‘Austerity’ in Ireland – the transfer of wealth from the majority to the few- is slowly tearing the lives of ordinary people apart. The stresses of impossible debts, unemployment, and insecurity, are eroding the fabric of society in Ireland. Can anyone blame those young people who are emigrating in droves, for leaving in search of some kind of future? The country is being gutted.
Each autumn, the government embarks on a terrorizing rampage against the people. Household taxes, property taxes, water charges, social welfare cuts, cuts to state pensions, cuts to public services, cuts to carers allowances. Measures that make the difference between life and a living death. This horror show has no taboos. To top it all, we are told to be thankful that the punishment is not even worse.
Anyone can see by now that the stance of the current government, and the ‘Troika’ that commands them, is that the financial crisis provoked by wealthy speculators will continue to be paid for by ordinary people, starting with the weakest. For ordinary people, there will be no recovery. The Troika regime will continue to strip the flesh from the bone, until we stand up and stop this process in its tracks.
Today, one billion euro will be paid by AIB, which is owned lock stock and barrel by the State, to unknown, unsecured senior bondholders.
These speculators took a gamble on the Irish economy and lost. But the government and the Troika agreed that ordinary people in Ireland would cover these losses, through cuts to health services, cuts in benefits,
and the imposition of a host of taxes that burden the poor and benefit the few. Banking debt is now the tool used to dismantle democracy, and to reshape Ireland and other countries across Europe into societies
based on despair for the many and immense riches and privileges for the few.
We cannot allow this obscenity to continue unopposed. We have to make it clear that these payments do not have our consent. Let us bring an end to the paralysis induced by fear, by acting together in hope. No
deal struck by politicians and bankers is going to end this robbery. The real bonds that matter are the ones we need to build together, to drive a stake through the heart of the financial vampire stalking the land.
Latest posts by Donagh Brennan (see all)
- Yes, Say it Again: Ireland IS a Tax Haven and it’s Worked Hard to Be That Way - May 22, 2013
- Ireland Allows Google To Send it’s Profits Straight to Bermuda Company Which is Actually in Ireland - May 20, 2013
- Why Ireland’s 2008 Blanket Bank Guarantee Decision Was Taken? Part 4 - May 2, 2013
- Why Ireland’s 2008 Blanket Bank Guarantee Decision Was Taken: Part 3 - April 25, 2013
- Why Ireland’s 2008 Blanket Bank Guarantee Decision Was Taken? Part 2 - April 25, 2013
