Democrats stiffen spine against trimming benefits

We'd better do something. Just ask the Europeans.

Europeans have benefited from low military spending, protected by NATO and the American nuclear umbrella.

They have also translated higher taxes into a cradle-to-grave safety net.“The Europe that protects” is a slogan of the European Union.

But Europe can no longer afford its comfortable lifestyle, at least not without a period of austerity and significant changes. The countries are trying to reassure investors by cutting salaries, raising legal retirement ages, increasing work hours and reducing health benefits and pensions.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/23/world/europ...