Commentary on economic shit, Germany and the Euro, South Korea about to be richer than Japan, the Catholic Church and the ‘when you are a person’ question, and should we debate when does life begin?

Economist comedian Yoran Bauman explains economics. Thanks to our great friend Nancy of Impolitical.

youtube -- S*** happens: The economics version
Filmed at the 2012 American Economic Association humor session in Chicago, Jan 7, 2012.

With austerity being challenged across Europe, Germany holds fast.

Spiegel -- 'Europe Could Economize Itself to Death'
There are signs of growing dissatisfaction in Europe over the austerity measures pushed by Germany and other countries to solve the euro-zone debt crisis. But German editorialists bristle on Thursday at calls to stimulate growth and a proposal to let the ECB lend directly to banks in trouble.

Quote worth telling your kids.

“I want to say clearly, it is not the case that we say saving solves every problem, but if you at home talk about how you want to shape your life tolerably, then one of the first conditions is that you somehow get by with what you earn.” -- Angela Merkel

Japan’s 20 year decline (it’s forever) is now translating into being passed by South Korea as richer per head.

Economist -- A game of leapfrog
South Korea may soon be richer than Japan.

The world according to celibate men.

The Atlantic -- Should Catholic Schools Be Able to Fire Teachers Over Fertility Treatments?
A priest explains the Church's stance on assisted reproduction -- and the internal politics that cost an Indiana woman her job.

Hedy Fry’s opposition to Motion #312.

Dr. Hedy Fry opposes the Conservative motion to re-open the abortion debate
Debate on Conservative Motion No. 312 (April 26, 2012).

Gordon O’Connor’s (Minister of State and Chief Government Whip) opposition to Motion #312.

Open Parliament -- Madam Speaker, I offer my response to Motion No. 312.
The issue before us, in essence, is on what it is to be human.

But can the question be left untouched? What is the right question?

National Post -- The idea we can’t debate abortion is unworthy of a democratic country
Finding for the appellants in Regina v. Morgentaler, Justice Bertha Wilson nevertheless found herself in agreement with the Crown, that “the situation respecting a woman’s right to control her own person becomes more complex when she becomes pregnant, and some statutory control may be appropriate.”