This is about Scottish football but I take a while to get there. And I don’t think you’re going to like it, but something has been bothering me with all this news about Greece, there’s been a little dissonance.
Greece has come through seven years of devastating poverty and economic turmoil, the like of which has not been seen anywhere else in Europe, and within weeks it could get a lot worse.
Many Greeks with economically portable skills emigrated. Those left, the old, the infirm, the unskilled, and those who don’t want to abandon their family or country, have been left to deal with the consequences of a debt which dwarves their earning capacity.
Greece joined the euro and overnight were able to borrow money at cheaper rates than ever before. They borrowed and invested, but poor governments and lax taxation systems left them vulnerable. When the crash came, Greece was hopelessly unable to pay its debts, largely owned to German and French banks.
Back in 2008 the world’s banking system was on the verge of collapse. It is not an exaggeration to say that our economies, jobs, welfare systems, public services and more, were in jeopardy. Governments took steps to keep the banks afloat, but Greece owned money beyond their borders.
If they still had the capacity to issue their own currency, they would have defaulted, offered their creditors 10 lepta to the drachma, and quickly moved on. Prices would have skyrocketed overnight, many people would have been priced out of the basics, but tourists would have flooded in, as would new employers, to take advantage of the newly cheap Greek labour.
But since 2002 Greece has been using the euro. They could not print euros after the crash so had to come to a deal with their creditors, and that meant paying all their debts, in particular to the German banks who loaned them money, at an appropriate interest rate, years earlier.
It was appalling. Greece was not blameless, no European governments – or ultimately their electorates – were, but they were boxed into a corner and forced into a deal. Foreign banks, who were well-placed to weigh-up the commercial risk of their Greek loans, were beneficiaries of the squeeze put on some of Europe’s poorest people.
In January this year Greece elected a radical government. Syriza were voted in on a ticket to renegotiate the terms of what the world calls the ‘bailout’.
The bailout is an affront to the European Union, the IMF and the European Central Bank. The world’s governments needed to protect their banks to prevent complete collapse, but the deal imposed on Greek citizens is pernicious and disproportionate.
A game of brinksmanship is going on between Greece and their lenders, the Troika. Syriza are mandated for one thing and one thing only, renegotiate the current deal. I admire their resolve and hope the Troika accommodate their request for change, but the consequence of a failure to find an agreement is enormous, the like of which we have never seen in a modern economy. Those sitting at the Syriza side of the table know they may be marching their citizens off the edge of a cliff.
What’s this got to do with Scottish football?
For the Troika, read Mike Ashley, he was the lender of last resort, he was also the beneficiary of the loans. In fact, he loaned Newco money he’d already made from them. Those loans came with pernicious conditions. The profits he’ll earn from seven years merchandise rights are spectacular – and they will come from what I could argue is the most impoverished football club in Europe. Mike is the ugly face of capitalism (and there are pretty faces).
The analogy is not perfect. Rangers spectacularly defaulted. Newco’s early years have been more painful than they necessarily could have been, largely as a consequence of an organised group of Real Rangers Men who were determined to grab control of Newco’s assets for as cheap a price as possible. But if you are an unskilled Greek living on handouts, or an easily-led Rangers fan, who just wanted to watch his team, you were not the architect of your own misery.
Alexis Tsipras is no Dave King, he is an engaging leader and is not a criminal, but if he leads Greece into an abyss, he will be guilty of one of the classic failures of leadership – telling people what they want to hear in order to gain power, without any way of delivering on the promises made.
King may be doing the same. He strikes me as a man intent on recreating Jonestown in Govan. Unlike Tsipras, who appears to be making progress with his creditors, King has inspired division and boycott. I can’t picture him now without scenes from Jonestown flashing through my mind.
While I know I’m stretching the analogy between Greece and Rangers, there are many who have lost their livelihood, or football club, through the fault of more powerful men, who were paid to look out for their interests.
Mike Ashley is a figure of fun for us but be sure, he is not our ally. Our enemy’s enemy is not our friend. He’s just another in a long line of naked opportunists we were wise enough to avoid.
