24/07/2005 2:31:49 pm
Hope and Tragedy in Europe. As I was on vacation last week and deliberately stayed away from most news, there have been a mixture of short-term dramatic and long-term significant events in Europe.

First of all, further terror attacks in London have taken place. Italy and Denmark understandibly fear they will be next. The attacks take place in the countries at the front in the war on terror. Of course; those too weak to defend freedom are of less use to attack from the terrorist′s perspective. But, honestly, the terrorists must be totally ahistoric. Do they know how much London was bombed during World War II? Do they know how much that strengthened the British resistance and will to defend freedom?

Concerning the further terror attacks, also in Egypt, my brother reminded me about "The Tipping Point" my Malcolm Gladwell. It describes why, for example, suicide rates rise for a period when a suicide happens and gets widely known. There are simply many people all the time who consider suicide and are pushed over the tipping point when somebody actually takes the first terrible step. The same effect can probably be seen in the terror attacks. It is not necessarily a co-ordinated effort, just potential terrorists who get encouraged by the first event.

Secondly, some smaller events but with long-term importance: CDU leader Angela Merkel and UMP leader Nicolas Sarkozy - likely to be the next German Chancellor and French president - met. There is no more hope for Chirac or Schröder. How much hope can be put into Merkel and Sarkozy? Do they want reform? Do they have the iron will to push it thorugh?

And last, concerning reform for a wealthier and better future, the Greek government is "seriously considering" to replace the current progressive taxes with a flat tax at 25 per cent. The success from Central and Eastern Europe spreads. Reality speaks with a clear voice: a flat tax is simple, fair and makes education and work profitable. And thus you get higher growth, more jobs and better living standard.