We can't complain about the other side doing what the other side does, it is like complaining the wolf eats sheep. Of course the wolf eats sheep, that is what wolves do.

What is a problem is when the shepherd dogs, the ones on our side who are elected to fight for us, but instead of even trying to guard our sheep, assume the prone position when the wolf comes and accepts to take it in the ass instead.

Think PSOE, PS, Pasok, the list goes on.

I personally respect a bit of flexibility on the part of the wolf if it means having a few less sheep eaten, indeed I respect it more than the sexual flexibility of our social democratic friends when they are confronted with said wolf, for this flexibility not just doesn't save any sheep, but because it gives the wolves the idea they can eat to their hearts content indefinitely, gets even more sheep eaten in the future.

The Hun is always either at your throat or at your feet. Winston Churchill

I note that Tsipras refused to inherit a Troika agreement.

I note that Tsipras was elected in 2015, not 2011, in a country which is generally agreed to be insolvent (whereas Ireland, marginally, was not), where the political climate within the EZ is changing and there is widespread (and not just left-wing) acceptance that austerity is not working and a growing realization that alternative or additional approaches must be taken, and finally, where we do not know yet whether or to what degree he will succeed.

I repeat and amplify my earlier comment that if you offered Tsipras an economic recovery on a par with Ireland's over the past 4 years (yes, despite austerity)  he would probably bite you hand off and he would also probably be re-elected by a grateful electorate in 4 years time - something which may not happen to the Irish Government.

Index of Frank's Diaries