Greeks for McCain? Like Iraqis for Bush

Last Saturday, I listened as esteemed Greek-American Charles Kapetanakis dialed into Aktina-FM to rally support for one of the organizations he chairs - Greeks for McCain. During the hour-long conversation, it became painfully clear that although Mr. Kapetanakis approached the broadcast with good intentions, he failed to bring with him little more than a few key messages available on the Arizona senator's website.

When it comes to an organization entitled "Greek for McCain," one would think that the chairperson would know or at least be able to refer to the candidates position on matters of importance to the Greek community. Would a group of Jewish faithful lobbying for a candidate not know his/her position on Israel? No, that would be considered an insult to collective intelligence.

Although given multiple opportunities, including a direct question from me, the chairman could not indicate the candidate's position on:
- Cyprus
- FYROM
- Turkey's treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarch
- Turkey's claim on oil in the Aegean

The only "key message" he repeated was that McCain stood for a strong war on terror (and that he was appreciate of the use of bases in Crete to fight that war) and for a strong NATO. And this is what is supposed to sway my Greek-American vote? Gimme a break!

As it turns out the show's host could shed a little light, which did not reflect well on the "heroic" candidate. It turns out that Senator McCain has not actively supported a single resolution proposed in Congress on behalf of issues important to many Greek-Americans. His only action on was to sign a single letter delivered to the President's cabinet. He's been in Congress since 1982! And before you point to a recent meeting the candidate had with leaders of the Orthodox church, know that days following this meeting McCain failed to lend his support to the same issues that had been discussed.

For any and every time, we've heard or uttered admiration for the Jews for sticking up for issues important to Israel, NOW is the time to show our strength for Greece.

Knowing that U.S. presidential elections can easily be decided by a few hundred votes in a few key states, now is the time to rally and to finally walk the walk we've been talking about for so long.

There are 3 million of us across the States who are able to impact this election in a way that is meaningful for the topics we hold dear.

Fellow Greeks in Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, California, Colorado and Connecticut.. are you listening?

Let's get out there and make some noise!

Brits Behaving Badly? or Just Pound Foolish?

While August, the month of European summer holidays, is coming to a close, the topic of British tourists behaving badly in the Mediterranean is openly on the table – and amid the pages of the New York Times and the Sun. Now, after a rash of headline-making incidents, local British consular authorities have launched campaigns to curb this “hedonistic hooliganism,” likely because those very consular authorities are taking on the financial burden for British citizens that have to be tended to after getting themselves in hot water.

But has the Mediterranean not always been a sunny getaway? Why now?

Beyond alcohol, economics and social behaviors are also be fueling this binge.

Economically the Brits have the strongest currency to spend. Combine a strong British Pound with a cheap air travel to sunny climates, and you have a volatile combination of young people in a place with significantly less restrictions than they’re used to and only a week or so to enjoy it. Well, the psychology is simple really. The same gluttony that fuels one to gorge at a buffet applies here.

Ultimately, regardless of how pale your skin might be, we all live in a world of entitlement where we’ve come to assume that money, above all else, talks louder. In this world, if I walk in the door with money in my pockets and you as a country or shop have invited me in, then I suddenly become the boss. It no longer matters if I embarrass myself or my friends, that I endanger lives, that I show little to no respect… because I should be regarded as important – I’m the customer. You need my money; you have to take the good with the bad.

Perhaps up to a point – but all good things in moderation as the Greek would say.

Alongside the British consular campaign to curb drinking, British and Greek governments should continue to crack down on tour organizers and establishments where this type of mayhem occurs frequently.

Bars and clubs can be held financially and even criminally responsible if a guest is over served and causes harm to self, others or property.

Consular authorities should not come to the immediate aid of patrons who find themselves arrested due to bar fights or accidents. Nothing like a hangover in prison to sober you up!

Local communities can consider fines for public intoxication or excessive noise. Proceeds should go to subsidize security personnel or special ‘street teams’ for commercial areas to ensure that rules are enforced.

Before you argue that an island getaway should not be a police state, I agree. But it should also not look or smell like the remnants of college frat party.

If that’s the kind of Greek you want, you should go to the other side of the pond.

