O C V ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald Greek Americans c v A wEEKly GREEK AmERICAN PuBlICATION www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 14, ISSUE 722 August 13-19, 2011 $1.50 Golf in The Papandreou Tells EU to Send the Check, Some Germans Balk Kingdom: Big September Looms for Greece as the A Walk Not Pressure Builds to Push Reforms Faster ATHENS – After the unprece - calm markets. He suggested that dented downgrading of the the region should move more Spoiled American economy and reeling quickly to issue Eurobonds, to markets in Europe, Greek Prime impose a financial transaction Minister George Papandreou has tax and to strengthen the Euro - Executive Producer G. reached out to European Union pean Financial Stability Facility leaders, asking them to acceler - (EFSF) fund to prop up weak Stephanopoulos & ate the timetable for sending economies in Greece, Ireland, life-saving loans to Greece, Portugal, Spain and Italy. Papan - More than a Game scheduled for next month and dreou also urged the European beyond that. Papandreou, who leaders to ensure that there By Constantine S. Sirigos had a telephone conversation would be no complications in TNH Staff Writer with European Council President Greece receiving its next loan in - Herman Van Rompuy, also spoke stallment, which will amount to NEW YORK – What does it to European Commission Presi - $11.3 billion due in September, mean when a movie begins with dent Jose Manuel Barroso and and without which Greece can - the declaration: We must make Luxembourg’s Prime Minister not pay its bills. It is likely that golf a matter of life and death? Jean-Claude Juncker, who heads Athens will not receive this loan The ambitious independent film the 17-nation Eurozone of coun - with the improved terms agreed Golf in the Kingdom is not a tries using the euro as a currency in Brussels on July 21, which sports movie. Its Executive Pro - which has been under siege be - provided lower interest rates ducer is George Stephanopoulos cause of Greece’s fiscal morass. and a longer repayment period, – the entertainment lawyer, not The Athens newspaper up to 15 years. Papandreou’s the host of Good Morning Amer - Kathimerini, citing unnamed plea was backed by his Finance ica who is his cousin. Producer sources, said the discussions fo - Minister Evangelos Venizelos Stephanopoulos is the son and cused on three key areas: the re - who said the Eurozone must grandson of Greek Orthodox forms being carried out by the swiftly implement a July deal to priest and the magnificent government, further measures boost its rescue fund in order to scenes framed by cinematogra - that the Eurozone can take to show it will do all it can to sup - pher Arturo Smith and the sub - bolster the single currency, and port the euro and stem a grow - lime music by Evelyn Glennie the current market volatility ing global crisis. Eurozone lead - are the first hints this picture is threatening the euro, which ers agreed in July to give the not about sports, but life. Based AP/ THANASSIS STAVRAKIS prompted the European Central EFSF rescue fund power to buy on the 1971 book of the same Her Ship Isn’t Coming In Bank to declare it would buy sovereign bonds on the sec - title by writer Michael Murphy, Italian bonds. ondary market and to extend to it is the fictional story of an An elderly woman holds an umbrella at the southern Athens seaside suburb of Paleo Faliro to Papandreou reportedly pro - Greece a new multi-billion euro earnest but impatient young protect herself from a heatwave and – just as Greece is sweating out the dog days of August - posed that the Eurozone adopt American seeking enlighten - wondering what September will bring for the economically-battered country. more convincing measures to Continued on page 7 ment. Played by Mason Gamble, he is on his way to the Sri Au - robindo Ashram in India and be - ing a golf enthusiast he decided to play at the famous Burning - Peter Vallone’s Astoria: No Changes Here Please Australian bush course during a layover. “Any chance I can get a golf les - son” he asked the quirky pro By Constantine S. Sirigos cluding a run as its Speaker, and office. virtually every day of his life. Girl in Tragic Shivas Irons, played by David TNH Staff Writer his grandfather Charles was a Second, heritage. The Val - He calls it the greatest neigh - O’Hara. “It’s a serious matter,” judge. His urge to serve his com - lones revere their roots and are borhood in the world. Even you just can’t be sure,” he told NEW YORK – New York City munity is strong and has deep proud of the achievements and when he was working in the N.Y. Death the perplexed American in a Councilman Peter F. Vallone, Jr. roots, but evidence abounds of contributions of Italian Ameri - Manhattan District Attorney’s “You can’t get there from here” was casually dressed as he in - other commitments. First, the cans. Among the photos in the office he lived there and when tone. Over a 24-hour period, vited The National Herald into family. Press interviews are im - office are two from a recent trip he lived in other parts of Queens By Demetrios Tsakas however, Shiva teaches Michael his offices in the heart of Astoria portant to politicians, but he to Sicily. He and his cousin An - he worked there. “It’s a model TNH Staff Writer about golf, and more. on the first day of August. made it clear that the time was thony visited Palermo with a for the entire world. The Irish, The slightly arrogant and Though his attire was dictated limited by his need to be on law enforcement delegation that Italians and then the Greeks NEW YORK – A wave of grief stuck up Murphy doesn’t take by the sweltering heat outside, time for lunch with his parents met with Sicilian organized came in, who now make up passed through the Greek Amer - Shivas too seriously. He borders it also reflected the comfort felt and dinner later in the day with crime prosecutors. He slipped about half the population … the ican community of New York on condescension when he ex - by the Third Generation public youngest daughter. There are away to visit nearby Agrigento, other half come from the entire and New Jersey in the wake of presses surprise that Sivas knew servant and his constituents more photos of children, nieces the land of three of his grand - world and it’s a great melting the passing of 10-year-old Sab - of Aurobindo. That’s just as well alike when they meet. Vallone’s and nephews parents, grand parents. pot – everybody gets along rina Mangos, an Australian of father, Peter Sr. served on the and great grandparents than of Third, but certainly not least, Greek descent, who was killed Continued on page 4 City Council for 27 years – in - celebrities or politicians in his Astoria, where Vallone has spent Continued