Austerity to bring about prosperity is a ridiculous economic idea. So I liked how Mark Fiore makes fun of this notion in his News in a Nutshell animation, "Assaulting Austerity," or: "Why events an ocean away matter to you."
You'll never again believe Mitt Romney or other Republicans who say that cutting spending and jobs in a recession is the way to... here's the joke... get more spending and jobs! (Not that you ever should have believed them.)
Hilarious.
Or it would be, if right-wingers weren't so serious about pursuing wacked-out policies that would only benefit the rich. Europe is figuring this out, as Fiore humorously points out. Here's the words to his animation, conveniently shared on his website.
News, in a Nutshell presents . . .
"Assaulting Austerity," or: "Why events an ocean away matter to you."
From left to right to really right, across Europe, the Battle of Austerity rages, with leaders and governments falling everywhere-- from the Netherlands to Greece to France as voters say "NO MORE" to cuts!
It all began as a sure-fire solution to Europe's economic woes, which were blamed on government spending and too much debt.
Never mind the banks, it was the fault of those dastardly government spendaholics.
So belts were tightened, lips were stiffened and boot straps were relied upon as government spending was cut and safety nets snipped.
People who did things for or sold things to the government were out of luck, as demand fell in an already-weakened economy.
Which led to a weaker economy and more unemployment.
But there was a solution!
Belts were tightened, lips were stiffened and boot straps were relied upon as government spending was cut and safety nets snipped.
Which, unfortunately for people who did things for or sold things to the government, led to falling demand and more unemployment in an already-weak economy.
Clearly, more austerity was needed!
So belts were tightened, lips were stiffened and boot straps were relied upon as government spending was cut and safety nets snipped.
(Which, for some odd reason, weakened an already-weak economy.)
Budget-cutting austerity stars like Ireland became basket cases, leading thousands to flee!
As Europe double-dipped into recession and depression, banks here at home remained dangerously exposed to the predicament across the pond.
But never fear, America's wise financial leaders and deficit hawks in Congress have a solution!
Belts will be tightened, lips will be stiffened and boot straps will be relied upon as government spending is cut and safety nets snipped.
Gute nacht, and . . . zut alors.
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