What an Obama/Biden Ticket Might Mean for Greece and Greek-Americans

At 3 a.m. this morning I received a text message from Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama announcing that he'd chosen Delaware Congressman Joe Biden as his running mate. While all were sleeping under the olive tree when the news hit, I've spent the last few hours mulling it over to fully form an opinion on how this choice may affect a Greek vote for Obama.

So with some research under my belt and understanding of a few of the players' stance on matters up until now, I am actually supportive of the selection, which was not my first reaction rest assured.

While a pessimist might say that politicians should not be trusted for their words (and I would probably agree), I think that actions are a more appropriate litmus to show where preferences and inclinations exist. That's why, while initially agreeable, I am not casting a vote right now, since I'd prefer to really dig deep and understand how all electable parties have voted during the course of their political careers on matters important to me under this Greek olive tree, including FYROM, Cyprus, Aegean drilling rights and the treatment of the Patriarch in Constantinople.

I hope that as Greek-Americans we've learned not to be brand loyal to any party without a more important understanding of how each candidate and party have historically stood by us or preferred to stand for more mainstream ideals.

This video shows an interestingly range of passion and vocabulary used to sway the "Greek vote" earlier in the process, when Biden and Clinton were still in contention for the presidential nod. Interestingly enough, Biden speaks most passionately and least diplomatically for Greek causes, as does Obama, while Clinton seems to straddle the line of political correctness.



For a dash of entertainment, I also found the following "Macedonian" (please note I use quotes mockingly) reaction to the Biden VP news amusing. Perhaps if "Macedonians" see him as a Greek ally, we are on the right track. More so, something to research about McCain's staff!

Greek Children's Fund Sport Auction at Central on Friday, May 9th!

Hope you can make it out to this great sports event!

Even better than the memorabilia? The great cause the proceeds support!

Greek Man Key Whistleblower to Keep Skies Safe

While none of us appreciate the delays or hassle that comes with air travel recently, I am pretty sure we all appreciate efforts put in place to keep us safe.

Now it appears that the regulatory bodies in charge of ensuring air travel safety (FAA) in the United States have been turning a blind eye to airline problems that can put passengers at risk.

Thanks to a group of brave whistle blowers this story is now being addressed in media and in front of Congress. Special efxaristo to Charalmbos "Bobby" Boutris, one of the key voices that brought this topic to the forefront with Southwest's infractions earlier this year.

Although this job and his life are probably far from pleasant right now, Boutris stance against big industry on behalf of the flying public are something we should all be proud of. Bravo Bobby!

Istanbul? Constantinople?

For most people outside the eastern Mediterranean region, referring to Istanbul or Constantinople, conjures foot tapping to the famous "They Might Be Giants" song. Others of us take offense to the lyrics that say only Turks should care what the city is called. Particularly those whose families once lived and thrived in the city only to be forced out in the 1950s and 60s.

Today, March 28th, marks 78 years since the city formerly known as Constantinople to most, officially changed its name to Istanbul. This action was prompted by the newly-established Turkish republic to establish the city as its own entity, effectively aiming to limit connections to the city's historically Greek/Byzantine role.

The irony of it all?

The name Istanbul derives from the Greek "eis tin Poli" or "to the City". Similar to how many Americans refer to New York City as "the City", the same applies to Greeks past and present.

Just like the Pantokratora of the Agia Sophia, the lesson here is you can try to cover up history, but it cannot be erased.

Happy Birthday Istanbul... may we all get to go "eis tin Poli"!

U.S. Democrats Living in Greece Urged to Vote

Americans living abroad now have a way to help decide the 2008 US Presidential Democratic nominee thanks to the first-ever Global Presidential Primary. An open letter addressed to US citizens living in Greece appeared in today's Kathimerini with information about the voting process.

Voting can take place in person, by mail, fax or online.

In person at the Hotel Grande Bretagne - EASIEST!
Friday, February 8th (3-8 p.m.)
Saturday, February 9th (11 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
Bring your current or most recent US passport

By Mail, Fax or Internet
Register TODAY (January 31st) at www.votefromabroad.org
Voting address is the last address for you (or your parents) in the States.
You will receive a voting ballot in the mail

For instructions in Greek, contact John Lewis at 6946.121.241.

Science Behind Athenian Siren

We all know that Greeks age well, but one undying symbol of Hellenic pride has not only managed to grow old gracefully, but also continues to prompt jealous rages between her admirers. Many Greek beauties may come to mind, but I speak of the lady of Athens, the Parthenon.

