No Excuses

With the shocking increase of votes for a neo-nazi party in Greece in the local elections, I have been constantly hearing the excuse that 'people are angry; it’s a vote of reaction'.

“It is wise to direct your anger towards problems – not people; to focus your energies on answers – not excuses.” (William Arthur Ward)

There are no excuses anymore. In the information era, one should have by now a very clear idea of who they are voting for.

Practicing our fundamental right to vote means responsibility. And the greater the problems, the greater the responsibility. Even for a vote of 'reaction', we have the responsibility to learn, research, to keep informed and to make a decision that provides answers.

I accept no excuses. If we are responsible citizens, then we focus our energy on finding solutions; on making progress and not excuses. 

The end of hope?

I avoid commenting on politics or writing political posts and status on my facebook profile.

What is happening in my country though, is hard not to influence my thoughts, feelings and actions (writing included).

Aristotle, in his book Politics, wrote that “man by nature is a political animal”. Back in the 4^th century BC to be political involved participation in various political responsibilities, being part of a society and contributing to the good of the whole.

As a political animal all my moments are about the drama that is taking place. Yet, this blog aims to inspire. How can I write something positive when I myself am struggling to stay optimistic about the future of this tiny spot on the map called Greece?

Like most of my fellow countrymen I feel pain. And the pain became bigger, accompanied by the shock of witnessing the atrocities of June 29^th that took place in Athens. I didn’t have to be there; I wasn’t a demonstrator. I chose to be there right at the heart of it all because I refuse to be terrorized by anyone and anything. I was a citizen; a political animal who wanted to show that no-one can infringe my right to move freely in a city even if it is has become a gas chamber.

It was because of all that happened that the next morning, after a sleepless night, still under shock, still angry, depressed and hopeless, I posted on my Facebook status:

"Democracy:

Born 508 B.C. in Athens.

Died 2011 A.D. in Athens."

And then I found this article in the New York Times. For hours the last sentence was stuck in my head “for we are all small powers now, and once again Greece is in the forefront of the fight for the future”. Driving away that night, the words “once again” were my Moment: our past was telling me that we will make it once again. We have done it before, we will do it again. There is hope.