The state of democracy in relation to the power of pro-austerity forces

[cyu]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy_Index

#2 Iceland
#19 United States
#32 Greece

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Press_Freedom_Index

#6 Iceland
#47 United States
#70 Greece

http://www.huppi.com/kangaroo/CIAtimeline.html

1947
Greece — President Truman requests military aid to Greece to support right-wing forces fighting communist rebels. For the rest of the Cold War, Washington and the CIA will back notorious Greek leaders with deplorable human rights records.

1965
Greece — With the CIA’s backing, the king removes George Papandreous as prime minister. Papandreous has failed to vigorously support U.S. interests in Greece.

1967
Greece — A CIA-backed military coup overthrows the government two days before the elections. The favorite to win was George Papandreous, the liberal candidate. During the next six years, the "reign of the colonels" — backed by the CIA — will usher in the widespread use of torture and murder against political opponents. When a Greek ambassador objects to President Johnson about U.S. plans for Cypress, Johnson tells him: "F**k your parliament and your constitution."

[cyu]

In contrast, the state of Iceland:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/30/us-iceland-economy-idUSBRE83T0OR20120430

Only a few years ago, a banking boom in which the sector's assets grew to 10 times the country's GDP lured many of Iceland's 320,000 population from traditional industries into the world of finance. Fisherman got into banking and sailors speculated on booming real estate.

the then prime minister has been tried by a special court

Iceland's GDP growth estimated at some 2.6 percent this year will outshine even powerhouses like Sweden.

"These are among the highest numbers in Europe"

Iceland also did what other parts of Europe haven't dared to do - let its banks go under. It forced foreign creditors to take the biggest hit.

In February, Iceland recovered its investment-grade rating from Fitch, adding to investment-grade ratings from Standard and Poor's and Moody's.

There is little trust in government three years after the fall of ex-Prime Minister Geir Haarde. Parliament has the support of only 10 percent of the public, polls show.

In the months ahead, Iceland will bring former banking executives to stand trial.

[Dennis the 'Bloody Peasant']

Fascinating contrast