France tries a new idea in budget busting

With the world economy either shaky or collapsing, depending on your point of view, the new government of France has a novel idea: They've lowered the retirement age to 60 for people who started working by age 18.

Since this simply adds to the cost of pensions that are already breaking governments across Europe, you might well wonder what the theory was behind that move.

And the answer is..."social justice."

And how will the government pay for the added pension cost, you ask? Why, by raising taxes on workers.

Might higher taxes move more people into the 'underground economy,' you ask?

This is not a problem for France, because...uh...well, you know, you wouldn't understand unless you're a liberal with a PhD in government.