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Paul
“Greece was hopelessly unable to pay its debts, largely owned to German and French banks.”
Just being a pedant by suggesting it should be owed not owned.
Still loving your work!
Great synopsis Paul of how Greece essentially impoverished itself, or did it?
Again had there been any proper investigative journalism prior to the Valentines Day event, the old club just may have been made to change its ways and survived.
With regards to Greece, it was a casualty of the world banks orchestrating the crash, in order for the twelve wealthy families that own them to consolidate their wealth. The credit crunch had every trillionaire rubbing their hands in glee. They also own, and/or, control every media outlet on the planet. That is why no decent investigative journalist is ever going to be allowed space on the airwaves, or acreage in their papers to delve into their dirty deeds.
We cry foul when we see the effects of the so called austerity measures on the poor, vunerable and sick. We rarely see anyone asking WHY austerity came into play. Once again it’s the super-rich lining their pockets at the expense of you and I. There is no austerity. It could simply disappear by pushing the beaurocratic enter key in the world banks.
We have a tool at our disposal that allows us information and access to every achievement mankind has ever brought about. And what do we do? Bicker and insult each other over petty entrenched political views and show each other pictures of our cats. This while we welcome our own enslavement as the knot is tightened on humanity as a whole by these sociopaths.
We are all Greece.
Further revelations of the humdinger nature from PhilMacGiollaBhain about the big 12 June meet. Seems GSL is now completely beaten in large part due to the merchandising deal with SD and its “guaranteed sales” conditions .
Seems the GSL is now trying to engineer a self protecting exit strategy. Yet , as ever, the useless buffoons who comprise sports journalists up here have yet to ask GSL anything of import raised by Phil who, clearly, is privy to high quality intelligence provided by the Ashley camp. Perhaps Phil should produce a “ladybird” version so our doh-heid journos might even grasp the nettle.
Then again I might win Euromillions tonight .
Hooper plus cash for VVD?
http://www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/Celtic-swap-star-man-cash-plus-player-deal/story-26750732-detail/story.html
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
SoT
Hope you enjoy 1864.
There are some shocking scenes and my wife couldn’t watch it after a while.
However, after a slow start it was gripping.
Beautifully shot as well. It cost a fortune to make.
I thought at the end that it had been a privilege to watch it and I’m not a big tv viewer.
rebelbhoy72
18:37 on 23 June, 2
Loving your work there. Post more often.
Celtic are looking alright the noo.
If, VVD leaves….bring in Fojut of Dundee Utd and tighten things at the back.
Any bids that come in for Lustig should be seriously considered as…he’ll always be oot injured imho.
Ronny will have a better chance of getting the team into the CL-group-stage this season as, the board havent prostituted Celtic Park to the CWG’s to sneak an extra £5 million into the ‘bonus-scheme’….at the expense of blowing the £20 million CL-cash-pot…and…as yet…nobody’s head has rolled for that call….only at Celtic were you’ll find a board who are answerable to no-one….aye.
That’s it….oot. YNWA.
kevjungle
19:15 on 23 June, 2015
The irony of Celtic being well run and in a financially healthy state, is that it is run by those with a finger on the pulse of globalism.
The choice is either a rebel board leading the club to an eventual melt down, or the present incumbents with their political connections, keeping us on an even keel.
I don’t see any other alternative….unfortunately.
Symbolism most blatant:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spire_of_Dublin
This abomination planted right in the middle of O’Connell Street.It’s a statement, it says “you have sold your soul, and now we own you.”
If anyone can provide an alternative explanation as to why this eyesore was commissioned, at a cost of €4million – go for it.
There is one in Belfast city centre as well, albeit a smaller version.
My opinion is my own, and I didn’t form my opinion by reading any conspiracy theorist websites.
EuropeanUnionMasonicCSC.
200 club///
SHLD BE????
You could always contact Ian Ritchie and ask who his pals are.
Just sayin like.
Looking for advice from our money experts.Do I buy my holiday Euros now or wait to see if the rate improves.Four weeks to wait.Any advice gratefully received.Cheers
Phil has certainly put the cat among the pigeons with his “glib and shameless liars” solo run to mash story,
To any lurking shameless lamb eaters , go on ask the question did he or didn’t he.
