And so it continues !!!

AND SO IT CONTINUES!

Are we stupid, or what ?

Germany had the Social Charter until Angela Merkal ( have I got that right ? ) took on Thatcher's ethos, and now Germany, like France, is moving to the right, but unlike we British I hope you German's are taking to the streets.

Thats very sad Teri,they should not give them the rise and them could claim the benefits ?

Michael, it's true, we are not very happy about the changes in our social plans (social reforms we call it), but let me tell you the following
a) we have a "big" coalition, thus a powerful government with only an insignificant opposition
b) reforms in the social plans are necessary - even if they are hard for us - the times of the "big" money are yesterday's snow (I have been working in the department for social welfare for more than two years and I think I know what I'm talking about)
c) at the moment we have a hard discussion about minimum wages, but I think we need them to reduce illegal jobs to a minimum and to ensure that people have the opportunity of working. Michael you mustn't forget having a job is not only earning money for your living, but it's also a question of pride and honour. Many people feel rather useless and are depressed when they don't have a job.

Michael for many Europeans it's an advantage to have a social charter at all. In former poor countries, like Spain, Portugal and Greece as far as I know there didn't exist any social charter before they joined the European Union and even in Germany still some years ago farmers and self-employed persons had to care for their old age by themselves. The majority didn't do anything and had to apply for income support when they were no longer able to work. Or take for instance my grandparents, they were farmers in Hungary and when they were expelled to Germany they didn't receive any pension, they had to apply for income support and even although it was very low they were very happy to get some money at all.
Naturally there's a difference in view and mentality between the different European natinalities - some are quicker when it is question of protesting and others are slower. However, let me tell you that as to the man in the street there was no generation who had a higher standard of living and if people got a higher pension in the past, you mustn't forget under which circumstances they worked. My parents for instance still worked 10 hours a day and that 6 days a week.
Perhaps you think now, Teri - she is rather arrogant - Michael, I'm not arrogant but realistic.