This week we will continue our study of ancient Greece. The assignment will take us away from ancient history, however, and cover current events in Greece, giving us the opportunity to become familiar with modern news sources. You should remember that the media, while providing our primary source of information about the world around us, is made up of people just like any of the rest of us - usually having beliefs and causes we'd like others to follow as well. You should read every article with the question in mind: "What is the author's argument (point) and should I agree?" For instance, research has shown that members of the modern US media tend to be somewhat more liberal than the rest of the US population, and often those liberal beliefs are subtly reflected in their writing. Rember, there is no law against having an opinion, and the media is under no obligation to refrain from trying to influence you. It is up to you to read carefully and apply the lessons of critical thinking before you form your own opinions.
Go to the link http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1987368,00.html and read the recent Time Magazine article dealing with current events in Greece. After reading the article search the web for other quality news sources that discuss these events. In your essay, summarize the events of the article and state your opinion as to why these events are happening. Answer the question: Could this happen in the US? Why or why not?
Some of you have fallen behind in your homework. Remember that this will have a detrimental impact on your grade! For those of you who have stayed on top of your assignments, congratulations on your efforts and learning to manage your time successfully. Have a good week!
Mount Olympus. Mythes of gods and godessess. Ancient ruins. Riots. Deaths. Bankrupcy.
ReplyDeleteWhat do these things all have in common? All are found in Greece. Whenever you think of Greece, you mostly think of the mythology, the scenery, or the ancient ruins. But all that is ancient history. Today's Greece is more violent then it was back then.
On Wednesday, May 5, 2010, three innocent people died in a bank as they worked. These three were basically murdered by the rioters who were protesting desisions that the goverment had made money wise. The rioters set fire to the bank and then would not let the emergancy vehicles in to stop the flames. Perhaps if they had let the fire trucks, ambluances, and police through, the three victims would still be alive today. Different people who were there that day the three bank workers died all said that it was a horrible mistake. They are upset that anyone, especially innocents, died.
The cause of hte riot that day was about money and debt and the like. Could something like this happen in America today? Of course it can and most likely will if things keep going the way it is now. Greece has debt, so does America. Greece had riots, it's only a matter of time till America does too. America is heading down a bad road. We as a country have forgotten God, morals, and a sence of right and wrong. We are in bad debt, we have dug a hole that we will not be able to get out easily or without help. It is only a matter of time till the riots of Greece are the riots of America. That is what I believe.
Works cited: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1987368,00.html
and
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article7117589.ece
Visited on: September 20, 2010
I write this week about Greece’s Economy. I think everybody knows that Greece is in a big crisis, because I think that was or is in all newspapers. I think that is probably the worst financial crisis of the Greek, what they ever had. The Greek economy is uncompetitive and Greece debts of around € 300 billion have accumulated. Which means that is bigger than the country's economy, with some estimates predicting it will reach 120 percent of gross domestic product in 2010. That is not to imagine!! Probably for Greece that is not possible to come out of the crisis by itself. But Europe collect already 110 billion € to help Greece. The help-package contains € 80 from monetary union and 22.4 billion from Germany. This means Germany will be the main contributor, followed by France. To reduce the debts, the government has ordered more taxes to demand and pay less salary. I think this could happen in America because if the fall in stock exchange shares very deep, which is almost a financial crisis. I think 2008 was the second big and deep financial crisis in the history. Lots of people bid, buy and sell every time in the exchange (big exchange: Wall Street) shares.
ReplyDeleteWorks cited: http://www.cnn.com/2010/BUSINESS/02/10/greek.debt.qanda/index.html
http://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/dossiergriechenland100.html
read on September 20, 2010
€ 80 mean € 80 billion. Im sorry :D...
ReplyDeleteToday in modern Greece much is going on. The leaders are trying to make changes to better impact their environment. For better health they have decided to no longer allow so much public smoking. However, when it comes to their bank stress they arent doing so good. Some of Greece's financial situation happened affecting Greece directly and some indirectly. To focus a little more on the possitive current status in Greece, they have raised 1.17 billion euro in a debt sale. That must have been very exciting for Greece.
ReplyDeleteAs I said, currently Greece is once again taking legal action to end its tobacco problems. I bet many people are wondering, "Will it work this time?" This ban for no public smoking went into effect on September 1st of this year. People who violate this new law have to pay a fine of 50-500 euros. The health minister there gave a one month period of time which they would not face punishment for breaking the law, but only one month.
The Greeks bank stress was delayed to avoid EU (European Union) overlap. This bank stress was put off by a month to give Athens time to gauge success of its latest effort to win investors in Europe's capital markets. After the bank stress test was taken only seven European banks failed a health check. I think thats a pretty good outcome considering that included all of Europe.
Lastly, how did Greece raise 1.17 billion euros (1.5 billion dollars)?? They accomplished this in an oversubscribed six month treasury bill sale. In the last six month treasury bill (a bond), Greece raised 1.6 billion euros. They did this by offering a uniform yield of 4.65 percent.
