Things I've Learned

The Acropolis rock as seen in the early-morning hours on March 24, 2010 in Athens, Greece.

189 years since the beginning of Greek War of Independence, Greeks don’t have to fight for their freedom against the Ottoman Empire, but rather fight for their dignity in a totally different world. As Athenians are watching the extravagant military parade in the center of Athens from their TV sets, (last year it costed more that 3 million €) Eurozone leaders are gathering for a two-day meeting in Brussels where the focus will be on whether and how heavily indebted Greece will be helped.

Greece has a long history of borrowing money. First loans were issued by British fund-holders in 1824 and 1825 making the City of London the financier of the Revolution and leading to the creation of the “British” political party in Greece. Today, with Greece heavily into debt, all eyes are on the Eurozone summit in Brussels, often forgetting that this war should be primarily fought on Greek soil, where corrupted politicians are walking, expensive armoured fighting vehicles are marching through the streets and respectable citizens are forgetting to pay their taxes.

MORE:

• Greek War of Independence (Wikipedia)
• Eurozone leaders lock horns over whether to rescue Greece’s economy (Guardian)
• Divided EU seeks pre-summit deal on Greek debt (Reuters)

Photo from Getty Images