on page 4 Aug. 7 in a tragic car crash in Astoria at the intersection of 34th Avenue and 31st Street at 6:35 p.m. Authorities said a 2001 Nissan Sentra that Richard George Lessons for Portnoy was driving collided with a GMC minivan that was being driven by Mangos family Zouroudis’ Greece from friend Demetrius Moutafis. His wife Stavroula was in the van Many Lives along with her first cousin Va - Astoria’s Own lerie (Stavroula) Mangos and her husband Michael and their By Steve Frangos three children, Sam, 13, By Vangelis Katsikiotis Nicholas, 11, and Sabrina. The All across the United States Special to The National Herald Mangos family was visiting from Greek Americans are making Australia and live in Tennyson, every effort to preserve the his - ASTORIA, N.Y. - When the peo - a suburb of Adelaide. tories of their immigrant ances - ple of Greece try to grasp the The minivan flipped over in tors. Through stories they share problems their country faces, it’s the violent crash and The Wall among themselves, old pho - easy for them to get lost in the Street Journal reported that tographs they pass around over daunting challenges: an unem - young Sabrina, who was “on her coffee and conversation, to short ployment rate of 16.1%, a na - way to an Astoria, Queens, pas - accounts they compose expressly tional debt approaching $500 try shop after attending a Broad - for their families and close billion, a political system unable way show with her parents, friends more of Greek American to cope with the crisis, a state brothers and cousins - was history is being recorded in this bloated by bureaucracy and cor - ejected from the minivan in the manner than by any other means ruption, and a shocking disre - Sunday crash … She was pro - or agency. What follows is an ac - spect for the rule of law among nounced dead at Mount Sinai their fellow citizens. If they were Hospital of Queens,” despite re - Continued on page 5 to turn their glance across the ports ambulances arrived on the sea they might find a basis for scene very quickly. The Journal optimism. It seems that rela - noted that the car was being tively few Greeks realize that “driven by an on-duty New York For subscription: the members of the Diaspora liv - City public-housing supervisor 718.784.5255 ing all over the world are among broadsided the minivan,” and [email protected] the most successful and promi - added that the 55 year-old “Mr. TNH/COSTAS BEJ nent members of their commu - Portnoy was driving his personal Titan Foods is well known in Astoria and owner Kostas Mastoras (L) here with Katerina Sachinidou nities. They run successful busi - car.” According to officials, (C) and Angela Theodoratos at his store is an example of how Greek Americans have thrived, and he had some words of advice on how Greece can get out of its economic dilemma as well. Continued on page 3 Continued on page 3 2 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 13-19, 2011

GOINGS ON...

n AUGUST 18 – 21 and parking. Friday from 5 p.m. PORT JEFFERSON, N.Y. – As - – 8 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. sumption Greek Orthodox – 8 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. Church is pleased to present its – 6 p.m. The Church is located annual Greek Festival, a com - at 703 W. Center Street. For munity event put together by the more information, call 507-282- families of The Assumption. Fea - 1529.BOSTON, MA – Chicago turing culinary delights like gy - Greektown presents “Taste of ros, pastitsio, moussaka, sou - Greece 2011” August 27-28. vlaki, spanakopita, tyropita, and Come for food, fun, and dancing much more! Also traditional from 12 pm – 11 pm. Located Greek pastries such as baklava, at 100-400 S. Halsted Street. galaktobouriko, among others. For more information, call (847) There will also be a folk dancing 509-8050. exhibition, and continuous Greek music. Church tours will acquaint the public with the rich n SEPTEMBER 3 – 4 symbolism that is inextricably LANCASTER, Calif. – Sts. Con - linked to Orthodox Christian stantine and Helen Greek Or - worship. Finally, the Festival will thodox Church presents the feature the most successful raffle Greek Festival 2011, your ticket on the East Coast, with a total to the tastes, music, and cele - of 270 prizes. Thursday, August brations of Greece and the TNH/COSTAS BEJ 18 from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday, Greek isles. There will be live Procession Inspires Prayers for Healing in NY More Free Performances of Greek Tragedy in NY August 19 from 5 p.m. – 11 entertainment, dancers, Greek p.m., Saturday August 20 from cooking demonstrations, Church Residents of Astoria, participate in the procession of the miracle Antigone (Amanda Elizabeth Sawyer) and Creon (David Allen 1 p.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday August tours, door prizes, a raffle, and working icon of the beloved St. Irene Chrysovalantou that be - Green) face off in the Xoregos Peerforming Company’s presen - 21 from 1 p.m. – 10 p.m. The lots of Greek hospitality! Satur - longs to the Sacred Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of tation of Sophocles’ great tragedy. He must enforce the law. Her Festival is located at 430 Sheep day from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun - St. Irene Chrysovalantou. Many doubtless prayed to the saint brother Polynices is guilty of treason against the city of Thebes, Pasture Road. For more informa - day from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. The for healing and forgiveness in their troubled community. but she begs for mercy and a respectable burial for him. tion, call 631-473-0894, email Festival is located at 43404 30th [email protected], or Street West. For more visit www.portjeffgreekfest.com. information, call (661) 945- 1212. CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio – Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral pre - n SEPTEMBER 9 – 18 sents the 38th annual Greek Fes - STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Holy tival 2011. Come for amazing Trinity – St. Nicholas Greek Or - Greek meals, such as souvlaki, thodox Church presents its an - saganaki, and calamari, home - nual Greek Festival on the two made pastries, live music and weekends following Labor Day. dancing. Authentic Greek music All family, friends, and visitors performed by three Greek are welcome to attend and en - bands, including Orion Express, joy the delicious Greek food, and Hellenic dancers in tradi - lively music, fun, and philoxenia tional folk costumes. Two tav - of the Greek community. Friday, ernas offer Greek wine and beer. September 9th and 16th from 6 The Kid’s Corner offers treats, p.m. – 12a.m.; Saturday, Sep - two large bounce houses, and tember 10th and 17th, from 2 face painting. Thursday from 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.; Sunday, Septem - p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday from 3 ber 11th and 18th from 2 p.m. p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday from – 10 p.m. The festival is located 12 p.