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| Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou. (Photo: Doug Mills / The New York Times) |
by:
Peter Bratsis, Truthout | News Analysis
The most central and constant dilemma in modern politics has been the
choice between the political desires and demands of citizens versus the
policy expertise and prudence of bureaucrats and specialists. For the
more democratically inclined, those like Machiavelli and Aristotle, the
judgments of the many, as flawed as they often may be, are nonetheless
more trustworthy than the commands of the elite. The few, no matter
their credentials or honors, are never able to match the collective
intelligence of the multitude.
For others, including those who drafted the US Constitution, the whims
and desires of the many are a great threat to social order, and the
special few must stand as a moderating force between them and the levers
of government.
Recent events in Greece have hinged on this tension. The Greek economic
crisis is often presented as a product of too much democracy, of
politicians bowing to the demands of citizens for jobs, pensions and low
taxes. The troika of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), European
Central Bank (ECB) and European Union have stepped forward to undo this
damage by attempting to break the ties between the residents of Greece
and those who govern them. The troika has imposed strict policy
guidelines, formulated by economists and other specialists, and closely
monitors the implementation of these policies by the Greek government.
Most recently, they have demanded written guarantees from all political
parties in Greece that the austerity programs will be continued
regardless of any future elections. Any "regressive" movements toward
the demands of the Greek people provoke swift retributions from the
troika. READ MORE