Well I believe that some of these events could possibly happen in the U.S. Such as the smoking ban. Yes, it would be extremely hard to make everyone follow smoking law. To be realistic, I think it would be impossible unless our government and leaders became very serious about our environment and making it a more healthy place. If this kind of law were to happen in the U.S. it would definitly have to be strictly enforced. Now as for our financial debt, I doubt that its going to change for the better, anytime soon. If it does change soon we are so much in debt that it will take forever to become a debt free nation.
http://newsfeed.time.com/2010/09/01/greeces-new-smoking-ban-will-citizens-listen-this-time
/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50369620100724
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/eu_greece_financial_crisis
Mount Olympus. Mythes of gods and godessess. Ancient ruins. Riots. Deaths. Bankrupcy.
ReplyDeleteWhat do these things all have in common? All are found in Greece. Whenever you think of Greece, you mostly think of the mythology, the scenery, or the ancient ruins. But all that is ancient history. Today's Greece is more violent then it was back then.
On Wednesday, May 5, 2010, three innocent people died in a bank as they worked. These three were basically murdered by the rioters who were protesting desisions that the goverment had made money wise. The rioters set fire to the bank and then would not let the emergancy vehicles in to stop the flames. Perhaps if they had let the fire trucks, ambluances, and police through, the three victims would still be alive today. Different people who were there that day the three bank workers died all said that it was a horrible mistake. They are upset that anyone, especially innocents, died.
The cause of hte riot that day was about money and debt and the like. Could something like this happen in America today? Of course it can and most likely will if things keep going the way it is now. Greece has debt, so does America. Greece had riots, it's only a matter of time till America does too. America is heading down a bad road. We as a country have forgotten God, morals, and a sence of right and wrong. We are in bad debt, we have dug a hole that we will not be able to get out easily or without help. It is only a matter of time till the riots of Greece are the riots of America. That is what I believe.
Their is alot goin on in Greece at this time. How ever alot of it seems to be in the political culture of Greece. Their is alot of ritual protest violence. A good example of that is what took place on the streets of Greece last Wednesday (that was on a much bigger scale than befor). Im sure it went much much further than people exspected. Three bank workers were killed in the chaos, trapped in a burning building that had been firebombed by rioters. Greek officials say the crowd prevented emergency vehicles from reaching them in time. Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou said , defending his activation of the onehundred-forty-five billion bailout from the E.U. and the International Monetary Fund. "The other option was failure : bankruptcy of the country. And bankruptcy would not touch the lives of the rich, only the working class, the pensioners who are already suffering. This scenario was very real and very very frightening." I do belive that the U.S. could get into a situation like this. So many americans dont think about what the outcome of somthing that they do will be, they just act and then realize once its to late what their actions have caused them. We are in so much dept alot of america is in panic mode. I dont belive its going to be solved any time soon. And if it is it will take us many many years to get back to wear we once were.
ReplyDeleteAlexandria Grace I really really like your essay. I agree with you on just about everything. Definatly the part wear you said you think it would be impossible for a smoking law to work in the U.S. unless out government got really serious about our enviorment and making it a more healthy place. And i really agree with the part wear you said how you doubted that our financial debt would change for the better anytime soon. All in all your essay was really good. Good job!
ReplyDeletegreece today...
ReplyDeleteafter reading the articls on greece i realised that the people of greece are in an almost un imaginable state of crisis. And i think about how tramatic something like this must be. although similar attacks happen everyday in america as they do in greece there is a differance all the same... in america even though we are trillions of dollars in debt we still have a stronger govermental system. we as americans have many more freedoms that allow us to handle a falling econemy better. it upsets me though that if our govermental officials dont start taking serious actions to prevent our economical decline we will be rowing in the same boat as greece. the riots are getting outrages and they are taking more lives then ever imaginable the people of greece truly need to be steadfast in prayer. i dont know much about the religions in greece but my prayer for them is that they grow in wisdom and understanding. anyways i have said all of this to say... i am thankful for our freedoms but the choices our goverment is making are really becoming discouraging. it has taking 1 man a lil over a year to destroy a country that it has taken decades to build.
megan
ReplyDeletei really enjoyed your essay you and like you i do strongly believe that the US could be in this same situation there is no doubt in my mind. and with the way we are in a downward spiral already it wont be long til we totally go under. i noticed we both mentioned the riots that are accuring in greece and it makes me sad for the people of that country that they have to live in fear every day. anyways you did a really good job and i enjoyed reading your essay.
alex
ReplyDeletei read your essay and i was very shocked i had no clue about the no smoking law in greece. the law does shock me but it equally humors me when i think about how our country would handle such a law. i dont think it would ever go over. but i completely agree with everything you had to say. you did an out standing job on your essay and i rele liked it. :)
/http://in.reuters.com/article
ReplyDeletehttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/eu_greece_financial_crisis
jess_megs15,
ReplyDeleteGreat, great essay!! I agree completly with what you said!! Although I must add one thing, if America keeps going the way it is going right now, we won't have a strong goverment or many freedoms for long. It's a sad truth, and one that will hopefully never come true. Your prayer for wisdom and understanding is so good and so true, not only for Greece, but for everyone. Good essay!!
Situation in Greece
ReplyDeleteThe author from this article tells us about all the violent in Greece. And that the government tried to avoid these kind of violent in the country. The author makes a lot of examples to show how bad the situation at the moment is. She thinks that it is the fault of the government.
