From each according to his ability...

So you thought that tearing down the Berlin Wall was the end of socialism? Not even close.

While Eastern Europe goes on an economic tear, buoyed by free market momentum, Western Europe is holding on to its socialist roots for dear life. Pensioners in England (retirees who no longer work, didn't save for retirement, and are living off the generosity of consumers and taxpayers) are demanding more help to pay their fuel bills. Meanwhile, 1.5 million rioters in France are threatening to strike over a law that the government hopes will reduce the 23% unemployment rate. At the same time, governments in Luxembourg, France, and Spain are considering scuttling the takeover of Arcelor because it might cause *gasp* job cuts in their countries, already bloated with unemployment.

Ironically, French companies enjoyed a banner year in 2005, because they found a way around France's wacky worker protection laws. They simply stopped hiring people. Congratulations to the unions and other socialists in France, who have made it impossible to fire the incompetent...you've prevented competent people from being hired as well.

Socialism never worked, it doesn't work today, and it never will. But as long as there are people interested in having someone else provide for their needs, socialism will enjoy strong support.

Speaking of working hard for your money, I've had two great weekends of poker in a row. Combined with a $5 gain in Genentech on Friday, I'm thinking early retirement!