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday from at 1641 Richmond Avenue. For 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. The Festival is more information, call (718) located at 3352 Mayfield Road. 494-0658. For more information, call 216- 923-3300, or visit www.cleve - TNH/ ANGElIKE CONTIS landgreekfestival.com. SEPTEMBER 22-25 All Aboard the High Line Green Greeks Don Their Aprons Myrtle Beach, S.C—Saint John SOUTH GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – St. the Baptist Greek Orthodox The Assoc. of Greek American Professional Women Just ahead of its 50th Anniversary, the Dormition of the Mother George Orthodox Church pre - Church presents its 20th Annual (A.G.A.P.W.) sponsored a tour led by Dr. Aphrodite Navab of God Greek Orthodox Church held its Greek Festival on July sents the 2nd annual Adiron - Greek Festival This 4-day event (foreground far left) of New York’s newest attraction, the ele - 31. L-R: Vasilios Contis, Sotos Papaseraphim and Eric Jasinski dack Greek Festival. Friday Au - will be held in the fellowship vated park known as the High Line. Dr. Olga Alexakos hosted. offered swift service with a smile to the Burlington crowds. gust 19 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. hall and on the Church grounds and Saturday, August 20 from on the corner of Hwy 17 By-pass 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. The Festival is and 33rd Avenue North, on located at 55 Main Street. For Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 more information, call 518-792- p.m. Friday and Saturday from In the Spotlight: Jeannie Tsavaris-Basini 2359. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sun - day from Noon until 7 p.m. Ad - WINCHESTER, Virginia – Dor - mission is only $1 for adults, mition of the Virgin Mary Greek and children 10 and under were NEW YORK - Jeannie Tsavaris- tain on a ship based in Pearl Orthodox Church presents the free. Basini’s family has lived the Harbor during WW II. My Dad, Winchester Greek Festival Au - Thousands come out to enjoy American dream, but she was Emmanuel J. Tsavaris, attended gust 20-21. Join us for live mouth-watering Greek foods raised to give back to the com - King's Point Merchant Marine Greek music, delicious Greek such as Gyros, Roasted Lamb, munity and to those in need. Naval Academy and became a food, and great fun for all. The Greek Salad, Spanikopita and She has worked to ensure others chief engineer. He also did ma - Festival is located at 1700 Mousaka – as well as a wide as - can share in the dream by fight - rine surveying and submitted Amherst Street. For more infor - sortment of Greek pastries and ing to improve the public school his recommendations. Years mation, call 540-667-1416. breads. Soft drinks, beer and system. She has been volunteer - later, my dad and grandfather Greek wines are also available. ing for school District 30 in pooled their money together, ul - Queens New York for 25 years timately buying eight tramp ves - n AUGUST 21-SEPTEMBER 1 and she helps maintain the qual - sels. As tramp vessels became NEW YORK, N.Y. - The Great n OCTOBER 27-30 ity of life of her clients as a Pri - obsolete, they opted to buy con - American Play Series in associ - MANHATTAN, NY vate Duty Nurse’s tainer vessels and purchased ation with The Dream Up Festi - The fifth annual New York City Assistant/Aide. After her grand - three. val, Michael-Scott Price, Execu - Greek Film Festival 2011 is cur - parents came from the Dode - TNH: Do you have role mod - tive Producer and L.B. rently in the planning stages. canese Islands (Symi and els? Productions presents John Step - As always, the festival aspires Halki,) via Ellis Island, they mi - JTB: My Mom, Evanthia pling’s ’Dogmouth’ , directed by to bring the best work of Greek grated to Tarpon Springs Florida (Eva) Tsavaris was with The Greek American Stephan Mor - filmmakers to New York City in the 1920’s, joining the thriv - Philoptochos for 30 years and row, at the Theater for the New audiences and present it in the ing Greek community that was served as a good role model for City at 155 1st Avenue ( 10th most up-to-date screening facili - already there. Her parents were helping those in need. I have no Street) Aug 21 - Sept 1, 2011 . ties. We are especially proud to both born and raised in Tarpon role models in the career or gen - The press release notes: “John announce that we have entered and married there. After Jeannie eral senses, but I always strive Steppling is one of our best, if into partnership with The Mu - came to New York when she was to be the best at whatever I do. neglected playwrights and one seum of the Moving Image, the four years old, she began to at - I respect honest people, who who writes with the same kind premiere motion picture mu - tend the public schools of Dis - have integrity and stand up for of power and mystery that Sam seum in the United States, to pre - trict 30 in Queens, as did her what they believe in. I believe I Shepard does…‘Dogmouth’ it - sent festival screenings in the two daughters, Jennifer 27 and have been an excellent role self is a play with real danger museum's newly refurbished Elizabeth 22 years old. Today, model for my daughters, who and focuses on characters from state-of-the-art theater in Astoria, she continues her relationship often have me help their friends, the fringes of our society. It from October 20 through Octo - with District 30 schools as a or strangers who are having deals with a mysterious mafia ber 23, 2011. The festival will member of its Council. problems within the Dept. of Ed - of racist, violent, Viet Nam Vets screen in Manhattan the follow - TNH: How do you help the ucation. living on freight trains,” contin - ing week, October 27 through people whose lives are affected Jeannie Tsavaris-Basini, holding one of her awards, urges more TNH: What’s your ultimate uing “you could find a more re - October 30, at the beautiful SVA by the District 30 Council? parents of Greek students to become school board members. goal in life? pugnant set of people but as Theater in Chelsea. Still to be an - JTB: I advocate on behalf of JTB: To make a difference in John has often said, ‘Art is not nounced are the dates and loca - all children and parents, not people's lives, in a positive way. your friend’ and that is certainly tions of various special events. only within District 30 School ended a couple of years ago. come to me crying and the joy I want to live my life in