75d3dc0246f86fc00bf1da13_jo4121c.jpg John Overmyer

The Public and Its Problems

Why, many Europeans are wondering nowadays, do their politicians fail to see the abyss that yawns before them, and come together to resolve the euro crisis once and for all?But, if leaders in Europe (and America) appear short-sighted and indecisive, the fault may lie with us, the public, for not listening to the worrywarts.

CHICAGO – On a recent visit to Europe, I found economists, journalists, and business people thoroughly frustrated with their politicians. Why, they ask, can’t politicians see the abyss that yawns before them, and come together to resolve the euro crisis once and for all?

Even if there is no consensus on what a solution might be, can’t they meet and thrash out a plan that goes beyond their repeated half-measures? It is only because of the European Central Bank’s bold decision to lend long term to banks that we have seen some respite recently, or so their argument goes. Politicians, in contrast, are failing Europe by being forever behind the curve. Why do they find it so hard to lead?

One answer that can be easily dismissed is that politicians simply don’t understand the gravity of the situation. Political leaders need not be economic geniuses to understand the advice that they hear, and many are both intelligent and well-read.

https://prosyn.org/PtJG4jO