One of the most noticable factors in 2009 has been an upsurge in “street” militancy in reaction to the global economic crisis. Perhaps policymakers could console themselves that trouble in Iceland and Latvia reflected dire economic circumstances, but the wildcat energy sector strikes in the UK and the Waterford Crystal sit-in in Ireland seem to have caught the powers-that-be (including the union leadership) by surprise. Of course when it comes to street activism, we’re all taking lessons from France and Greece, where it seems to be a natural component of politics. But here’s an interesting perspective from Richard Pine, writing for Irish Times readers about what he sees (and doubtless others agree) as fundamental fissures in Greek society which go beyond a standard cynicism about politics.  From the Irish perspective, I read this in conjunction with a now typical day’s bleak news from Ireland and wonder why the people still seem patient (or is it resigned?) with rapidly worsening circumstances.  But of course Europe is still a Europe of nation-states so it’s not easy to extrapolate from one to what we expect in another. Food for thought.
A Fistful Of Euros
European Opinion
“Ιn a country where […] Alethia (truth) are common first names”
ΟΚ, that could have been better informed.
Can you elaborate?
Voltaire updated: “Dans ce pay-ci, il est bon de tuer de temps en temps un financier pour encourager les autres.”
J(esus).C(hrist). (? 🙂 )
Alethia is not a greek first name, let alone a common one. Come to think of it, it would have made an interesting first name though.
I wonder how the author came up with this. Perhaps he mistook us for the Spanish, as many people do. But it’s a long way from Alicia to Alethia! 🙂
I see that the writer lives in Greece so he has personal experience. I think he reads too much on Greece’s history but his analysis for the current situation is spot on. I’m surprised that the international media haven’t made a bigger issue out of the political dynasties that burden Greece. The current prime minister is someone who swiftly climbed the establishment ladder only because of his name, without anything to show for himself. No wonder he messed up so badly.
True. In the Us many dislike “voting for staff”. Which means the president for example should be his own man and not someone else’s vice-predident. Political parties of people who always conform to the party line, no matter how stupid, are not representing the voters. So what greeks badly need is a new hope and getting rid of
the corrupt two parties that destroy the country and make life miserable for the people.