accor - true with this play which is sure For up-to-date information visit boundaries, but also for parents Why did you decide to re-join and pride I feel after helping dance with this quote, by an un - to disturb and provoke the au - the Web site at: www.nycgreek - throughout the entire City of it? them, is indescribable in words. known author: “When you were dience that sees it. Tickets - $12; filmfestival.com. New York. I was on the District JTP: I was asked and encour - I have helped many Greek peo - born, you were crying and Students/Seniors $10. Reserva - 30 Community School Board aged to do so by several elected ple, during my 25 years of in - everyone around you was smil - tions : 212-254-1109. and then on the renamed Com - officials, principals, teachers and volvement. ing. Live your life so that when n NOTE TO OUR READERS munity Education Council, Dis - parents. Queens Borough Presi - TNH: What’s the greatest les - you die, you're the one who is This calendar of events section trict 30 and I was President for dent, Helen M. Marshall had son you've ever learned? smiling and everyone around n AUGUST 26 – 28 is a complimentary service to five years. I make sure the chil - stated that I represented her I have learned to not judge you is crying.” ROCHESTER, Minn. – Holy the Greek American community. dren are in a school environ - very well for the last five years people harshly and wonder TNH: What are your most Anargyroi Greek Orthodox All parishes, organizations and ment which best suits their and that I was a good advocate what is going on in their per - enjoyable pastimes? Church presents 2011 Greek - institutions are encouraged to needs. My specialty is Special for District 30. That time has sonal life, to make them some - JTB: Reading, painting, cook - Fest. Authentic Greek foods, live e-mail their information regard - Needs Children and ensuring now passed and she re-ap - times act aggressive and unrea - ing, gardening, arts and crafts, Greek music and dancers, bake ing the event 3-4 weeks ahead they are getting their receiving pointed me as her representa - sonable. Very often by the time watching the History Channel sale featuring locally made of time, and no later than Mon - their special needs services, in tive. they find me, they are disgusted and National Geographic, espe - Greek pastries, a carnival for day of the week before the the time frame stipulated by TNH: Has your life path been with the system and need to cially when it's about Modern children, silent auction, and event, to english.edition@then - law. If not, I intervene, go to a influenced by your Ancient vent. I allow them to vent and Greek Civilization, or the history Church tours. Free admission ationalherald.com hearing and make sure it is and/or Modern Greek and Or - promise to help. I have NEVER of Greek people and their cul - done. I have gotten many chil - thodox heritage? lost a case and have been re - ture. dren safety and hardship vari - JTP: Very much so. We ferred to in a newspaper as “The TNH: Share with us some ances, over my 25 years of in - Greeks are known for being Johnny Cochran of the class - words of wisdom. QUESTION OF THE WEEK volvement. I also analyze which good hearted, kind and helpful room and Department of Edu - JTB: Treat people as you schools are overcrowded, in an – that’s connected to our Filo - cation.” would want to be treated. Al - Vote on our website! effort to secure more school timo. I am extremely proud to TNH: Your family has an in - ways trust someone, until they sites. I have also ensured that be Greek American and feel I teresting maritime history. prove they cannot be trusted. You have the chance to express your opinion on our website all schools have crossing guards, have the best of both worlds. JTB: After all my grandpar - Have integrity and commitment. on an important question in the news. The results will be pub - nurses, safety officers and State Despite being Second Genera - ents came over, they migrated Reach for the stars, with your lished in our printed edition next week along with the question Law mandated classes. tion American born, I can flu - to Tarpon Springs. My paternal feet firmly planted on the for that week. TNH: What is an example of ently, speak, read and write grandparents were the first cou - ground. Live life like it was your The question this week is: Do you think the Cyprus dilemma helping in a way that is out of Greek. ple to be married in St. Nicholas last day. Be proud of what you will be resolved this year? the ordinary? TNH: What has been your Church and their name is in - do, yet be humble. o Yes JTB: I went and got my State greatest achievement so far? scribed on the church dome. My o No Certified Asbestos inspector and JTP: Helping people uncon - grandfather lived the American o Maybe Project Manager in an effort to ditionally, regardless of their Dream. He came over from visit every school, finding dam - ethnicity. The thing I am most Symi very young, became a U.S. If you'd like to nominate a no - The results for last week’s question: Do you support the aged asbestos and contacting proud of is never having gotten citizen, worked hard and be - table member of the Greek Greek taxi drivers strike? the Division of School facilities, a dime for my services and came a millionaire. He got his American community for “In 3% voted "Yes" which immediately repaired the never getting people jobs in the U.S. Citizenship and joined the the Spotlight”, please contact 97 % voted "No" problems. school system, despite being U.S. Navy. He soon worked his english.edition@thenationalher - 0% voted "Maybe" TNH: Due to term limits, asked to do so on numerous oc - way up and became Capt. John ald.com with your suggestions. your tenure at the Council casions. Many parents have E. Tsavaris. He served as Cap - Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 13-19, 2011 COMMUNITY 3 Lessons for Greece from the Diaspora, or: Astoria Has Ideas for You

