Should Germany Be Forced Out of the European Union? | 40 comments (40 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: Should Germany Be Forced Out of the ? (none / 1)

Well, yes. That is what solidarity implies.

But in my first post I was trying to make the point (about Europe standing together) why solidarity is good for the core as well as the periphery.

Sadly, I don't think anyone from the core countries would believe it.

And that's why Europe is a dead man walking.

Finally though, I'd make the plea that we don't forget that at some level this current crisis is artificial. There are structural problems and they are what we've been talking about (fiscal transfer, solidarity, etc.) but the crisis of the moment is pretty simply the failure of the ECB to act as the lender of last resort. As such the markets are attacking countries one by one, simply because they can...

by Metatone (metatone [a|t] gmail (dot) com) on Tue Apr 10th, 2012 at 12:01:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Should Germany Be Forced Out of the ? (none / 0)

Well, yes. That is what solidarity implies.

Instead, what's being proposed is that structural funds be used to pay down debt to the core countries. That's the extent of solidarity in Europe.

There are three stories about the euro crisis: the Republican story, the German story, and the truth. -- Paul Krugman

by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Tue Apr 10th, 2012 at 12:25:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Should Germany Be Forced Out of the ? (none / 0)

Finally though, I'd make the plea that we don't forget that at some level this current crisis is artificial. There are structural problems and they are what we've been talking about (fiscal transfer, solidarity, etc.) but the crisis of the moment is pretty simply the failure of the ECB to act as the lender of last resort. As such the markets are attacking countries one by one, simply because they can...

If you wanted to attribute nefarious intent rather than just ideological blindness, the Shock Doctrine narrative would fit like a glove.

There are three stories about the euro crisis: the Republican story, the German story, and the truth. -- Paul Krugman

by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Tue Apr 10th, 2012 at 12:27:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Should Germany Be Forced Out of the ? (4.00 / 3)

Ah, the old stupidity vs evil question.

Very hard to resolve that one - especially given the neuroscience of recent years about facts, changing opinions etc.

Although of course, one might question if there's a bias there as well, isn't it to the advantage of conservatives to suggest that it's hard to get people to progress? Doesn't that elevate their attitude to "state of nature"?

by Metatone (metatone [a|t] gmail (dot) com) on Tue Apr 10th, 2012 at 04:18:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Should Germany Be Forced Out of the ? (none / 0)

It is amazing how difficult it can be for smart people to understand simple things that go against their interests or undermine their self image.

"It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."

by ARGeezer (ARGeezer a in a circle eurotrib daught com) on Wed Apr 11th, 2012 at 12:26:25 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Should Germany Be Forced Out of the European Union? | 40 comments (40 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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