Editor, The Herald:

I had to chuckle at the recent letter lauding the French welfare state.

All one has to do is read the daily news to see that France is facing massive unrest as the government tries to reduce their debt by cutting back on pensions and raising the retirement age. Greece followed this 'model', and there was consideration they'd be tossed from the European Union because they couldn't pay their bills (and had to be bailed out by Germany, among others).

As the entirety of Europe struggles with overwhelming debt and works to scale back on these massive social programs – the current administration is 'pedal to the metal' to the same economic mess. Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

Blake Duffey

Meherrin