Continued from page 1 ter job opportunities. Mastoras the United States. Many have explained just how serious this several post-graduate degrees nesses, heal patients in hospitals phenomenon is. “In Greek we but cannot find work in their where they are respected, create call it Exostrefia, or in other county. The resulting exodus of beautiful works of art and hold words the need to pursue busi - young, talented and highly ed - positions of authority and influ - ness opportunities outside ucated workers is a casualty of ence. So shouldn’t their advice Greece.” He added: “Greeks are Greece’s ineffective political and be sought out? a very entrepreneurial people economic system that has seen The National Herald reached and a large majority of them austerity measures such as big out to some of the business here in America are self-em - pay cut for workers, tax hikes owners of the thriving commu - ployed. The problem in Greece and slashed pensions backfire, nity of Astoria – home to many is that for too long the dream of leading to the closing of 65,000 Greek Americans - to find out Greeks was to have a job as a businesses, including 15-25% in what they thought of the eco - public servant instead of owning the center of Athens’ business nomic crisis in Greece and what their own business.” As Thomas district. solutions they had for resolving Friedman said in his New York One of the issues that few of Greece’s economic woes. One of Times article: “Greece is the the respondents had answers for the main centers of Greek im - only country in the world where was the rampant nepotism that migration and culture in Amer - Greeks don’t behave like exists in Greece and how it ica, Astoria is filled with people Greeks.” Once they leave Greece works to oil the business rela - who feel strongly about what is they can unleash their natural tionships of the state and other happening in Greece, and what business skills. sectors of the economy. While should be done. Many business THEY DON’T CARE an overwhelming majority owners such as Kostas Mastoras Perhaps most disconcerting agreed that it was a problem, of Titan Foods were critical of was the response expressed by there wasn’t a clear consensus the Greek government for not the younger generation of Greek on how to resolve the issue. One doing enough to encourage in - Americans, those whose parents respondent who gave his name vestment in Greece. “The prob - or grandparents immigrated to only as Nikolaus told TNH, lem is no matter how ambitious America. Many openly said they “Greece needs a cultural revo - or how hard you want to work, were indifferent or didn’t follow lution, it needs new leadership.” you must have a government the issues closely enough to of - Indeed, one of the places nepo - sector that is willing to be a co - The Astoria restaurant Mezzo Mezzo is a popular hangout for Greek Americans and others and, fer an opinion. There was cyni - tism could be made an example operative partner in encourag - typical of Greeks, a place where you can find plenty of opinions on what Greece should do to re - cism too, which is mirrored by of in Greece would be in its po - ing business.” solve its economic dilemma and restore its reputation. Greeks love to argue and philosophize. many of the young Greeks in litical leadership. In the last The news that staggered Greece who share a similar half-century leadership in Greeks and those in Diaspora – erations of Greeks who came to was above the law,” a view that’s spread in Greece today, the sen - skepticism about Greece’s short Greece has been dominated by who cared – began in April last America with just about the undoubtedly not widely sup - timent among many here is that to medium term future. In a a few political clans, namely the year with the report the country shirt on their backs and a pock - ported now in Greece as Greeks the governments in Greece lack study conducted by polling firm Papandreou, Mitsotakis and was drowning in debt and a etful of sand instead of money. remember the repression and the legitimacy and authority to Kappa Research for Greek news - Karamanlis families as the lib - more than 15% deficit and had Many other businessmen and stifling of democracy that came enforce their needed reform and paper To Vima, 7 out of 10 eral Socialists of PASOK and to practically beg for help from residents to whom TNH talked with the rule of the Colonels austerity measures. Greek college graduates said hard-line conservatives of New the European Union, which re - reiterated the need for the from 1967-73 before a student- Many Greeks who have be - they want to work abroad. Democracy have taken turns dri - sponded by combining with the Greek government bureaucracy led popular uprising overthrew come disillusioned with their These days many Greeks are ving the country into ruin and International Monetary Fund to be reorganized and to be - the military leadership. While economic prospects have chosen looking for opportunities in lining their own pockets. and European Central Bank – a come more flexible to business popular consensus for authori - to immigrate to other countries countries like Germany, Great GREECE SHALL so-called Troika – to produce a owners. Mastoras and others, tarian rule may not be wide - to start businesses or to find bet - Britain, Canada, Australia and OVERCOME $152 billion package of emer - however, were optimistic that But even with all the bad gency rescue loans that failed, Greece could develop new in - news coming from Greece every necessitating a restructuring, a dustries and improve existing day, several people told TNH longer repayment period, and a ones even in the tough eco - they remained confident in the looming second bail-out of $157 nomic climate. Other than the abilities of Greek businessmen billion, further convincing skep - traditionally strong sectors of to adapt. Takis Vassos from Pe - tics that Greece will go under the Greek economy such as ship - gasus Travel Agency explained despite all the help. With that ping and tourism, several of the which qualities allow Greeks to bad economic news came a respondents surveyed men - be shrewd business people: “It downgrading of Greece’s repu - tioned potential opportunities in is their strong work ethic, their tation, and, by association some alternative energy and new ad - extroverted and outgoing per - say, with Greeks around the vances in agriculture as a means sonality, their knowledge and world, including the United for jumpstarting the Greek econ - strong educational background. States, where Greek Americans omy. All of these make Greeks very are the second most affluent DON”T GET NO RESPECT capable and successful people.” and well-educated ethnic group, Several patrons of Mezzo It doesn’t seem to hold for many at odds with what others around Mezzo restaurant put more em - of those in Greece, however, if the world have come to think of phasis on law and order in only in the public eye outside Greeks because of Greece’s cri - Greece. A young Sotiris Malamis the country. sis. told TNH: “Here in America While Greece set the stage What especially vexes many when you see a policeman, you for Western civilization with is the contrast because Greece’s kind of sit straight a little bit, in achievements of in democracy, rich ruling elite of politicians, Greece you see a policeman and science and mathematics, archi - business executives, and tax there isn’t the same sort of re - tecture, philosophy and the arts, evaders costing the country spect.” Others in the restaurant, it seems now that the West has nearly $40 billion a year