The Greek and a German

A Greek and a German go out drinking.  The German drinks beer quietly all night in the corner, while the Greek wants to be the life of the party.  He is buying rounds and shots all night, and when closing time comes, he can’t cover it.  He asks his friend the German for money.  The German smiles and makes up the difference, but tells him good naturedly: you owe me.  And no more of this.

Next time, same thing.  The Greek wants to party hard, but can’t pay for it.  But all his friends have come to expect largesse from him, and his ego prevents him from saying no.  He again asks the German for money.  The German pays his bill, then takes him by the shoulders and says: “Dimitris, seriously–this is the last time.  You can’t do this any more.  And you still owe me.”  Dmitris promises no more, and absolutely he’s good for the money.

Next time, same thing.  Dimistris approaches his friend and asks for more money, and Hans says “NO.”  Dimistris punches him in the nose and says “you BASTARD.  I thought we were friends.”

Commentary: it is one thing for a given person on a given night to act like a drunk.  It is quite an astonishing thing for an entire nation to on a sustained basis.  But America is doing the same damn thing.