The big problem they have with their money is not easy to solve. The government has to do the right decision, which is really not easy. Many people already lost their jobs from one day to the other. And teachers, municioal workers, pensioners and members of the military have taken to the streets in recent day, protesting pay cuts and increased taxes.
I think that the author wants to tell us, that she things the government is responsible for all the things, which happen in Greece.
My opinion about that is, that all the money problems, in this country, were known before they occurred in the EU. They knew that they were not qualify to join the EU, but the EU didn't see that at the moment (which I really can't understand) and so they let them become a part of this organisation.
But now, where they have this big problems with their money (EURO) all of the EU members are affected. And that is really bad!
I mean every state or country has monetary liabilities but to owe a country like Greece, is really not as easy as it seems.It really takes several years to loose that much money.
But if that would happen, I really think the violent would be the same than in Greece now. Casue I'm sure the people would be mad and upset about the situation like they are.
(295 words)
(http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1987368,00.html)
article Will violent protests imperil reform in Greece?
by Nicole Itano and George Mesthos/Athens
(Times)
In May of this year the country of Greece went through and is still going through great economic trouble. From what I gathered from the article the unrest started when the country tried to switch to the Euro. In doing this the country faked some of its books. The country has admitted that they dud this and that is why the world lost faith in the Greek economy. Because of the economic problems the Greek people became angry with the government. Another thing that I gathered from the article was that violent protest is a part of the Greek political system. The protests took an ugly turn for the worst on May fifth 2010. On this day three bank workers were killed in the violence.
ReplyDeleteI think that these events happened because of the Violent nature of the protesters in Greece. I think that to the Greek people they were just doing what they always do when they are upset with what the government is doing. This was just an instance where it got out of hand.
Now onto the last question. Do I think that this could happen in the United States today. I do not think that the violent protests could happen in the states but I do think that the economic problems could. The reason that I do not think that the violent protests could happen is because it is not the nature of the American people to act that strongly over what they believe. Now for the reason that I think the economic problems could happen. I believe that this could happen because the United States is already in as much debt as the county of Greece.
Camden,
ReplyDeleteGood essay, but I disagree completley with what you put about the violent protests not happening here in the United States. Violent protests are already apart of America's history. The riots during the Civil Rights Movement, the Boston Tea Party, the American Revalution? Do you not consider those riots? Sure, the Revolution was a war, but it started as a riot. The Civil Rights Movement. During those years many people died. Perhaps you remember a video the Freshmen were shown while watching "To Kill a Mockingbird" of that man being killed with a brick while driving a truck. Those were most definantly riots.
"It is not the nature of the American people to act that strongly over what they believe." I disagree COMPLETLY with that statement!! Ever heard of a thing called the American Civil War? Yes, it was a War, but it was a war between Americans. For Americans to fight Americans surely they must have acted on what they strongly believed in. It is not the American way to just sit down and take something. No, Americans fight. Americans stand up for what they believe in.
You have a good essay, Camden, but I still strongly disagree with your last paragraph.
I wonder what those people were thinking when they firebombed that bank in Greece. If they knew one of the women the killed was expecting. Firemen said their lives could have been saved by just a few minutes. Wow. That crazy to think about. The riots are unbelievable. All this trouble because the government is in the bailout process and is trying to cut cost and so on. People don’t agree so there rebelling. Maybe Greece should just try and pay off their debt with the money they do have and then just start fresh. This could definitely happen to America. There’s no question in my mind. They difference between the U.S. and Greece is that America has a stronger government and even though we are in a recession we are handling better. Greece is just going all crazy. America is kind of going crazy in a way but not like Greece. When I say there crazy, I’m saying there going crazy because there killing people because there mad and they may not even know these people. We are just putting money we don’t have into war and different types of care and whatever else the government think is necessary when it’s not. Its nuts to think that this has happened and there’s nothing we can do about it. The only person who can do something is the government up in Washington.
ReplyDeleteSites
From the UK Daily Mail. (H/T Verum Serum)
http://winteryknight.wordpress.com/2010/05/06/how-bad-is-the-situation-in-greece/
Gary D. Barnett is president of Barnett Financial Services, Inc., in Lewistown, Montana.
http://my.auburnjournal.com/detail/150020.html
viewed on 9/22/10
5 May, 2010, riots broke out in Athens, Greece. These violent rioters took the lives of
ReplyDeletethree innocent people. These people were working in a bank which was set aflame, and due to the massive amount of people blocking the streets and all the chaos (which blocked the rescue vehicles) the building continued to burn and unfortunately as i said before three innocent lives were lost. These riots caused so much damage and if someone was to walk up to me and ask if this could happen in America: i would say yes.
I believe this could happen almost anywhere, the way the economy is going in America, i would say angry people could cause a lot of damage. There is many people in this country that could and would stand up for their beliefs, but hopefully it would not be like it was on 5 May, 2010 in Greece. We have many restrictions on protesting and things of that sort that it would be very difficult to do something like have a riot on has big of a scale as Greece did. There would have to be many, many angry people and the air would have to be full of chaos to have the same kind of riot. Over all i do believe that money problems happens everywhere and that it could happen here, there, and anywhere if it got bad enough. I hope and pray God will keep this wonderful country i call home in His faithful hands, and help us keep our heads if a situation was to occur as it has in Greece.