With her controversial Elgin marbles and new museum, she is a beautiful Greek siren that is enticing from both a cultural and scientific point of view. Today's NY Times featured a PBS documentary that unveiled the level of detail and intricacy involved in erecting the marvel.

For instance, much like other beautiful Greek ladies, the Parthenon...

... is curvy! Despite the famous vertical columns, there’s virtually no straight line to be found.

... is tough to piece together and every part of her is unique! The blocks of marble are not interchangable. Since the lines are not technically straight, every piece is a unique part of jigsaw puzzle.

... is irresistable! And definately a wonder in our books.

NY's Cosmos-FM to Host Kotsiras-Tsaligopoulou Concert in May

2008 is quickly becoming the year of amazing Greek concerts - at least for those near and around the New York metropolitan area.

In addition to the all-star Remos-Rouva tour in March, Cosmos-FM just announced a May concert with Greek vocal powerhouses Yannis Kotsiras and Eleni Tsaligopoulou.

Details are still trickling in, but so far we know:

When: Late May (likely the last week)
Where: Hunter College in NYC

Tickets will be sold in coming months at yet-to-be-determined locations, but you can reserve tickets and get more information now by calling Cosmos-FM at 718/204-8900 (and please tell them you heard it here first!)

Below two of my faves from these stellar artists...

YouTube Solution to Fakelaki Problem

Kathimerini reported today that kickbacks, or the famous "fakelaki", cost Greeks 613 million euros in 2007 . On average, bribes to grease the ridiculous public sector amounted to just over 1,300 euros, while the private sector, such as lawyers and doctors (who should be stripped of their right to practice considering the insult to the "oath") received over 1,500 euros.

While the politicians point fingers for whose at fault (while scurrying to the bank to deposit some money themselves), the reality is that the only way out of this madness is broad scale sting operations to publicly humiliate, fine and even jail offenders. After all, wouldn't it be better to invest over 600 million euros in other ways.... reforestation, public works or employment programs?

Now, since it is likely that many in government (ha! if not all) benefit from this practice, I see the You Tube generation needing to take this into its own hands.

• 1st stop - ALL major TV networks and other media for immediate and frequent airings
• 2nd stop - Greece's treasury dept. to collect fines for the offense (fine should be a multiplier of fakelaki collected to account for amounts received in past 5 years plus taxes that should have been paid on this income).
• 3rd stop - Percentage of fee returned to the sting operative as reward for helping remedy one of the country's most serious ills.
  

After all, if the hand is at risk of being punished, perhaps they'd think twice about putting it in the cookie jar.

Help Save a Little Girl's Life!

Four year old Michaella Tzakas, from Franklin Square, NY, was diagnosed with MDS leukemia 2 months ago. This brave little girl URGENTLY needs a bone marrow transplant.

Since her immediate family is not a match, the family is asking the community to help find a match to save their little girl. Just a quick swab of your mouth and you may be the perfect match!

Two N.Y. area churches are hosting bone marrow testing events to aid the family:

Saturday, January 19th, 2008 - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Paul (Hellenic Room)

110 Cathedral Avenue in Hempstead, NY
516-483-5700

Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 - 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
St. Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church ( School auditorium)
22-30 33rd Street in Astoria, NY
718 728-1718

For more information, please contact the Greek Children's Fund at 718/777-5GCF.

Reflecting on 07 and Thinking about 08

Hello friends - I hope this message finds you well after a happy Christmas and happy and healthy beginning of a wonderful new year!

With some time to decompress from a very busy last few months, I want to take the time to share with you my thoughts, wishes and hopes.

• A great many THANK YOUs to all of you who have supported us here under the olive tree. Not only do I immensely enjoy your company, but I know your support will help me keep writing regardless of how much piles up in life. Efxaristo for the inspiration. This year, I hope you'll share your thoughts and feedback even more!

• 2008 promises to be an important year for many reasons. For those of us sitting under this tree in the States, we are in the midst of an election that will hopefully decide the leader that will bring a smart way to approach the international and domestic scene. My hope is that you'll take time to identify the issues important to you, identify the candidates' stance and vote in the based on fact not fluff. For topics affecting Greek matters, I invite you to discuss your important topics under the olive tree and to engage each other - that's what it's all about.

