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ICELAND - No news from Iceland?… why? How come we hear everything that happens in Egypt but no news about what’s happening in Iceland?
In Iceland, the people have made the government resign, the primary banks have been nationalized, it was decided to not pay the debt that these created with Great Britain and Holland due to their bad financial politics and a public assembly has been created to rewrite the constitution.
And all of this in a peaceful way. A whole revolution against the powers that have created the current global crisis. This is why there hasn’t been any publicity during the last two years: What would happen if the rest of the EU citizens took this as an example? What would happen if the US citizens took this as an example?
Have we been informed of this through the media? Has any political program in radio or TV commented on this? No! The Icelandic people have been able to show that there is a way to beat the system and has given a democracy lesson to the world!
in5d
Originally posted by boncho
Nationalization is great, should you have a government that isn't entirely corrupt. In Canada recently they have sold off some of the very profitable nationalized corporations, and what did the people get in return? That decision of course was made by the government.
It can go either way, but there needs to be something that keeps a nationalized organization in check while they are in operation.
Originally posted by Siddharta
Iceland is a fascinating country, but they have far less inhabitants than the city where I live. So it is no wonder, we hear only little from there.
This fact also lets me doubt, if they would have much influence on the rest of the world.
Thanks for the challenge ...
This is a very strange article and I'm actually a little shocked. Either CNN / journalist not done his homework or some other agenda is controlling. Anyway, the article is both misleading and lacks info. I'll go through their article point by point.
Regards, Arnar
Resignation of the whole government
Truth with modifications. The government was forced to resign after large protests. One of the government parties (SF; Socialists) was still a member of the new government, and only two ministers from SF saw reasons to resign.
Nationalization of the banks.
Wrong. Un-Danish creditors took over two of the three cracked big banks. The third, Landsbankinn (architect behind Icesave) is under the supervision of the state.
Referendum so that the people can decide over the economic decisions.
Truth with modifications. The president chose to use its veto right, showing the highly controversial Icesave agreement to a referendum twice. The case is now being processed by the EFTA Court. Other controversial cases have unfortunately not received this treatment.
Incarcerating the responsible parties
Truth with modifications.
The political elite: A few weeks ago, the former primeminister was put in court ("Landsdom") who came together before the first time ever. All his ministerial colleagues escaped charges after political room deals. He was convicted of having broken the "good governance" and escaped with symbolic reprimand. A few members of parliament have felt, against their will, the need to quit or take time off for an indefinite period.
The financial elite: In the wake of the crash created parliament, an independent committee whose task was to examine both the political and financial structure and the ground before things went so wrong gruligt. Study Committee did a good piece work but unfortunately things have not moved much since. A new office was created, however, the thesis accuser who works with several large and medium-sized financial matters, but we still lack getting some real indictments and convictions. Some small fish have been convicted but most of the major villains have fled abroad and continue its business.
Rewriting of the constitution by its people
Truth with modifications. Following the independent Examination Committee made his report, it was clear that something was wrong with the foundation. The people wanted a new Constitution and to respond to pressure the new government was forced to act. On a "new" democratically, was team workshops and finally selected a constitutional council by referendum. Council, which worked well and efficiently delivered draft for a new constitution, which was supposed to have a referendum. We are still waiting ...
Hope that you've got a little clearer view on CNN Icelandic Utopia.
Regards, Arnar
Originally posted by Thebel
ICELAND - No news from Iceland?… why? How come we hear everything that happens in Egypt but no news about what’s happening in Iceland?
In Iceland, the people have made the government resign, the primary banks have been nationalized, it was decided to not pay the debt that these created with Great Britain and Holland due to their bad financial politics and a public assembly has been created to rewrite the constitution.
And all of this in a peaceful way. A whole revolution against the powers that have created the current global crisis. This is why there hasn’t been any publicity during the last two years: What would happen if the rest of the EU citizens took this as an example? What would happen if the US citizens took this as an example?
Have we been informed of this through the media? Has any political program in radio or TV commented on this? No! The Icelandic people have been able to show that there is a way to beat the system and has given a democracy lesson to the world!
in5d
Iceland will be first country in Europe to beat economical crisis. Though it was first country to fall, it recovered quickly because people wanted so and they totally changed government and fired all bankers who were responsible for this crisis. All biggest banks were nationalized.
This should happen everywhere in World. No private banks, all should be nationalized.
Business is about getting something done. It should be dry and thorough like a lumber yard. The carnival is for recreation and not work.
Originally posted by Dbriefed
You want every business or medical transaction to feel like a trip to the department of motor vehicles, nationalize everything.