Just watched a CNBC interview featuring dueling politicians… The Maybe-Former-Spendthrift from Georgia made the case for cutting entitlements… While the Still-A-Spendthrift from Maryland said “Screw that! We simply need to raise the debt ceiling and increase taxes on businesses…”

Let’s say your finances are a virtual microcosm of your government’s… I.e., you’re in dire straits; and you’re looking to hire some help: Advisor A suggests you stop eating out, stop shopping at Nordstrom, sell the Range Rover and pay cash for a used Yugo… Advisor B says “Screw that! Apply for an increase in your Visa limit and we’ll find someone to sue in the meantime…” Of course B is out of his friggin mind. Right? Say Yes!!

Three Athens families lost dear loved ones last May as protestors torched the bank where they worked… I was certain I was viewing a clip of that event when I turned on the telly this morning… Unfortunately Molotov cocktails are exploding in downtown Athens as I type… These victims of socialism, these public employees who’ve been living unsustainable debt-financed lifestyles, can’t understand why they just don’t print more euro… And they’ll literally kill to maintain the status quo…

I assure you, the gent from Maryland sees job security in appeasing the beneficiaries of America’s brand of socialism… The Georgian believes a lasting career in politics rests on his ability to turn this ship around… In essence, these blokes are interchangeable; they’re simply interpreting the political winds…

Warranted cynicism or not, we have to assume that the only way we don’t become Greece times a billion (we’re not there just yet) is to push very very hard on our policymakers…

I assume you know in which direction to push…