in lost notably several that had lived as much to teach Greece about revenues and the growing num - and grown up in Greece before governance, transparency, and bers of working poor who have immigrating to America, also fiscal responsibility. It seems been left powerless and disen - longed for the days when somehow fitting that the Greeks franchised. Greece did have law and order. in America have become posi - What can fix what ails In tough times, people express tive examples and role models Greece? It made sense to ask nostalgia for all kinds of real for the Greeks in Greece. Mas - Greek Americans, especially and imagined pasts. Spiro Kour - toras put it this way: “I believe those who’ve known success saris told TNH, “At the time that Opinions on the Greek crisis stretch across a broad spectrum of ideology and concern/indiffer - it’s about time we Greeks of the through hard work and drive the Junta was in power every - ence. Spiro Koursaris, relaxing at the restaurant Mezzo Mezzo is one of many who believe law Diaspora teach a lesson to the passed down through the gen - one followed the law, nobody and order is the answer. Others decry high level nepotism. Greece is getting lots of suggestions. Greeks in Greece.” Tragedy Ends U.S. Vacation for Australian Greek Family

Continued from page 1 on vacation in Chios. As soon as nature and intelligence will re - Helen Tsamplakou expressed he received the news he ended main in our memories forever. the sadness of the Chian Com - “Blood alcohol tests for both dri - his holiday and was expected to We pray God rest her soul and munity when she said: “Every - vers showed neither had been return to New Jersey to be with give strength and courage to her one is in mourning. The pain is drinking … No charges were his parents. Maria Moutafi also parents and siblings to continue great and grief is heavy. All Chi - filed Monday (Aug. 8) and po - expressed her sadness over the their lives. And I pray for my ans mourn and pray for God to lice said they were still investi - loss of “an angel” and told TNH parents to overcome their pain grant rest to the soul of this an - gating. No eyewitnesses had that, “The smiling face, her rare and sorrow.” gelic being.” been found, a law-enforcement official said. “Police were check - ing surveillance cameras in the area for accident footage,” wrote the Journal. The other passengers were slightly injured and were taken to nearby hospitals in Queens, while Portnoy was not injured at all. On Aug. 9, Michael and Valerie Mangos departed from Kennedy Airport with their two remaining children. The body of Learn the Greek Language Sabrina was on the same flight. Moutafis, former President of Sabrina Mangos came to the USA with her family from Australia the Northern Chios Association for a vacation, during which she was tragically killed in an Pelinaion, said he could not offer St. Demetrios Hellenic Community of Astoria auto accident, but here shows the sweet smile her family and details of the tragic incident that friends adored. The family was nearing the end of its U.S. trip. plunged in his family into be - offers weekly reavement because of ongoing investigations by the police. He Greek language lessons for adult learners did say, however, “We lost an an - gel, we lost the sweetest creature in the world. We mourn and try to overcome the pain, but it is In the heart of Astoria, we have been teaching the Greek impossible.” The Mangos family language to adults for eleven years . In a friendly, warm and had traveled throughout most of America and the previous two welcoming environment you will feel right at home, while weeks they had been hosted by the Moutafis family and traveled learning Greek and understanding the culture. to Canada, Niagara Falls, Wash - ington, D.C. and Baltimore and Our location is within walking distance from the N and W trains, where also celebrated the feast of St. Marcella in the northern suburbs you have access to restaurants, cafes and shops. of New York. “We had memorable mo - The program is tailored to small groups and instruction is based on ments. We did not miss out on a single museum or attraction dur - student’s level, interest and requirements. Lessons incorporate learning ing our travels. On Sunday we went to see a Broadway show in through conversation, grammar and audiovisual aid. Whether you are a Manhattan and because they beginner, intermediate or advanced student, our lessons are structured were leaving in 18 hours, we de - cided to go to the Greek pastry to meet your needs, advance your knowledge and make it work for you. shop Lefkos Pirgos in Astoria. Unfortunately, fate did not allow Classes are held on Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. us, “ Moutafis said. His daughter, Maria Moutafi-Yam, and her at St. Demetrios School husband Victor Yam tried to of - fer all possible assistance and located at 30-03 30th Drive, Astoria, NY 11102. comfort to the bereaved parents as soon as the learned of the fa - Tuition fees are $500 per year (September to June) There is no way to measure the grief for the loss of a child. The tal accident. friends and family of Sabrina Mangos said they will always re - John Moutafis, the 26-year- For additional information and registration please call (718) 728-1718 member her. Her visage was one that captured everyone's heart. old son of Dimitri Moutafis, was 4 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 13-19, 2011 Stephanopoulos’ Zen Golf Film is a Walk Not Spoiled, and Life Revealed

Continued from page 1 “Too bad,” Shivas says. He al - at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in ternates mundane advice such Oregon. Streitfeld said filming because Shivas does not purport as, “You think too much; you try there instead of Scotland to be the source of the wisdom too hard,” with “let the nothing - “forces you to be creative.” She he is conveying. He is only shar - ness into your shot” as they play said it was ancient Indian land, ing the ideas of the great and among sand dunes in the midst where three tribes came to - semi-mythical figure Shamus of trees reaching up into the in - gether for festivals, so it turned McDuff, who Michael wants to finite sky. out to be more powerful spiri - meet, but he only encounters his After failing to find Shamus, tually and visually than Burn - mystical presence caves, ravines Shivas suggests a round of night ingbush – a mythical place any - and wave-drench rocky golf. The themes of fear and anx - way – or any part of Scotland. seashores during a moonlit iety are examined through their Golf in the Kingdom is a night and a magnificent rosy- concern that they lost the magic beautiful example of how great fingered dawn. Murphy was ball Shamus entrusted to Shivas writers and filmmakers