Icelanders have always been framed in terms of their viking ancestors; strong, brave and independent. So in the wake of their government proving untrustworthy stewards of their country and their money, they decided to write a new constitution which places an emphasis on, you guessed it, free stuff. Here are some highlights from the national forum.
JUSTICE, WELLBEING AND EQUALITY – Values and related issues regarding general justice, wellbeing and equality in relation to education, health and essentials of living etc. All persons in the country shall be guaranteed a decent livelihood regardless of gender, race, age, residence, work, nationality, religious belief, financial situation, handicap, sexual orientation or opinions. Everyone shall have equal right to minimum essentials of living, education, health care and social service. Everyone shall have rights to pension benefits. The value of votes shall be equal and the penal code clear.
No mention where the money will come from to do all of this or even what it consists of. Although it may not appear in the constitution of Greece, it is the reason for their current morass. Please, Icelanders, leave this one alone.
Update: Surprise! It was approved!
“A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury.”