Greece is burning

Amnesty International Demands an Impartial Inquiry

Greek PM does his best to hold a ragged nation together

The BBC report on the region, what, it has a lot of links...

There are conflicting reports of incidents leading up to the shooting death of the fifteen year old. The police say it was an accident, a ricochet from a warning shot. They also say they were antagonized by a group of boys into action. Others say that the police officer shot the young man in cold blood, no attempt at a warning. One thing is for sure, now that Amnesty International is on the case, it should be solved in no time.

The reactions of political leaders vary. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis is attempting a feat more suited to an old Olympian than a distrusted leader. He is offering government loans for the shopkeepers, soft, low interest fifteen year loans. This is only part of the plan of action he has created. At a time of great national upheaval from groups with no real goal or agenda, Karamanlis is promoting a pragmatic, long-run approach to solving this problem.

His opponents are capitalizing on the opportunity in a despicable attempt to oust him from power. Leftist leaders are promoting the actions of these anarchist youths, who, oddly enough, would probably refuse the leftist leaders as government heads...anarchists. These leftist leaders refuse to see that the great tragedy is the loss of life of someone so young. Although he may not have been the brightest bulb, it's a life lost.

In the meantime, amidst the political turmoil, the true heroes continue their task. The firefighters, the rescue workers, and yes, even the police officers. While AI is claiming that police beat two of their workers with batons, most of the officers are only attempting to protect life and property in an unstable nation. The fire crews are out every night, dousing car and building fires. These people are working tirelessly for the betterment of their county.

And to make matters worse, many of the rioters are abusing the sanctuary of university soil to store bombs and other weapons. They become embroiled in running battles with police, then retreat to the safety of university grounds to regroup for their next attack. Meanwhile, the police have no such refuge, for while they respect the laws and traditions of Greece, their enemies are merely abusing them in a vain attempt to bring the laws themselves down.

Union leaders decided to call a strike during this period of duress. Nearly one half of Greece's workforce went on strike, disrupting the nation's economy further. It appears the left is in full swing against the PM's attempt to restore order in this ancient nation. A nation that once served as the foundation for our great republic.

Also, Greece is still in a row with FYROM, or Macedonia, over what it can be called. The strangest international argument I have seen in a while. But one that is culturally significant to both sides. Therefore it should be take seriously I suppose, but given current circumstances...

And to think, this morning I was psyched up about writing on the little Isle of Sark finally abolishing feudalism... Oh well, guess you'll have to look that up on Wikipedia, or check in tomorrow.

Peace.