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Hi Yanis,



"The fact is that Greece had no right to borrow from German – or any other European – taxpayers at a time when its public debt was unsustainable. Before Greece took any loans, it should have initiated debt restructuring and undergone a partial default on debt owed to its private-sector creditors. But this “radical” argument was largely ignored at the time."



And that is still true today.



"In the longer term, European leaders must work together to redesign the monetary union so that it supports shared prosperity, rather than fueling mutual resentment. This is a daunting task. But, with a strong sense of purpose, a united approach, and perhaps a positive gesture or two, it can be accomplished."



I strongly agree with that statement, as well.



However, it shouldn't be a daunting task. There are only so many realistic paths toward that goal, how difficult could it be to come to an agreement?



Inequality caused by historically bad decisions, is the culprit in this case.



EU and Greek leaders can make it about them if they want. But if they do, they should know that the bill for that will be losing their next election. As it should be.



The problems with the Greek economy began long ago -- and the comparatively smaller problems with other EU economies likewise began long ago.



Making new problems won't help the situation as the old problems will still be there waiting to be solved at the end of every day.



The other thing to consider? Every day of the year, we are "training" other people how to treat us.



Hypothetical example: If we train them to know that we are ungrateful, ungracious, demanding, intolerant and antagonistic -- we can hardly blame them for treating us as such.



However, if we train them to know that each phone call from us will be a positive experience, if we train them to know that we are reliable and easy to work with, and if we train them to know that we keep our promises -- then we should receive respectful treatment. And if not, why not?



All of this takes time. But "training" the people with whom you interact, to respond to you in a way that you appreciate, is the fine art of statesmanship.



"The fine art of diplomacy is getting other people to do what you want, and having them thing it was their idea in the first place."



Best regards, JBS