Witness what could soon happen in Greece at the behest of the banks. And be reminded that over the course of many years it has gone on in the US in different forms. In the event that the chilling statement I read in an earlier diary on the subject proves accurate, "See ya Greece," the country you associate with culture, history, thought, olives and architecture could become a private vacation land, if you can afford it. And if it happens in Greece, it could quickly evolve from trend to de rigueuer.
You have seen it here in renamings of landmarks and sponsorship of new building construction which displays the name of the corporation making sure this monument to its beneficence never falls! If Greece can be sold to satisfy debt, just think how quickly your favorite park, stadium (already done), golf course (has it been done?) will be on the block? I read recently in the local newspaper that there is talk that selling public property could be the answer to our indebtedness, at the lowest level of government.
If you think it is a problem that Congress is bought and paid for...wait until the very ground you walk on is.
I am aware that there are people who want to take their country back and the government is always found at the end of their pointed fingers. I can go along with that only until I consider the part about something which seems important regarding: of, by and for we the people.
(Insert Hallmark Swirly Here and JUMP!)
Then I note that an overwhelming portion of the great things that have happened in this country were a direct result of government involvement, at whatever level. We were a country reknowned for our skyscrapers, dams, bridges...construction of, by and for we the people. We could be proud of our tradition in space exploration, education, medicine and manufacturing...of, by and for we the people. We were known as defenders of democracy and all that is right in the world, kinda, to many, and that was always based on a mindset of of, by and for we the people...and we weren't always those people! In short, we were as good as we perceived we to be...not near perfect but the best. evah.
So do we reestablish the ways and means that progresses the of, by and for faction? Or do we fall to our knees and hope for salvation from the private sector, in which case the new sheriff will not, and will never need, be elected? Do we refocus the vision onto works and programs requiring investment? Or do throw up our hands and hope for the best from entities without a heartbeat that want to choreograph our existence? Do we prove ourselves? Do we retain choice in our lives? Or do we just simply sell out?
And those of you raring to take back your country, who rage at anything European...too bad you probably don't realize your handiness...in order to repeat itself, history needs tools.
(It should be noted here that Europe holds a special place in my own story and that in many respects, personhood has much higher value there)