This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.
No justification exists. Greece has no enemies. It's also broke. It can't or won't provide public services. It borrows hugely to repay and service debt, and rampant corruption is out-of-control.
Transparency International (TI) says "Greek people live in a state of 'corrupt legality,' meaning that the law often condones or even fosters corrupt practices. Corruption is endemic: not limited to any party or social class, nor to the public sector.""The public sector suffers from substantial gaps in both law and practice, thus allowing corruption to thrive. Public officials have been allowed to act for decades without any transparency or effective oversight."
"As a result, lack of integrity, tendency to demand and accept bribes, and unfaithfulness to public service have proliferated. Wrongdoing has eroded the rule of law and facilitated a culture of impunity."
Privileged elites hide wealth in favored tax havens. Doing so explains part of the problem.
Unaccountability lets them get away with what no one should tolerate. It's especially outrageous at a time of economic crisis and appalling human deprivation. Force-feeding more pain exacerbates deplorable conditions.
Last May, dominant parties polled poorly. Voters rejected austerity. Many voted with their feet and opted out. Ordinary Greeks are beset by crushing wage, benefit, and other social cuts.
Impoverishment, homelessness, and unemployment result. Public anger expresses itself in street protests, strikes, and opportunities sought elsewhere.
Some of Greece's best and brightest are leaving. Why stay without job prospects or futures. Other professionals abroad aren't returning.
Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
1
1
1
