OXI, OXI, OXI. We really didn’t need a referendum to learn that Greeks are proud, stubborn, and love to hold a grudge. However, just what today’s apparent “no” decision means for Greece and the world economy is yet to be revealed. As the story unfolds, I ask that you consider a few things:
1. Greeks are not lazy. Please stop saying that. Those of you who know me, my family, or other Greeks realize it’s quite the contrary. For those of you who don’t, try saying “lazy” in the same sentence with names like Arianna Huffington, George Stephanopoulos, David Sedaris, or Tina Fey. Got it?
2. Angela Merkel and other European negotiators are not Nazis. They are experienced politicians, economists, and bankers who are attempting to come to an agreement. Some of them gracefully admit to being a part of the problem, particularly by enticing Greeks to borrow amounts that were far beyond the nation’s means. (Wounds are slow to heal for many Greeks. The only thing that would be worse than having Germans in control right now would be if they were Turks.)
3. The Greek people will be suffering more and more in the days to come, regardless of what happens. Please hold them in your thoughts, and join me in wishing the best for my family and others in Crete, Athens, and elsewhere in Greece. From beloved elders to precious newborns, they are in my prayers.
4. And, for what it’s worth, this opinionated Greek woman hopes that Tsipras, Varoufakis (I call him Putin, Jr.), and the other posturing clowns will be ousted. The (well-manipulated) OXI vote was about the Greek spirit; it was not an endorsement of Syriza. Greece desperately needs competent, visionary leadership to ride out this storm without completely capsizing. Let’s encourage international leaders to support that option.
1. Greeks are not lazy. Please stop saying that. Those of you who know me, my family, or other Greeks realize it’s quite the contrary. For those of you who don’t, try saying “lazy” in the same sentence with names like Arianna Huffington, George Stephanopoulos, David Sedaris, or Tina Fey. Got it?
2. Angela Merkel and other European negotiators are not Nazis. They are experienced politicians, economists, and bankers who are attempting to come to an agreement. Some of them gracefully admit to being a part of the problem, particularly by enticing Greeks to borrow amounts that were far beyond the nation’s means. (Wounds are slow to heal for many Greeks. The only thing that would be worse than having Germans in control right now would be if they were Turks.)
3. The Greek people will be suffering more and more in the days to come, regardless of what happens. Please hold them in your thoughts, and join me in wishing the best for my family and others in Crete, Athens, and elsewhere in Greece. From beloved elders to precious newborns, they are in my prayers.
4. And, for what it’s worth, this opinionated Greek woman hopes that Tsipras, Varoufakis (I call him Putin, Jr.), and the other posturing clowns will be ousted. The (well-manipulated) OXI vote was about the Greek spirit; it was not an endorsement of Syriza. Greece desperately needs competent, visionary leadership to ride out this storm without completely capsizing. Let’s encourage international leaders to support that option.
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