Belgium goes a whole year without an elected government

[muriel_volestrangler]

For the year since a general election on 13 June 2010, Belgium has had no official government. As coalition negotiations have dragged on, the country has had to make do with a caretaker prime minister and cabinet. How long can it continue?

Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme resigned in April last year, but he is still turning up for work.
...
The problem has arisen because of the deep divisions between the Dutch-speaking (Flemish) and French-speaking halves of the population, and the lack of any truly national parties.

The fruitless coalition negotiations over the last year have centred on Flemish demands for further devolution of powers from central government, which has been both frustrating and boring for ordinary voters.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13725277

Elections - who needs 'em?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

1. Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.

Thomas Paine

The Belgians may be on to something.

[AngryAmish]

2. stupid Flanders

[bemildred]

3. Do we really need a federal government?

:popcorn:

[LiberalFighter]

4. If we didn't Texas would probably declare war on neighboring states

maybe even take back what the Republic had before they became a state. They might declare war on Alaska so they can take their oil.

[bemildred]

5. So? nt

[LiberalFighter]

7. We have enough wars as a country. We don't need more because states want them.

[bemildred]

8. Sound thinking there, I couldn't agree more.

Texas definitely ought not invade Alaska for its oil.

[HopeHoops]

6. And the problem is? With the GOP controlling the House, nothing's getting done here WITH a gov.

[VWolf]

9. USA went 8 years w/o elected gov't: 2000-2008 n/t

[Liberal_in_LA]

10. +1

[Uncle Joe]

11. +10 n/t