept and the failure of the politicians to be honest. Tell people what you think they want to know, whether it's realistic, or not.
In Europe, riots are almost a constant occurrence over austerity. The lack of money, wasteful spending and promises to people that could never be met have created an economic situation that has only a few outcomes. All end in the same way: no money, no free stuff and survival might be a little tough over the next few years. Fiscal irresponsibility has ended at the only place it can end.
So, pensions may not be paid; free public funds will end; economies are in turmoil; private business is leaving; people that have only made half-hearted efforts to work are without skills; and there is no clear end in sight.
Oh yeah. There's no free ice cream. Never was; never will be.
In the very old days, all it took to get a vote was to pass out liquor at the polls. Now all it takes is to make sure that people who aren't interested in having jobs anyway, have free cell phones.
ReplyDeleteThese people do NOT watch the debates. They do not weigh the options. They just want those free cell phones.
THAT, my dear, is today's 'ice cream' and it's working.
For now. The pendulum always swings both ways and it never swings gently.
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