Jeff—Saturday
Happy Seven Months Anniversary since St. Patrick’s Day!
I say that because I think the Greeks could use a little pluck
of the Irish about now.
I’ve been distracted for the last few weeks with Bouchercon
and preparing for my book release and tour, thereby allowing my finger to slip off
the pulse of events in Greece.
In my experience, so much of what I read in foreign reports
of what’s happening in Greece misses the essence of that nation’s dilemma. Greece is not predictable in a Western way,
for its people accept the inevitable corruption of its public servants, have a
penchant for believing in macho demagoguery over reality (e.g., the Prime Minister
was elected by reason of rhetoric glorifying his efforts, not the abysmal
results), and will suffer endlessly as long as there are others than themselves
to blame for their circumstances (after all, the Greeks did create the Fates).
 |
| Fates |
I had put all that out of my mind over these past weeks, and
even begun to imagine that a stoic calm had fallen over the land, despite the
raging conflagration with its EU brethren and Turkey over the horrific Syrian
immigrant situation, and a pervasive dread hovering in the air over quid pro
quo draconian reforms surrounding the third bailout.
But with my first glance at the in-country Greek news, all
thoughts of a better disposition vanished.
 |
| Greece's Prime Minister |
Unemployment still exceeds Great Depression levels, Parliament
has only passed 30% of the reforms mandated by the bailout agreement, Europe is
not happy with Greece’s progress, protectionist lobbies are invoking centuries
old prejudices in efforts to protect their sacred cows, sitting ministers are facing
charges of graft, Greece’s Revenue Chief has been asked to step down amid
claims of corruption…. On and on. Same old, same old.
As for the substantive pain about to be borne through new
revenue generating measures, there’s something for tourists and Greeks alike. The
price of admission to historical sites is slated to go up by multiples, and
among the many potential VAT increases currently on Parliament’s agenda is a
23% VAT on private education. And, oh
yes, let’s not forget that financial controls are still in place limiting bank
withdrawals to 420 euros ($477) per week, and don’t bother trying to get around
them easily.
But there is a breath of good news out there.
Fifteen
Thousand people are expected to take part in the 19th Annual Athens
Fun Run on Sunday. It will turn a number
of Athens central roadways into a runners’ paradise free of vehicles. 
Hmm, that gives me an idea for my new book. Something else I better get back to paying attention to.
—Jeff
