In the final reading of Body Economic, I was startled by the political and economic ways of Iceland and Greece. These two countries underwent similar sufferings and downturns, yet chose entirely different paths for the so called ‘recovery’ of their citizens and economy. Iceland chose to not cut welfare and other public funding, despite the IMF’s ideas otherwise. They knew that without the health and well being of their people, the economy would not pick up. This seems to be something the United States has yet to understand. Without a strong and steady undercurrent of trust and well being among citizens, where can our fiscal crisis disappear to? If citizens are not well and do not feel collectively protected in times of need, there is no reason or ability to function economically. I found this concept incredibly basic, yet it seems to be something that our political agenda constantly glazes over. It is often the ‘rich and elite’ who are able to decide the fate of all others, for better or worse. However, it seems obvious to me that we should follow suit along with Iceland and enjoy the comforts of a more healthy and balanced population.
Annaliisa Gifford
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