As for France, despite the expense of maintaining this outpost, it is clearly reluctant to leave the Pacific.

ECONOMIST: New Caledonia

Hence, in turn, our own notion that a white elephant is a valuable possession which cannot be disposed of, even though the expense of maintaining it is out of all proportion to its usefulness or worth.

BBC: No white elephants in this herd

This will benefit not only unions, who will build and operate these systems, but companies like Siemens who push for greater rail expansions at the expense of maintaining and improving such critical infrastructure as roads.

FORBES: Move up http://i.forbesimg.com t Move down

There is no reason why the state should be paying salaries for people who have not shown up to work in decades or be hostage to a taxi union keen on maintaining their monopoly at the expense of tourism, which comprises almost the whole Greek export sector.

CNN: Opinion: Greeks prefer Europe to its own politicians

Maintaining service is not a trivial expense.

CNN: Giving It All Away

Yes, you will hear horror stories from accountants, attorneys and financial planners about the time, expense and liability involved in setting up and maintaining your own philanthropic structure.

FORBES: Why Do Colleges And Charities Speculate With Your Donations?