Camden, I have to agree with Elizabeth on this one. The statement that you said: "It is not the nature of the American people to act that strongly over what they believe." is waaayyy off, no offence. If you push any human being enough they will start to fight back. Maybe not like that, but in some way, shape, or form. Again, as Elizabeth mentioned all the riots in our history i can see that happening now. I don't believe that the American people have changed so much that we can't stand up and fight for our rights. You wrote a good essay, but i just can't agree with you on that...
ReplyDeleteAlex, i also had no clue about the No Smoking law in Greece. I can just imagine all the angry American's if a law like that was passed. There would probably be a riot just as bad as in Greece if not worst for just a law like that. I know a few people myself who would have very, very sour attitudes about that. Hahaha. Great essay. :D
ReplyDeleteGreece has always been known for their mythology, their brutal gods, and their violence. To this day, violence is still a part of their government. This is probably because dealing with political issues this way is all they’ve ever known.
ReplyDeleteOn May 5, 2010, three bank workers were killed during a riot over economic choices the government had made. After the rioters firebombed the building, they blocked the emergency vehicles from getting to those three people on time. The citizens’ dissatisfaction with the government led to the death of three people. Those people probably had families waiting for them at home, friends who cared about them. I think anger and fear of losing their jobs and homes was what motivated the Greeks to act in such a manner. From what I gather by reading the article, their riot didn’t do much good anyway.
I believe a riot such as this is very likely in our country. Why? All of us are fearful of something whether it be a spider or living on the streets. Americans have strayed from God and chosen to drown out the sound of any moral values. As a result of this, our America’s greed has taken over which has put us in a very difficult economic situation. We are billions of dollars in debt. It’s a scary thought. Why wouldn’t we riot?
Some say we lack the courage to stand up for what’s right. Some say even if we did start a riot it wouldn’t do any good.
Here’s how I see it. We don’t need to start a riot. We need Jesus. We need people in our country to be spiritual leaders. I’m not just referring to people involved in the government. High schools, parents, grandparents: we should all be spiritual leaders. Not discouraging one another, but building each other up and pointing each other to the Lord. If America could turn their face to God instead of to money, no one would be afraid. Why would we need to start riots?
I am going to write about The Greece's indebted government ,usually Politics of Greece takes place in a large PRDR (parliamentary representative democratic republic), by the Prime Minister of Greece .Its both the government and the Hellenic Parliament,dominated by the liberal-conservative New Democracy and the social-democratic Panhellenic Socialist Movement . The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.They described Greece as a "presidential parliamentary republic", includes extensive specific guarantees of civil liberties and vests the powers of the head of state . The Greek governmental structure is similar to that found in many Western democracies, and has been described as a compromise between the French and German models. The prime minister and cabinet play the central role in the political process, while the president performs some executive and legislative functions in addition to ceremonial duties. Voting in Greece is compulsory but is not enforced. The currents event that I interested in is about the international community's faith in Greece's indebted government. Papandreou has persuaded European nations and the IMF to come to his nation's aid — though at a high price for the Greek people, . But markets remain unconvinced about the country's long-term future, and there will be greater doubt now about whether the government can push through promised reforms in the face of such public anger. The government plans to bring legislation authorizing the austerity program — which includes cuts to civil service pay, higher taxes and sweeping reforms to pensions and labor laws — to a vote in Parliament on Thursday. Now that vote will take place in the shadow of the violence of the previous day.
ReplyDeleteI think the community maybe don’t understand or unreasonable for the occurred that the government have indepted . And I don’t think that people want their government to change something includes cuts to civil service pay, higher taxes and sweeping reforms to pensions and labor laws
This year, Greece has faced many serious problems, which have greatly affected the Greek people and their governmental situation. This has happened because Greece has fallen into what Time Magazine has referred to as one of the most severe crisis in Greek history. The article states that violence, due to economic collapse, is now part of everyday life in the country. In May, three bank workers died when angry citizens set the building on fire and prevented assistance from police and fire fighters. Unsatisfied with the performance of the government, protesters tried to storm parliament. Even though the protests have calmed, there is still a discontented feeling in the country.
ReplyDeleteIn a current article commenting on the speech given on September 22, 2010, Greek Prime Minister Papandreou expressed his thoughts on the recent events. He stated that it is an unprecedented opportunity to invest in the Greece economy. His viewpoint is quite opposite the viewpoints stated in many other recent articles about the current events in Greece.
In my opinion it is very important to know the thoughts of both parties, so you are able to create your own point of view on the subject. Otherwise, you probably don’t know the absolute truth about an issue because the media always exaggerates and twists the truth to their own purposes, so as to influence you.
Yes, unfortunately it would be possible for the United States to become like Greece and experience the same situation. Due to the fact that President Barack Obama is borrowing excessive amounts of money from China and other countries, many feel that he is overextending the financial commitments of America. The country may soon fall into a situation where it is unable to repay its debt.
Works cited:
http://www.greeknewsonline.com/?p=13472
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1987368,00.html
The Time article "Will Violent Protests Imperil Reform in Greece" was an interesting study in political character. Not only is the international community not trusting of the Greek government but their very own population as well.
ReplyDeleteThe best plan for government officials is that they humble themselves and become transparent.
If they themselves can become servants of the people and make great sacrifices, the people will have something to look up to.
This is not a problem that happened overnight.
