Oakmont Advisory Group Mar.2015. | Page 11

would mostly be purchased by Greek banks. The funds to purchase the T-bills would have to come from European Central Bank loans, a violation of European Union treaties.

Real reform is required by the Greek government and the creditors want to see specifics. Some measures like getting a handle on tax evasion and the smuggling of fuel and cigarettes are expected to raise a couple of billion additional Euros.

At the same time, the Greek government proposal includes a promise to spend 1.9 billion Euros on social programs for the poor, taxpayer relief and relief for those facing foreclosure.

There had been talk, with the country's new government, of Greece's plans to withdraw from the European Union and the Euro. They have since cast doubt on these ideas.

But, in terms of their new anti-austerity government and popular uprisings against taking bailout money, there is now a similar movement in Spain and Ireland and Portugal. Greece isn't the worst off in Europe. There are even poorer countries in Eastern Europe.

As a continent though, a wave of fiscal responsibility has to catch on in countries like Greece, so they don't wear out their welcome from countries that already know how to do it right.