can take nearly driven to distraction by after he struck it into the dark - any part of life and turn it into the emphasis on the rules, a re - ness with the sage’s magic club. a metaphor for life as a whole, flection of the impatience of The movie, which hints at mag - with universal messages. At the youth in general, and the mod - ical realism but always just pulls screening, Murphy praised Stre - ern mind’s refusal to examine back, then produces its first mir - itfeld, who also wrote the the deeper dimensions of ritual, acle: The lost ball was not lost, screenplay. Clint Eastwood took but Shivas is just the guide. it was nestled in the magic hole, numerous cracks at a script but Shamus is the sage, the one a mystical hole in one that gave up. Not being a golfer, made the life and death state - teacher/student revel in. Club, Streitfeld said the movie for her ment - the thought coming to ball, hole are symbols of another was about trees and nature. him after learning of the drop - harmony the world requires or Murphy, a great admirer of Hel - ping of the atom bomb on Hi - longs for, the masculine and lenism - Pythagoras comes up roshima and triggering fears of feminine, with perhaps nature and the Shivas character has the impending extinction of standing for the unseen mother some Socratic elements - told mankind. The production team and the sought for beloved. The National Herald he had made the felicitous decision to Imagination, or great cinematog - never visited Greece, “But I have portray events not chronologi - Michael Murphy ( Mason Gamble-R ) learns from Shivas Irons (David O’Hara-L) one doesn’t have raphy, paints in what need not been there a million times in my cally, as the book does, but to go to the other side of the world to find treasure or wisdom. Below: A mystic threesome. be spoken, the movie striking a heart and mind.” Stephanopou - thr ough flashbacks, reinforcing delightful balance between los said he has loved golf since the ideas presented and the Shivas said seeks “a better fix on words and images. his father, the beloved Father emotional messages. As director this world of ours,” has devel - IT’S NOT MOTORCYCLE Elias, taught him the game Susan Streitfeld said after the oped a theory called “true grav - MAINTENANCE when he was nine. He said he opening night screening at New ity” which presumably illumi - When they return to Shivas’ has discovered in himself a York’s Times Square on July 29: nates spiritual transcendence home, he plops down in his knack and passion for making “We don’t experience life lin - and the flight of golf balls. In a overstuffed “meditation chair.” movies. He continues to work early. It may be Tuesday but we beautiful night scene, Murphy is Here the movie both raises the on the project closest to his are still thinking about Monday.” practicing his swing with as stakes and fudges the conditions heart, a film to be made in MORE THAN FORE! Shivas tells him to “feel your in - (SPOILER ALERT!) Is Shivas tra - Greece called Swing Away about The technique made for en - ner body.” The novice doesn’t get versing the astral plane, or is this a woman golfer near the end of tertaining moments as some of it yet. “Is all this talk of inner the mundane sleep of all the her career and a golf child the scenes were from a dinner bodies and subtle energies a de - other residents of this humble prodigy. Although his film pro - party-symposium to which vice for increasing concentra - place? Time goes by, and Mur - jects, including Golf in the King - Shivas invites Michael the night tion?” Shivas kept his cool. One phy becomes concerned. He dom, were for him preparations of his arrival. A number of char - can almost hear Obiwon saying, checks and finds no pulse, not for Swing Away he told TNH acters and couples with varying “You must feel the force around at Shivas’ wrist or his neck. The that “If I never make another kinds of attachment to golf share you Luke,” from Star Wars, sug - storm and stress of the day take movie,” he would treasure the their love and frustration with gesting another harmony. The beyond the breathing techniques McNaughton says she likes golf its toll as he runs screaming experience of bringing Murphy’s the sport, and its meaning. Phi - thinly- veiled asceticism brings of monks, in mystical practice. for the chance to take in “the across the meadow, unable to book to life, which he said losophy and marriage are to mind the historic tension be - Although Orthodoxy teaches a mystic splendor of the world in find help. They had established changed his life when he read among the topics in the discus - tween the active life and the beautiful unity of body and soul, every step you take.” Such a deep friendship in one day and it, and set him on the path to sions, along with science and contemplative. Perhaps, when it also tends to denigrate the for - words of wisdom are heard as golf had become a matter of life moviemaking. In these tumul - eroticism. The audience is they are not in harmony, the one mer. The movie suggests activi - we watch Murphy, who fancies and death. In the next to last tuous times, the film seems to pleased to discover that the golf is dangerously exaggerated, as ties like golf or motorcycle main - himself quite the golfer, stumble scene, the text is flashed: “The send the urgent message to be frustrations of Peter Mc - with our current technological tenance are also necessary. in his play and sees his score game was invented a billion mindful of the great harmonies Naughton were more than off - hyperactivity, and the other cre - Americans who might be put skyrocket after he boasts: years ago. Don’t your remem - of life, to foster unity rather set by the sensuality of his mar - ates a certain passiveness in the off by golf’s slow pace and the “Match me up with the best of ber?” The final scene follows im - than the exacerbation of the op - riage with Agatha, who shared face of oncoming trouble found time gap between the “action” them.” It’s maddening to hear mediately: Someone, it is not posites that are inherent in numerous insights about golf in certain Orthodox countries. – the shots are informed by Shivas say it’s not the shot or clear who, walks across the them, and to feed the inner life and life. Among the themes of The Vita contemplativa as devel - Shivas that “it’s enough to walk the score that matters, adding, beach during, a golden, fiery - or we are doomed. Asked Murphy’s mystic education is the oped in the Orthodox East is a and enjoy the rest of the time, “I learned to walk from a Yogi sunset - maybe sunrise - identi - whom he would urge to see the need for harmony, especially of spiritual treasure that was trans - when you are in between, which from India.” He asks Murphy if cal to an infinity of scenes over film, Murphy declared: “Con - the exterior with the interior as - ferred to western Christianity, is most on the time in life.” Dur - he was paying attention to the billions of years, and yet differ - gress.” pects of life, expressed as a cri - but further East, there seems to ing the dinner, Joanne Whalley walk. Murphy replies, “I’m pay - ent. tique of modern. Shamus, who be a greater place for the body, as the brainy and erotic Agatha ing attention to my next shot.” The film was shot on location [email protected] Peter Vallone’s Astoria: No Changes Here Please, But NY Reform is Welcome