This is a complex problem that will only be solved with honesty and continued perseverance.
"This is where uncontrolled violence leads, and this is where political irresponsibility takes us" is a scary thought.
I so think it takes two sides to co-operate. Collecting tax revenues in Greece is a challenge because people have long evaded income tax. Sacrifice can never be just one sided in politics or you have a political problem.
Could this exact problem happen in America? Our Government is set up differently. I could see it happening in a large city government or small town government. I could see the protest, killing and demonstrations, but for different reasons. The Bible says "take heed, less you fall." If we get an attitude that we are above this taking place in America. Watch out!
source cite:Search Time.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCamden: Thanks for explaining about the Greek economic crisis in such an easy way.I'm like you, I think Greek people tend to protest in a very emotionally demonstrative way. Many cultures are like that. I do believe that we can act strongly as a nation. I only think it's when we realize how serious the problem is. I think any time government officials try to "fix the books" it really gets them in trouble. Eventually someone tells.
ReplyDeleteStella: Thank you for sharing your idea about knowing the thoughts of both parties or understand both sides. I think the Greek president is in a very difficult position.
Greece has had to deal with natural disasters as well as money disasters. I'm sure he has inherited a lot of these problems. I am concern about the spin he is putting on the matter. I agree with you on our economy.With President Barack Obama borrowing from China and other countries, how does he think we will pay it.
Greece's economy has came down to the lowest, and led to many riots against the government. Although Greece has violence in it's everyday life, these riots were much much worse. 3 banktellers died, buildings were being burnt, and firebombs were being set by the rioters. All over money. Jobs are being lost by people all over, because the economy is so terrible in Greece. Even more cuts are being made to the state spending, making it harder for the people.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading the article "Will Violent Protest Imperil Reinform in Greece?" actually made me think on my opinion. Part of me says Yes, this could happen in the US, and the other part says no. I think this could happen in the US because our government is borrowing money from China, and we don't have the money to pay it back. In time, China will stop giving us money, and what will happen from there. American citizens will be where Greek citizens are now, angry with government.
I don't think this would happen in the US, because our government has always been able to find a way to help their citizens. But, looking at it, we've always had help, and other countries are eventually going to stop helping. Americans have always been overall happy, and able to get along. I just don't see us coming to all the violence like Greece, when in reality it could very well happen. I understand where the Greeks are coming from with anger, their government never took the time in helping like the American government. So, that leads to the people of Greece hating it's goverment and wanting to get rid of it, and getting someone who helps, and actually leads.
today in Greece a lot of things are happening. The other day rioters protested and even threw cocktails in to buildings. In one of the buildings three bankers were even killed in the chaos, trapped in one of the burning buildings that the rioters firebombed. Greece's economy is bad a as well, they have recently almost went bankrupt as a nation, but they had a bailout by the E. U. and the International monetary fund. The thought of the country going bankrupt frightened many of the working people for it would have put them out of a job but would not affect the wealthy. Greece is also taking legal action to help stop its tobacco troubles. There is now a 500 euro fine for smoking on its convicted offenders. The only problem was few were willing to listen to the new law, and others were finding loopholes around it, such as going in a cab just to smoke a cigarette. The reports say that all indoor spaces will have a fine from 50-500 euros for individual offenders. Businesses ignoring the law can go from 500-10000 euros. the decision was made because Greece was the most nicotine needy country in Europe. I think this could happen in the us because we already have some smoking laws.
ReplyDeleteI like this assignment. I like knowing whats going on and this was a great opportunity to find out. I think many of us don't really know enough about what is going on in this world and even America.
ReplyDeleteBack in May Greece's economy recieved a $110,000 bail out now it is in a huge amount of debt. Everyone should know what debt is by this time in their life. Debt is definitely not a good thing. Right now the economy of Greece is very poor. They are in serious debt and their economy is rapidly growing weaker.
The government is trying to find ways to fix this but it only seems to be getting worse at this point. They have been trying different things and its not really working and the people of Greece are really discouraged and becoming quite annoyed. Seventy percent of the people believe that the government's current policies wont really do anything for economic growth. At this point the government has plans to cut pays, increase taxes and major reform to pension and labor laws.
When the people caught wind of what the government was doing they became furious. On Wednesday September, twenty-second the people gathered on the steets of Athens in violent protest. There were about thirty-thousand estimated protesters and three people were killed during this protest. The people are obviously angry and really discouraged with whats going on.
This is happening obviously because of debt and the failure to handle things properly. The government may be trying to fix things but according to the people its not working people are discouraged and angry and the economy isn't getting any better. There isn't really an easy way to fix these things and everyway you look at it may seem like its not going to work or it may ake things worse. They just have to be smarter in their making decisions and make them according to what is good for the people and the economy not just one or the other because ultimately they will effect eachother.
This probably could happen in America. It could happen anywhere. We are in a heap of debt and There is no easy way out of it. Our government is strong here though and I do think it is less likely to happen but it isn't totally out of the question. With the debt we are in now and the hards times people are going through I wouldn't put it past them to freak out. You never know. I really don't think we are above violent protests though.
