European Political Bosses Desperate To Head Off Greek Democracy

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou’s surprise stunt of calling for a referendum so the Greek people can finally have a say in the economic assaults being waged on them for the past two years (aka “bailouts” and “rescues,” although it’s bankers and other bondholders  who are the objects of concern) has European political bosses (called “leaders,” just as corporate bosses aren’t bosses, but are “leaders”) in a tizzy. Sarkozy of France, Merkel of Germany et al are insisting that the deal is done, and the Greeks just have to swallow it, no voting by the Greek people allowed.

The Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, was particularly blunt. He told his Parliament in no uncertain terms that the planned referendum was “very unfortunate” and “we have to do everything to prevent it.”

We have to do everything to prevent it. Some CIA goon couldn’t have said it better. God forbid the Greek people have a say in their own fate. God forbid decisions made by the rulers should be subject to popular approval. That would be…democratic!!!

“Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou was summoned to Cannes to explain himself…” to the other countries’ bosses. NPR actually said this today Nov 2 at 4:31 pm. Can you get more nakedly highhanded and arrogant? But I suppose that’s accurate. Various newspapers in the U.S. and Europe also used the verb “summoned” to describe the action.