Greece - Still doing it wrong

[22*43*51]

I'm sure it's nothing more government can't fix.

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Clashes broke out outside the Agriculture Ministry in central Athens Friday as thousands of farmers from across Greece headed to the Greek capital for a two-day protest against the government's plans to impose new tax hikes and reform the pension system.

Farmers who arrived by ferry from the island of Crete earlier in the day rallied outside the ministry building, throwing tomatoes as tension escalated when police prevented them from staging a symbolic occupation of the ministry. Clashes soon broke out, with riot police using tear gas to repel protesters throwing rocks and setting rubbish dumpsters on fire.

Other protesting farmers from southern Greece were massing at a highway toll station near Corinth, with some vowing to drive tractors to Athens despite a government ban.

Bailout lenders are demanding that Greece scrap tax breaks for farmers and impose pension reforms that will lead to higher monthly contributions from the self-employed and salaried employees.

Farming associations have been staging highway blockades for more than two weeks against a planned overhaul of the country's troubled pension system, using tractors to block roads and forcing traffic into lengthy diversions.

The protests against the pension reform have united a disparate group of professions, including lawyers, artists, accountants, engineers, doctors, dentists, seamen and casino workers.

 

[Raglefant]

The protests against the pension reform have united a disparate group of professions, including lawyers, artists, accountants, engineers, doctors, dentists, seamen and casino workers.

 

[INXS83]

I'm sure it's nothing more government can't fix.

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Clashes broke out outside the Agriculture Ministry in central Athens Friday as thousands of farmers from across Greece headed to the Greek capital for a two-day protest against the government's plans to impose new tax hikes and reform the pension system.

Farmers who arrived by ferry from the island of Crete earlier in the day rallied outside the ministry building, throwing tomatoes as tension escalated when police prevented them from staging a symbolic occupation of the ministry. Clashes soon broke out, with riot police using tear gas to repel protesters throwing rocks and setting rubbish dumpsters on fire.

Other protesting farmers from southern Greece were massing at a highway toll station near Corinth, with some vowing to drive tractors to Athens despite a government ban.

Bailout lenders are demanding that Greece scrap tax breaks for farmers and impose pension reforms that will lead to higher monthly contributions from the self-employed and salaried employees.

Farming associations have been staging highway blockades for more than two weeks against a planned overhaul of the country's troubled pension system, using tractors to block roads and forcing traffic into lengthy diversions.

The protests against the pension reform have united a disparate group of professions, including lawyers, artists, accountants, engineers, doctors, dentists, seamen and casino workers.

Silly Greeks, farmers and pensions go together like oil and water.

 

[22*43*51]

Silly Greeks, farmers and pensions go together like oil and water.

They are figuring out the hard way that there is a big bill to pay for all of the "free" stuff they were promised.

 

[INXS83]

They are figuring out the hard way that there is a big bill to pay for all of the "free" stuff they were promised.

Are the farmer protesters upset about having to pay for others free stuff by being forced to contribute more to their pensions or are they pissed at the prospect of their own free stuff dwindling away, or both?

 

[22*43*51]

Are the farmer protesters upset about having to pay for others free stuff by being forced to contribute more to their pensions or are they pissed at the prospect of their own free stuff dwindling away, or both?

Bait and switch. The full price of "free" wasn't explained.

The rules of the game have changed and they are asking to give more; when they're broke already.

The fact that it is spread across so many industries would illustrate the pains of pulling all classes to the middle.

 

[cigaretteman]

Bait and switch. The full price of "free" wasn't explained.

The rules of the game have changed and they are asking to give more; when they're broke already.

The fact that it is spread across so many industries would illustrate the pains of pulling all classes to the middle.

Greece's problem is that they failed to collect the taxes that were due. Hardly anyone ever paid their required taxes. It has nothing to do with too much "free stuff." Also, in case you're somehow implying that Greece serves as a lesson for the United States, that would simply reveal your ignorance of international finance and the roots of the Greek economic problems.

 

[22*43*51]

Greece's problem is that they failed to collect the taxes that were due. Hardly anyone ever paid their required taxes. It has nothing to do with too much "free stuff." Also, in case you're somehow implying that Greece serves as a lesson for the United States, that would simply reveal your ignorance of international finance and the roots of the Greek economic problems.

Do tell. I wold love to hear how their "free" stuff is actually "free".