(no subject)

We're studying the French Revolution in my Euro class right now. To my understanding, one of the biggest factors that started the war was a massive financial crisis bordering on bankruptcy. They got themselves into that hole by not raising taxes when necessary and especially by giving the wealthy tax exemptions, by borrowing money by the bucketful, and paying off those loans by borrowing more money from other people. Sounds a little too familiar for my comfort. :|