• My resolution for Under the Olive Tree this year is to work harder to make sure that I bring you topics of interest that spark conversations - both online, in offices, living rooms and cafes. With your support, I am sure we'll have plenty talk about!

Happy new year to all - let's make it memorable!

NY Singers Join Voices for Greece

NYC's most beloved Greek singers join voices to support GREEK AID!

Thursday, November 1st

at Ammos in Astoria

20-30 Steinway Street (next to Central)

for

TAVERNA NIGHT!

Come eat, sing and dance to raise money for those who need our support to rebuild lives in Greece.

$20 donation goes directly to GREEK AID, Inc.

Want to be EXTRA Greek? Trade in some green for colorful carnation trays that you can purchase to shower your fave singers... again, proceeds go to the organization.

Parties of six or more are encouraged to make reservations at 718-726-7900.

OVELIA Restaurant Hosts GREEK AID Dinner

OVELIA is graciously hosting a GREEK AID dinner this Thursday evening to benefit the organization raising money for the fire victims in Greece. The restaurant is also donating to the organization for every person attending the dinner so please make sure to have an appetite for Greek food this Thursday.

You get a delish meal.

GREEK AID gets money from OVELIA.

Money goes to important cause.

Win-win-win.

OVELIA is located in Astoria, NY on the corner of 30th Avenue and 34th Street.

New Acropolis Museum Speaks Loudest in Effort to Bring Elgin Marbles Home

This past Sunday, the New Acropolis museum opened its doors and seems to have melted some ice in the effort to bring the "Elgin" marbles closer to their right place near the Parthenon. The event was marked with a momentous transfer of nearly 4,500 artifacts into the new museum, which was designed to bridge the artifacts on display to their original location.

Naturally, the most notable transfer was the remaining components of the frieze, 60 percent of which remain in the British Museum. Poignantly, it is hard to determine whether the new space's most moving attribute is the space still awaiting the return of the marbles or the design which allows visitors to bask in the same sunlight and see the same surroundings as others standing only 800 feet away at the Parthenon itself.

For me, the resoundingly positive public opinion that is now supporting the Greek efforts is the biggest accomplishment. Contrary to simplistic demands and statements of years past, many, including British media, now contribute clever diplomacy and sheer demonstration of capability as the variables that prove that the marbles belong in Greece.

Well done fellow Greeks!

Once again, we prove that our actions have the potential to silence critics. Let's take this learning to heart.

CENTRAL Hosts GREEK AID Fundraiser

GREEK AID 07 Kicks Off with Great Success

With a crowd well over 200, yesterday's inaugural GREEK AID event was a tremendous success.

Thanks to the efforts of many – organizers, community allies and attendees - we were able to reach many in our effort to support those affected by the devastating fires in Greece. This success will be our foundation for the great efforts to come to raise awareness and funds to support Greeks in need.

The entire GREEK AID organization is thrilled at the turn out and at how warmly it was embraced. In fact, a number of GREEK AID events will be unveiled in the coming weeks to continue the momentum thanks to our gracious partners.


Again, a great many thanks to everybody that contributed to the success!

Below is a glimpse of the energy of GREEK AID.

We hope that you will join us, either in person or in spirit, as this energy spreads for this good cause.

GREEK AID 07 in NY for Greek Fire Victims THIS SUNDAY

I admit to having a one-track mind of late considering the devastation that hit our homeland. So much so that I am now part of a group named GREEK AID, a non-for-profit organization founded in the shadow of these fires to help fire victims and other Greeks who need support.

Come join us THIS SUNDAY at 5 p.m., September 23rd in Athens Square in Astoria, Queens where we will rally to show our support for the fire victims.

In addition to local dance groups, we are honored to announce the following who will be attending and showing their support:

- Peter F. Vallone Jr., City Council Member

- Gus Karalekas, World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE)

- James Kalamaras, VP Hellenic Federation of NY

- Eleni Gage, Journalist and author of 'North of Ithaka'

As of today, we know that Assemblyman Michael Gianaris will try to attend.