In the Time articles, they first talk about the violence because of the financial crisis. The author of this article wants to make us think that the Greek are very violent and we can see it like this too when we read : "Ritual protest violence is part of the political culture in Greece [...] Three bank workers died in the chaos, trapped in a burning building that had been firebombed by rioters." The author also reminds us of the gods and goddesses in mythology. There were extremly violent for anything that didn' t please them.
ReplyDeleteThe mood in greece has been shifting since May 2nd. The gouvernement announced that a deal had been sruck with the IMF and euro-zone parterns and that it would include deeper cuts to state spending. So the Greek government has reduct the pay and increased taxes, this is the reason why the teachers, municipal workers, pensioners ans members of the military have protested. There economy is falling down.
This could happen to the USA if the economy changes and if to much money is spend on things that don' t need to are will be to much for the population to pay off. They also adopted euro who must of been a big change.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1987368,00.html
In Greece protests are a big part of the culture. However what recently happened in one of these “protests” was way too far. Three dead. That’s what came of it. Those three were all bank workers who were trapped inside a burning building that had been firebombed by the people taking part in a riot. The officials say that the crowd prevented emergency vehicles from reaching these three in time. Maybe the deaths of three innocent people would have been permitted if the rioters would have cleared a path for the emergency vehicles instead of keeping them back.
ReplyDeleteThis particular riot was caused because of money and debt. Just because of that three INNOCENT people died that day. I believe a riot just like this one can and will happen very very soon. America just like Greece has a lot of debt. That’s what caused this riot. So yeah logically I can see it happening here in America as well. Most Americans nowadays hardly know right from wrong. They are all addicted to God knows what kind of drugs, and are putting all of their personal money to feed that addiction. Eventually these people will run out of money to feed it and will resort to violence to obtain the money to get their fix. This is just one way that America can fall into these things and there are many many more out there.
Private Elijah,
ReplyDeleteJust like you said, when I think of Greece the first thing that pops in my head is Greek mythology. I had no clue how violent modern Greece was compared to ancient Greece until this assignment. You did a very good job telling about the riot situation. I agree very much so that the same thing could very possible happen in the US. We are in a bad financial state. Great job!!
Elena,
ReplyDeleteYour report was very well written and interesting. I think it's horrible that their economy is falling down and that they had to increase taxes when taxes are already bad enough and that they had to reduct pay. This could definitly happen in the US. I thought it was interesting how you said that they were extremely violent for anything that didn't please them. That goes to show you how many people are messed up and willing to risk peoples lives just to please themselves. That's truely what's wrong with our world today. Well, great job!!
WiLLi Nowak
ReplyDeleteMy Essay is about the financial crisis in Greece. A few months ago, in May 2010, in Europe was a big discussion about Greece. The question was: Should every Euro-Country, specially Germany, help Greece to make OUR €uro better or not. I was shocked because i didnt knew before that a country could have so much economic problems that the people started becoming crazy. They did many many things wrong in Greece. For example they faked their own books, so it looked liked they´ve more money.
Than they asked all the other countries for getting money. When I heard that the first time, I was a bit angry because it´s not our bad that they lost so much money. But then I thought, what would the other countries do if my country, Germany would have the same problems. I thought every body should always get a second chance. And I thought we´re all in the same boat, that means it would be bad for everybody in the EURO-COUNTRIES if the Euro would crash. So i think it was good that we helped them.
This week I will be writing my weekly essay on the violent Greek riots. The violent riot of Greece have started fairly recent or since the country has had to be declared as bankrupt. The recent riots resulted in many buildings being burned down and three fatalities. The rescue vehicles could not reach the buildings in time to save the three burning employees because of the giant groups of protesters surrounding the buildings. The Prime minister of Greece said this; “this is where uncontrolled violence leads, and this is where political irresponsibility takes us.” I do believe it is very possible that America could end up in this kind of trouble. I believe this way because we do have such a financial problem in debt, so big in fact that we will never be able to repay all of it. I believe we could end up bankrupt with the slightest financial devastation. Then because of all of our sin nature we would build up anger toward the banks, which has already started to occur, and thrash out at those who in our eyes are the problem and try to fix our problem thus ending up like the angry protesters in Greece.
ReplyDeleteDear Morgan,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your interesting essay on modern day Greece and their breaking news. I think it is so sad that the economy has gotten this bad, but I also believe that they had to make bad decisions for it to reach the point that their economy is now. Like I said in my essay, I believe that debt is the main reason for all the protesting in Greece and even though they are so far from us we all have some of the hard struggles to face.
-Gagalicious
Dear private Elijah,
ReplyDeleteI was very impressed with the essay you wrote this week. I thought the hook was fantastic, that is one of the main reasons I’m commented because it hooked me. I do agree that when I used to think of Greece I thought about all the Greek gods and goddesses, but after reading your essay and the report on the website I saw a people group that let a bad economy take over their lives until the murders of the three innocent workers. I just want to say that I really cannot wait to see what next weeks essay is about.
- Gagalicious
Dear Willi,
ReplyDeleteYour report was very well written and interesting. I like especially your essay, because I had
same essay and I accept with all what you said.
I was also shocked about this crisis because I didnt know before that a country could
have so much economic problems, also I couldnt imagine that has so serious consequences.
But a question I've asked me, why germany has to pay and suffer for this crisis,
because that was not germans bad but still Germany helps the most!
