Last week’s no vote in a Greek referendum on whether to adopt austerity measures was seen as a victory for Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras, but it now appears as though his latest proposed three-year rescue package could mean similarly tight measures for the Greek people. Now Tsipras is facing some resistance from within his own party but some say the way things have played out thus far has strengthened his popular support.
Meanwhile, the clock is ticking as the country fights to prevent a financial collapse, and Greek banks are taking a hit as more debts are going unpaid, further disrupting the local economy.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s hard stance on Greece has many bringing up old history, going back to 1953 when Germany itself had its debts written down by Greece and several other countries in the wake of World War II.
Closer to home, we are facing tightening measures of our own – in the form of water usage. Some in British Columbia are experiencing the newest form of bullying – “drought shaming” – as others call them out on their water-wasting behaviours. Despite that, local governments are issuing numerous tickets as scofflaws continue to skirt the rules. Guess some feel having a green lawn is worth the risk of their neighbours’ scorn.
Speaking of shaming, Donald Trump is having some troubles this week as piñatas in the billionaire’s likeness are popping up around the States in response to some unpopular comments he made. He was probably right when he said his remarks were bad for his “brand.”
We are set to get some rain soon, which will drive many Vancouverites inside, and what better way to pass the time than by curling up with a new book? Harper Lee’s long-anticipated sequel to the Pulitzer Prize-winning To Kill a Mockingbird is set to release July 14. Go Set a Watchman picks up 20 years later and features a now grown-up Scout’s return to Maycomb to visit her 72 year-old father, Atticus.
Anyone interested can read the first chapter – and listen to Reese Witherspoon’s narration – here.