Following the rally, a number of local businesses have opened their doors to allow GREEK AID to collect donations. Please stop by to support them (and GREEK AID) for their contribution. They include:

• Central 8:30 to 10 p.m.
• Island 8:30 to 10 p.m.
• Cavo 8:30 to 10 p.m.
• Oneiro 9 to 11 p.m.
• Platos 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Caprice 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Many thanks to Daily Frappe, who promoted the rally and will be with us in spirit!

GREEK AID is a non-for-profit organization whose mission is to raise money to aid Greeks affected by natural disasters and those needing assistance due to serious medical conditions. Once raised, GREEK AID aims to deliver the maximum support to those in need by securing the method of delivery with the least administrative cost.

Save the Date for GREEK AID's Fire Relief Rally

With more details to come, please set aside Sunday, September 23rd on your calendars to join GREEK AID in the first of many efforts to support Greeks affected by natural disasters and serious health conditions.

The organization's first rally will raise money for the victims of the recent fires in Greece.

WHAT:
GREEK AID '07 Featuring music, performances and guest speakers

WHEN:
Sunday, September 23rd; 5 - 8 p.m.

WHERE:
Athens Square in Astoria, NY (30th Avenue and 30th Street)

WHO:
Everybody! Bring family and friends!
Together we can make a difference!

GREEK AID is seeking contributions for a celebrity auction to be hosted on eBay following the rally. If you know somebody or some way to get items that might raise money, please contact greekaid@gmail.com.

Hope for Un-Sexy Solutions After the Ashes

As an 'Under the Olive Tree' first, I am happy to share with you a guest blogger's insights on the recent happenings in Greece. Many thanks to Professor Andrew Livanis for his contribution to this discussion and look forward to this being the first of many contributions from him and you.

This past Wednesday (8/29/07), in Athens, thousands of people gathered outside the parliament buildings in protest of the government's slow and inadequate response to the fires.

Their protest was interesting in that it was silent, and there were no chants, protest songs, or angry mobs.

Participating in a protest is a sexy process. You’re not required to really do much besides follow whatever the crowds say and do. And, you’re given the illusion, as a participant, that you are actually doing something. But these days, protesting affects little in the way of policy. It’s a great photo-op opportunity. Many view it as a cathartic exercise. I think it’s silly.

(Before I continue, I should make a disclaimer to the disclaimer. I am not a member of any political party in Greece, nor do I hope for any particular party to come up as a victor in the next elections).

This protest was interesting for two respects. First, it was silent: while there were no screams of anger; there were no solutions preferred. Secondly, and most importantly, it protested the lack of a response on the government’s part, but failed to attack the government’s lack of a concerted prevention effort.

Some half-hearted prevention measures were put into place last year (2006), when a forest fire came close to burning down the home of the prime minister, Costas Karamanlis. The event prompted Karamanlis to promise strict measures to dissuade developers from building on land cleared by the blaze; satellite photos and spy planes, for example, would be taken at regular intervals to help enforce Greece’s law banning construction in forest areas.

However, there is no centralized plan to protect Greece’s economic/ecological interests. Notice that I used the slash to separate the two terms – that was done to indicate that they are interchangeable. In the United States, we seem to consider the two quite separate, but in Greece they are one and the same.

Many of the agricultural products that come from Greece are highly dependant on the ecological health of the countryside. And, tourism is largely based on the ecological beauty of the mountains, trees, soil, and water. So, in Greece: ecology à economy – it’s really a simple equation.

The crowds should have asked for some real changes. For example, Greece still lacks a land registry covering the whole country. While the EU has developed programs to rectify this situation, the program in Greece is moving quite slowly. This is important since having a comprehensive land registry would make it more difficult to have burned land reclassified as farmland, which can then be sold for development. Increasing this program could offer job opportunities to hundreds of Greeks throughout the country.

The civil defense department lacks a fire prevention strategy, which could lessen the impact of future fires. In other places prone to burning (i.e., Spain and Portugal) people clear undergrowth from their local forests during the winter and bulldoze firebreaks around villages. In summer round-the-clock fire-watches are maintained. This means more jobs for more Greeks, and the potential for fewer forest fires.

Greeks as a nation also are quite averse to purchasing insurance policies on their homes or land. Laws passed by parliament mandating insurance policies could potentially mitigate the economic impact of such forest fires to people in the future.

In times of anger and outrage, it is easy to simply express these emotions without any examination for change. Let’s hope that Greece as a country will not take the sexy route.