The grass is greener across the ocean?- Not so

The European Union (EU) is beginning budget talks this week as it faces financial issues yet once again. Once again, countries are pitted against one another to determine the outcome of their economic relationship. Great Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, who is acting as a lead negotiator, comes to the table with spending cuts and to defend the British rebate. President of the EU, Herman Van Rompuy, seems to agree with Cameron and will push for $75 billion cut to the $1.3 trillion budget. Spain and Italy are already up in arms. Spain claims it will lose $20 billion euros and Italy states it will lose $10 billion if the cuts are passed. Nobel laureates also flew to Brussels to protest the cuts stating that it will damage research and innovation. Countries are not just upset with the cuts but also with the rebates they will receive. Apparently, Great Britain's rebate will be protected while other countries, such as Denmark, are being denied their fair share. Other countries agree that there need to be cuts but disagree as to where these cuts should be made. Others, such as France, are pushing for higher taxes on finances. Let me see where I've heard this before...oh right...the United States and our wonderful gridlocked government. Spending cuts. Higher taxes. So you see America, we are not so different from our neighbors across the ocean. You may think things are better in Europe but they are facing the same problems we are. Hopefully all sides can come to a resolution. If not, look for our economy to take a hard hit as well. Yours in honesty, SGS

President of the EU- Herman Van Rompuy