3 ms·

Right on target. I'm from Poland and I can definitely relate to problems described by Maro (although we seem to have fared better than Hungary in the long run).

by jwr 16y ago

Right on target. I'm from Poland and I can definitely relate to problems described by Maro (although we seem to have fared better than Hungary in the long run). Everybody thought that re-establishing Democracy (with a capital D, to signify a pervasive culture of democracy along with ethics, not just a political system) would take several years. It turns out it might take generations. The worst part is that people are used to subsidized life and instead of DOING something they expect the government will provide.

pmjordan 16y ago
The worst part is that people are used to subsidized life and instead of DOING something they expect the government will provide. This. I'd call this attitude the number one problem across most of Europe. (bad political climate is a massive problem, but I think its root cause is this) Riots in France due to raised pension age? Multiple attempts at budget reform in various countries failing? Students on the streets complaining about studying conditions due to poor funding? Something has to give, and we're approaching the point where the answer isn't "higher taxes" anymore. (we're already well beyond the "more debt" option) Except nobody is willing to sacrifice anything personally.
- TallGuyShort 16y ago
  Amen! I qualify for a lot of government help as a student, but because I qualify for a good job, I'm working 30+ hours a week to pay for my schooling without having to go into debt or get grants from the government. I'm not a big fan of Obama, but it makes me sick when I see people around me complain about how he's ruining the economy, and then go by X-Boxes and motorcycles with the money the government gave them for tuition.
IgorPartola 16y ago
Agreed. I am from Ukraine and after the USSR broke up a "democracy" was established, except the people in charge are basically the same ones who where in charge under the communists. Same agenda, just different pretense. I think it will take several generations to realizes that nobody is going to come and fix the problems.

by jwr 16y ago

pmjordan 16y ago

The worst part is that people are used to subsidized life and instead of DOING something they expect the government will provide. This. I'd call this attitude the number one problem across most of Europe. (bad political climate is a massive problem, but I think its root cause is this) Riots in France due to raised pension age? Multiple attempts at budget reform in various countries failing? Students on the streets complaining about studying conditions due to poor funding? Something has to give, and we're approaching the point where the answer isn't "higher taxes" anymore. (we're already well beyond the "more debt" option) Except nobody is willing to sacrifice anything personally.

TallGuyShort 16y ago
Amen! I qualify for a lot of government help as a student, but because I qualify for a good job, I'm working 30+ hours a week to pay for my schooling without having to go into debt or get grants from the government. I'm not a big fan of Obama, but it makes me sick when I see people around me complain about how he's ruining the economy, and then go by X-Boxes and motorcycles with the money the government gave them for tuition.

IgorPartola 16y ago

Agreed. I am from Ukraine and after the USSR broke up a "democracy" was established, except the people in charge are basically the same ones who where in charge under the communists. Same agenda, just different pretense. I think it will take several generations to realizes that nobody is going to come and fix the problems.