My opinion on this is that it is incredible, that they have simply faked their own books. I realy enjoy
your last comment, that every country always get a second chance, because nobody is perfect.
Dear Emily Lynn,
I really really like your essay. I agree with you on just about everything. you chose a very interesting topic.
That was a verz worst story. You answered very good on the question could this happen in the US.
Alexandria Grace ,
ReplyDeleteI really like your essay because I agreed with you about how the leaders do to develop their own economy .I think most leaders would think Yu The time to developing country itself in various forms since the international economy changes over time. some countries selected to change their laws in order to develop more economic stability increased or some decided to established the organization.
You did a very great job !!!
Elena ,
ReplyDeleteI really like your essay too ,Elena .It was really interested that you talked about the financial crisis. I think It is a really big problem for the international economy including Greece So the Greek government has reduce the pay and increased taxes, this is the reason why the teachers, municipal workers, pensioners and members of the military have protested and It made the economy is falling down.Great job !!!!
Abbie,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your essay a lot and I agree with you. America should not imitate other countries’ faults, but turn to something more important and greater than money. This is why I really liked your thought about holding on to God and not to physical things like money, because money only makes people unhappy, greedy and jealous. God gives people hope and peace.
Biggin,
First of all thank you for your comment on my article. I enjoyed reading your essay as well. “This is not a problem that happened overnight”. This sentence really made me think about Greece’s ignorance. Many countries have given money to Greece over and over again and still they do not know how to handle the money and what to invest in. I remember my Greek teacher telling me about their infrastructure and how their government invests in unneeded things, such as a huge highway in the middle of Greece’s countryside. No one needs that. I think a country’s government should set priorities and use valuable gifts like money thoughtful.
to Alexandria Grace, I really liked your essay about all the things that are going on modern Greece right now. It was very informative and I learned a lot from it. Greece is not doing very well right now. But hopefully they will get better as a nation petty soon. they seem to really be trying to stop the tobacco use of the nation, they are making a lot of laws to try and prevent there smoking habits, and I also wonder if it will work this time in stopping the large use of tobacco. Hopefully it will, But great job on your report Alexandria Grace, I really liked it.
ReplyDeleteto willi, i really liked your essay about the financial crisis in Greece, I learned a lot from it as well. I did not know that they had faked their book records so it looked like they had more money, but good job on your essay I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteJess_megs15,
ReplyDeleteYour essay was fantastic. I totally agree that something needs to be done so we aren’t in the same position as the Greece government is. It’s truly sad that many innocent lives are being taken daily because of their failing government. I think we all need to keep the people of Greece in our prayers.
Camden,
I have to disagree with you on the last section of your essay. Just as Emily and Elizabeth said before me; if you push a person far enough they will for sure react until they are at least heard. Anyways, Good essay but I don’t agree.
Abbie,
I LOVE your essay. It’s all so true! I also think that it’s very possible for the American people to act in the same way. It’s not out of character for Americans to act out in violence. There needs to be a change quickly so it doesn’t come down to riots and violence. Great job on your essay, Abbie.
Private Elijah and every body else who dissagreed with me, I would like to take you through the way that I looked at the situation. First, you are correct that in the civil rights movement there were some extremely violent protests. However, the civil rights movement was caused by moral issues. The riots in Greece were caused by loss of jobs not anything that was of moral importance. Second, your not taking into account that these protests in Greece happen a lot. The writer of the article actually stated that “Ritual protest violence is part of the political culture in Greece.” Now I do not think that anybody would say that every time Americans are upset they march angrily through the streets in protest. Americans are more likely to just vote the people that they don’t like out of office. Now third and final, if you remember our country just went through a massive ordeal with our banks. Even through all of that nobody went to a bank and set it on fire. Yes the American people do act on the feelings that they have but rarely do they violently riot in the streets and burn banks.
ReplyDeleteBiggin you had a good essay. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteAlexandria Grace.
ReplyDeleteI liked your essay. It was written for well. I agree with you about pretty much everything that you said. Where you said it would be impossible for a no smoking law to be established in the U.S. unless our government got very serious about our environment and public health was apart that I agree with very much. Most people would be against this because tobacco is a very profitable business. Because of this I don’t think such a law will ever be established.
Camden
Your essay was a good one, however its clear to me that you did not put to much thought into it. I say this because of your statement that the violent protests would not happen here because Americans don’t have the nature to act strongly over what they believe. That is a completely ludicrous statement! Have you not thought of the civil rights movement or the civil war as private Elijah said? They were all violent riots in which many people died. To say that we Americans don’t act strongly over what we believe is completely idiotic!!
Dear Emily,
ReplyDeleteI think it was very good, that you said you have "two" oppinions about "could the situation also happen in the USA",because you really thought about thinks, which must happen in a country, to get such hugh money problems and anger in your state. I also think it is really sad to say, yes I think there is a chance that this could happen in our country, but I have to say that I agree. You never know for sure how the money problems in the country really are and so you have to trust those people, who hopefully know what to do and how to prevent such a big mistake.
