Why Greece’s ‘Suicidal’ Referendum Is Still a Good Idea

While It Won’t Save the Economy, a Vote at Least May Prevent Social and Political Upheaval

After months of difficult negotiations, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has called for a public vote Sunday on whether or not Greece should accept the austerity measures that its creditors are demanding to avoid default and a possible ejection from the euro currency zone. The international reaction to the planned referendum has been swift, and nearly universally negative, accusing the leftist Greek leader of temporizing and engaging in a bit of demagoguery at the expense of his creditors and nation. The criticism has even made its way to Urban Dictionary:

Greek …