I can't agree with your last sentence. We've all had the profits of having banks providing liquidity (common, all that Russian money into the Cyprian economy has been great for all of Cyprus). Now that system has failed and the big guys aka the banks are just as clueless as the little guys.
Do we need to rethink how our economy works? Yes.
Do we need to help Cyprus, Italy, Spain? Yes. Partially because it is in out best (Dutch) interests, but also because they are European brethren.
Is it okay to ask the locals for a sacrifice themselves? Yes.
I know I'm living in one of the richest countries in the world. I don't mind helping another country. I understand that losing 6.75% of your savings hurts.
Do we need to rethink how our economy works? Yes. Do we need to help Cyprus, Italy, Spain? Yes. Partially because it is in out best (Dutch) interests, but also because they are European brethren. Is it okay to ask the locals for a sacrifice themselves? Yes.
I know I'm living in one of the richest countries in the world. I don't mind helping another country. I understand that losing 6.75% of your savings hurts.