I have not blogged for quite a while so thought as we approach the "season of goodwill" now would be a good time.
Well I think most of Europe is all too well aware of the situation of the Greek people, or are they? Certainly many will have "full knowledge", or is that "knowledge" that is viewed through TV and newspaper media? After all we all believe in the news media, don't we?
No matter what history has led Greece to this current situation, there by the grace of God can (and maybe will) go many countries in Europe. No one can defend the poor economic controls the past governments here have had and "fat cats" certainly have taken the cream! But as many will know if you have visited Greece whilst you might see some "fat cats" you will see far more roaming around starving. This metaphor certainly applies to the Greek people.
A system top heavy by government employees that have enjoyed European financial support and a private & commercial industry that has been ruled by closed shop union agreements has benefited those that are part of it. However there are many, many hard working Greek families that have neither benefited nor have they been able to have their voice heard to change society over here. Forget the tourist image of a "nice Greek village" and venture to "real Greece". Take it from me many tourists would drive right past and not stop, yet this is true Greece......modern day Greece. Local villagers growing a little veg on their plots that can feed the family and often be exchanged with other villagers creating a barter system, or what is far more common giving it to those even worse off. I have yet to meet a Greek family that has not opened its doors and welcomed me, offering coffee & food.......food they can not really afford to give, but that is the hospitality experienced in a true Greek village.
These are not the fat cats, but these people now have to suffer not only the pains of heavy taxation, cut pensions etc. but also the indignity of many Europeans declaring them lazy, no good for anything and deserving of whatever they get.
If my diatribe makes you think then it has achieved its objective...........we are now approaching the season of goodwill to all men, aren't we?
