We are well aware of the Greek fascist government's scapegoating of immigrants but what is less known is their attack on those who have AIDS. One of the governments first "austerity" actions was to close needle exchange clinics, since then HIV in Greece has rocketed. In place of assistance and support, those unfortunate to suffer from this illness are criminalised. The "austerity" axe fell unduly harsh on the Greek healthcare system. Its budget was set to grow by 4% annually but instead has been hit by staff pay-offs, budget cuts and drug rationing. Of course the consequences of this has been a spike in HIV and Malaria, to mention just two of the extra burdens being borne by the people of Greece.
"Austerity" means poverty, poverty means deteriorating health facilities, that in turn means misery for families, increase health risks for children and old age devoid of care and medication. "Austerity" is not an economic term, it is a brutal attack on the living conditions of the ordinary people. It is not an evenly spread set of conditions, the vicious blade of austerity never reaches those who plan and implement the "grand plan". It is you and I that feel the pain of austerity.
None of this is necessary, it is an ideology, it is an economic system to protect and further the wealth of the criminal fraternity at the heart of the financial Mafia that controls our lives. It is not a system set in tablets of stone, it is a man made system that can easily be dismantled and replaced with a more fair, sane and just system based on co-operation, mutual aid, sustainability and the needs of all our people.
A wealthy suit says "austerity" and people die, that is surely a brutal criminal act and should be called to justice.
