Charles, I'm surprised at you. You've missed a golden opportunity to compare the economic failure of austerity imperialism with the realities of successful socialized states by illustrating your tale with references to Potemkin and Empress Catherine. Are you slipping?

It's not actually austerity, it's a knowing attempt not to collect taxes from international firms, combined with austerity.

Kind of like what Eastern Washington does.

Northern Ireland != Ireland. That's a whole political mess in one careless blog title right there.

My home town, Lynn MA, did this exact same thing in the early 90s. Depressed downtown? Just cover up the empty storefronts with gorpy looking storefront paintings! And then proceed to never maintain them, until six years later they look just as shitty as the empty storefronts did in the first place.

Jesus Christ, Stranger, he's showing a lack of knowledge in basic world politics and referencing fictional events on a Fox sci-fi show (that was cancelled over a decade ago after only two seasons) to reinforce his point. How much sloppier and lazier does Mudede have to get for you to you fire him?

@6 I don't think they keep him around because he's so articulate. Maybe there's some other reason?

Um, not defending the blog writing (I have to agree that Austerity is not quite a terrorist act), but someone explain the basic flaw in the argument he's presenting? Why all the vitriol for Charles?

I would prefer the Austerians didn't try to hide the mess they've made and the spectacular failure of their idiotic policies too, but it's hardly surprising that at some level people would prefer not to show off squalor when potential investors come to town.

Mr. Mudede, Northern Ireland is part of a country called the United Kingdom. Ireland is a separate country. It's a history thing, you wouldn't understand.