The people of Europe can see the neo-liberal cavalcade of crap coming a mile away.  While we here in North America shrug our shoulders, remain disengaged and accept the dictates of our wealthy classes with a heavy sigh.

“Austerity is the other name for it. Confronting massive deficits and fearful of losing investor confidence, European governments are pulverising budgets and shutting down public services. The plan by England’s new Tory government is considered among the most painful, if not draconian. It is justified as being absolutely necessary.

This view is being challenged in the realm of ideas and with a growing spasm of street protests rocking European cities.”

People challenging what is “good for the market” with the idea of what is “good for the people”? It is a meme virtually unheard of on this side of the Atlantic.  Our thoughts have been thoroughly disciplined.

“At a time when most people are saying the path out of the financial crisis and European debt problem is for individuals and governments around the world to cut back, the American economist Paul Krugman wants us to spend, spend, spend.

What is behind the fervour for austerity, he asks? “The answer is” he writes, “to reassure the markets – because the markets supposedly won’t believe in the willingness of governments to engage in long-run fiscal reform unless they inflict pointless pain right now.”

This argument has moved off the op-ed pages and into the streets. These protests conjuring up a revival of the class war confrontations of the 1930’s are erupting as the Eurozone is fracturing. The marches are becoming more militant and bitter, as clashes between the police and angry protesters grow in intensity marked by scattered violence.”

I’m tired of reassuring the markets.  The markets are a part of any nation, but should not be the only concern of the people.  Although, we need to look no farther than the US to see how economic compromise works, if it is more socialism for the rich, then it is a go, otherwise forget it.

“In the United States, a Republican-dominated Congress– swept into power on the backs of right wing Tea Party activism spurred by Fox News and other fear-driven conservative media– promises to roll back government programs even as it “compromises” with Democrats to keep tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires.

So far, there has been little street activism in the United States. Perhaps it is because of the Christmas shopping season, the inundation of entertainment shows and sporting events or just so little oppositional leadership, especially among Democrats unwilling to challenge a Democratic President who has just negotiated a compromise deal with Republican tax cutters.”

The hope and change I feel emanating from down south is truly inspiring.   So again, we have to look to Europe to see what democracy really looks like, to see people fight for their interests, to actually see people  be involved in society past the feckless auspices of mere consumption.  Ahh, let us revel in our atomized state of and bemoan our politicians for being corrupt and ineffective.  Just do not actually do anything, for that might actually bring change and according to those who run our society we are doing great right now.