Why Europe is doomed to decline

"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. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury" -- anonymous.

Today's politicians are primarily concerned with buying votes and short-term popularity instead of considering the long-term good of the nation. Shortfalls between spending and taxation are met through borrowing because anyone who tries to cut public spending soon finds themselves voted out of office by an electorate that doesn't want the gravy train to stop.