Private Elijah
ReplyDeleteI highly think that they would actually regret letting those people die. They knew people were in there and then didn’t let the emergency people get through. It wasn’t a horrible mistake. They did it on purpose. They could have picked a building that was abandoned or something to make a statement but a bank where people work and stuff wasn’t a mistake at all. But you are right that its only a matter of time before it can and maybe will happen to America.
jess_megs15
I agree with what you said. This stuff does happen every day in America but we just have a stronger government. Americans can handle it better and we have actually proven it. America has been in a recession now for a while and some people struggle but you just gotta stick through it and just know that got has an idea in mind and will always do what’s best for us.
Dear Willi,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your essay. And I think the same way about all the problems with the money.
But the question is, what would happen to Germany and all the other countries, if no one would help Greece. Because of the Eu it is very hard to do find the right decision, but for sure they should find one before all other countries also begin to struggle with the money.
What I missed in your essay was the answer of the question, if a situation like it is in Greece could also happen to the USA.
But it was a good essay and I enjoyed reading it!!
keep up your good work.
Camden, I don’t think riots have as much to do with standing up for your beliefs as they do with fear. As I mentioned in my essay, I believe fear is what drives people to violent actions such as the actions of the people in Greece. We’re afraid of economic disasters and that fear blinds some people. To some extent, Americans won’t stand up for what they believe. Some people have lost all moral values and simply conform to the ways of others. Even so, I believe there are many who are willing to stand up for their beliefs. Just because some of our nation has fallen away from morals and strength, the rest of us don’t have to.
ReplyDeleteMorgan, your essay was great. Well done! There seemed to be a lot of trust issues with the citizens of Greece and their government. The way you implied that issue was great. Dishonesty and secrecy can lead to many things in a country. I guess this riot was one of the results.
Camden,
ReplyDeleteYour essay is Good. But I don' t think the American' s will be not as violent as the greek if there was the same situation here as there is in Greece. It' s really hard for them and I understand. but not everybody in greece is violent! I also think they were not always like this. I agree on the fact that they were with the mythology and all this stuff. But we don' t have to agree with everything the article says. But it' s good to know what does other people think and that they tell it. So good job.
GaGalicious,
Very Good essay! I like your part on way could there be the same thing in the USA. My history teacher last year told the class that more the country is powerful more they have money to give back. So it' s really true, the US could be in the same situation than Greece. It' s really sad that humans are so violent. I hope we can one day live in a world of peace. Again Good job!
Three innocent people died this week in a bank in Greece when protestors threw a firebomb into the building. How horrible that the emergency vehicles could not reach the burning building in time because the riots outside prevented that from happening. The Greeks are very upset because the government is planning to do something called an "austerity program" to help bail the country out.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know what an austerity program was so I looked it up. Wickipedia says it is "when a government reduces its spending and/or increases user fees to pay back creditors." The Greeks will face higher taxes and they will also have to put up with a great reduction in government funding. The Time Magazine article stated that the austerity measure would "include cuts to civil service pay, higher taxes and sweeping reforms to pensions and labor laws." Needless to say, the people are not happy. It was stated that this would be like taking a step backward and the people would lose rights that have taken 30 years for them to get.
Can this happen in the U.S.? I would say anything is possible. The stock market crashed once before - what can stop it from happening again? America's economy is hurting now. We are not in the greatest shape. I hope it doesn't happen. I am so glad that we do live in a country that is safer and there are not riots going on against our government.
On May 5, 2010, the people of Greece rose up against their government in sheer fury. An anger that had rose from tax raises and wage cuts. 30,000 Greek people gathered in the city of Athens, marched and rioted their feelings of there so called failing Government. At the branch of Marfin Egnatia Bank, in Athens, three people died of the result of this riot. The bank caught fire by small fire bombs that some youth threw into the building. In the bank were twenty people, but only seventeen made it out alive. While they stormed the Parliament a man by the name of Vassilis Tsimpidis, age forty-six, screamed "Thieves!" "We want our politicians to go to prison!” Many other people had the same opinion but there President Carolos Papoulias tried to down play it a bit by saying, "Our country has reached the edge of the abyss. It is the responsibility of us all to not take the step into the void.” I can see what they’re both trying to say, I can see how the government is trying to steal the people’s money. And on the other hand I can see how the government is trying to fix their nation and put it back together financially. Honestly, I do think something like this could and maybe will happen if we don’t change the path that we are going on as a nation. We are in debt to, and there is no way we will be able to pay it off, not even until our grandchildren. If we raise that taxes even greater, and cut wages, then there will be riots. And maybe even one that was as bad on the day of May 5, 2010 in Athens, Greece.
ReplyDeleteAshley Glass, your essay was very good. Keep up the great work!!(:
ReplyDeleteCamden, I have only seen your latest post, and I would LOVEEE to beg to differ. You said,
“Now I do not think that anybody would say that every time Americans are upset they march angrily through the streets in protest. Americans are more likely to just vote the people that they don’t like out of office.”
I think many people would protest for their money to eat on. And yes, protest is in there “Political” whatever it is, but the author did say that this time was much deeper. And it was, it was different then other times, so I say gooodddd. They had a right to rise up, they had a right to
have an opinion and express it. But please do not get me wrong, I’m not saying that they had a right to be in a part of killing people- no matter what, that is NOT acceptable. And on the third thing you talked about, yes there hasn’t been any burning of buildings or anything like that, but there could be. We are all human, just because it happened in Greece does not mean it wouldn’t happen here.
And no hard feelings, it’s just history homework.