Whether we like it or not, the Olympic Games that begin on Friday are a global event. Commercialization, steroids and under-the-table political deals may dominate, but at same time the Games are a spectacular competition with millions of viewers around the globe.
Rio appears to be very far away for the Greek people, just like 2004. Who can remember the fact that despite the fact of Greece being the smallest country to host the Olympics, in spite of the bickering and the conflicts both within and outside the country, it managed to successfully organize the Games? Despite the accusations, real or not, on excessive expenses and scandals, Greece experienced a period of euphoria, optimism and creating exaltation.
All of sudden the Greek people felt that they can achieve the impossible. That climate, of euphoria, unfortunately, was quickly exhausted. We went back to the usual misery, self-destructive obsessions and conflicts. The state mechanism, which operated perfectly for 15 days, went to its usual problems, while the political leadership returned to is usual idleness and favoritism. Any benefits gained from the positive publicity from the Games ware quickly squandered…
Today we are experiencing the result. The Greece of creativity and voluntary participation turned into the Greece of the crisis, misery and depreciation. Rather than take advantage of the positive move that had been create, the incapable leadership decided to adopt the most corrupt practices of the past.
However the message from that period remains. When we want, we can achieve even what is considered impossible. Despite thousands of young people leaving due to the crisis, there are still many creative forces in the country. All that is necessary is to find the leaderships that can inspire and mobilize them…
TO VIMA
