Lehrer: Greek Turmoil Offers Lessons For U.S.

Eli Lehrer writes:

Much as the civil disorder spreading in Greece must disturb law-abiding people everywhere, it's not all that difficult to understand. It stems from dashed expectations and broken promises.

For at least a generation, Greek governing coalitions, regardless of their stated ideologies, promised their citizens that government would provide them with jobs, housing, health care, and every other perk of a middle-class life. The austerity measures recently approved by Greece's parliament violate that promise and, like just about anyone whose trust is violated, many Greeks have gotten angry.

This provides guidance for the United States and every country that faces a tough fiscal situation: Social disorder happens not because of austerity measures, but because of broken promises.