Fojut left DU and signed for another club today, I believe back in Poland ?
His family could not settle here
No where near good enough for Celtic from what I saw
KevJungle 19:15
We got knocked out of last year’s CL at Celtic Park. And Fojut is back off to Poland.
qunno
Me too. Mon Paul pedal harder!!!
mam update
day 3 of mam sitting A.K.A “ego deflation” week almost over :)))))))))))))
Did Motherwell beat our opponents last year?? What was the scores ??
bhoy3
They were 139ish last month 135 today
Bhoys3
Buy your euros now. Bear in mind, though that people get 50/50 decisions sfong 90% of the time.
Sfong ?
Should be wrong !
1369.10 to be exact
bhoy3
Where r u goin??
Cheers lads think I,ll buy.The Dubliner or Seans Place will get most of it anyway and the Celts Well obviously.
Sorry Jude Santa Ponsa
Czech v Germany pimpley youths about to K.O. on BT Sport.
SDB @19.21
You are spot on.
Big time football is no place for chancers or dreamers.
The Corinthian spirit did not survive Victoria’s reign.
I think Celtic have the right balance with moguls on the Board, balanced by the unprecedented charitable and community based Foundation.
I don’t think we give Tony Hamilton and his colleagues the credit they deserve at times.
Maybe they embody the acceptable face of capitalism. I don’t know, but we have never been more committed, as a club, to those who desperately need a wee hand.
Lennybhoy
19:09 on
23 June, 2015
Hooper plus cash for VVD?
http://www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/Celtic-swap-star-man-cash-plus-player-deal/story-26750732-detail/story.html
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
==============================================
I sincerely hope the story is wrong,I do not want to lose VVD whilst we are in the CL unless the offer is excessive.
Secondly Hooper is not the right fit,the player fondly remembered ,by some,I fear has gone, and would not provide a mobile 90 minute chaser of defenders which is what is required.
Bhoy3, it depends if you believe that Greece can strike a deal with their creditors. If they do the euro should stabilise and strengthen against the £.
If not there could be an exodus from the euro and a better rate for exchanging your £.
Never mind buying the euro, you brits ought to join the euro. Best thing ever, forget about the irrational emotional attachment to seeing the Queens Head on your currency and the equally irrational fear of the Germans. .join up. Roll on the United States of Europe
Bhoys3 buy them online,far better rates. I use Travelex online pick them up at the airport. Now is as good a time to buy, check rates online. H H Hebcelt
16 Roads: What’s wrong with the ‘Stiletto in the ghetto’?:-)
almore
19:57 on 23 June, 2015
16 Roads: What’s wrong with the ‘Stiletto in the ghetto’?:-)
——————————————–
It’s a crime against the entire city Almore.
I would love to see the day when it is sawed down.
Recommended reading – Freemasonry in Ireland and the Dublin occult grid by Jeremy James.
The spire isn’t covered here however the symbolism of the Marino Casino is intriguing.
HH.
I’m all for Hooper returning but certainly not in any exchange for van Dijk, no matter how much money we get. The longer big Virgil stays, the happier I will be.
I was suggesting to my mate about a month ago that we should resign Feruz. He might respond to our manager. Otherwise, it looks as if he’ll squander his talent.
Hooper is 27 should be at his peak, will he be taking a major cut in wages ? I doubt it
I’d rather we took all the money we can get on VVD better still get him to sign and extension to his contract and pay him the money we’d expect to offer Hooper
16 Roads: I’m only kidding on the spire. But it has grown on people and there are always loads of tourists around it.
I live near The Casino and have visited it on a few occasions.
I will look into the Freemason book later in the Summer but Delanys Dunky gave me a book to read and I still haven’t started it even though I told him I’d start last Monday. I hope he doesn’t see this:)
excath
The good ship Gary Hooper has sailed, he dreamed the dream and will forever be the last Celtic player to score against the Rangers.
The Scunthorpe Telegraph indeed, via The Sun.
NuffSaid csc