Continued from page 1 disguises him enough that he ranging talents, and his knack wage are increased.” He built can get a real sense of what’s for packing a lot of life into a his liberal bona fides with his here.” going on in the neighborhood. tight public servant’s schedule. strong animal rights and envi - He delights in all the differ - “It’s a great way to stay in touch He is an accomplished musician ronmental stands and admits ent nations and cultures which with the neighborhood … no and athlete. Vallone was invited he’s all over the lot ideologically, put down new roots in his one in the world has been up to play against the Chinese Na - but he says that reflects current neighborhood, but he and his and down Ditmars Boulevard,” tional Ping-Pong team on ABC's realities- and Astoria. It’s a rea - family have strong bonds with one of Astoria’s main drags, as Wide World of Sports, plays as son why more “old fashioned” the Greek community. His much as he has, he said, on foot much volleyball as he can and polticicians like him and his fa - mother Catena, who just cele - and bicycles as a child and in performs professionally on four ther could survive the New York brated her 75th birthday, grew his hot rod car when he was in musical instruments. All those Democratic party’s left-skewed up with neighbors none other High school. are accurate predictors of the primary processes. than the family of Allen Poulos, CH-CH-CH-CHANGES achievements of his daughters. Vallone told TNH he’s look - now known to all as Bishop An - His fear for Astoria is change, The eldest daughter Casey, short ing at County of Queens-wide thony of Phasiane. She learned and he is a champion of protect - for Catherine, is preparing for offices. Told that some of his a lot of Greek cooking from her ing its character. He told TNH college and scored perfect 800’s constituents want him to run for friends. But Vallone knows the that Astoria’s only problem is on two of the three parts of the mayor, he remembered his fa - ties go deeper than the food that people wanting to move in who SATs, and may want to be a pe - ther’s run for that office. “He did shared dinner table space with can’t find a place. About six diatrician. His youngest, Car - well but not well enough,” he the pasta. He knows all about years ago he began to work on olyn, is co-captain of the St. said. In New York, the most lib - the history of Agrigento, which a rezoning of Astoria. He didn’t Francis Prep’s “undefeated Vol - eral democrat usually wins the was founded in 6th Century BC have much help because many leyball team … I could not be primary, but that is not always as Acragas, and is famous for its of the Irish, Italians and the prouder of those two girls,” he the best candidate to contest the Valley of the Temples filled with Greeks thought it was time to told TNH. general election, though he ancient Greek architecture. He cash in and move out, but he POLITICAL ROOTS noted that if the current nega - told TNH it was one of the ma - said he believes the reason so The interview took place in tive trends continue with crime jor cities of Magna Graecia and many people want to move the building that has housed the rising and fiscal pressures lasted as a Greek speaking re - there is its character, which suf - family law firm since 1932. It mounting, Democrats might gion centuries after being taken fered when 10-story buildings was established by his grandfa - rally behind more conservative over by Rome. “I legitimately started popping up in the mid - ther, Judge Charles Vallone, candidates. Vallone insists fiscal have Greek blood,” he said. dle of bucolic little streets. The who came from Sicily when he realities must be taken into ac - Make no mistake about it, zoning he put in would allow was two years old for whom the count by traditional Democrat however, this is a proud Italian for development on the com - elementary school down the supporters such as public service family. His mother still makes mercial streets but leave the side street was named and who unions. He wrote an op-ed say - the big Sunday meal He has two streets alone, founded on the founded the Boys and Girls ing public pensions need to be younger brothers and they all principle that any new buildings Club, another area mainstay. Pe - reconsidered.” He got a lot of get together every weekend – it should respect the context of the ter’s academic career began grief, but he says pension reform used to be every Sunday – and community. His practical and nearby at PS 122 and culmi - is needed, applying fairness and play volleyball at the beach – aesthetics side are reflected in nated in Fordham where he common sense. “If we keep they were all lifeguards. his successful campaign to fight earned his law degree after The Greek flag in the background at a community event is a hurting the private sector there Next to the Grecian urns and the blight of graffiti by passing graduating magna cum laude familiar sight to Peter Vallone Jr. and his father, Peter Sr. won’t be pensions for anyone photos of the Greek temples legislation to require business and Phi Beta Kappa from Ford - else. He said he supports pen - near Agrigento there is also a owners to have see-through, not ham College. One of his grand - mayors and council members. ecutor his record was 40 top- sions “but if we continue down model of a motorcycle, a gift solid metal gates on their stores. parents was a barber, the other But it takes more than genes. “I count convictions and one ac - this path, there won’t be any from a constituent who knows In one of the photos Vallone a pianist. One went to law learned public service at the foot quittal. Before he became an money for them,” he said. of his passion for bikes. He rides is a rocker sporting a bandana school, one to medical school – of the master. My father served elected official he said he un - When he was elected, the a Harley, but not just for plea - as he performs his music. That the first in their families to do 27 years and is one of the few derstood why so many people city’s pension (and Medicaid) sure. Vallone says his helmet is an indication of one his wide so. Peter’s cousins in Italy are guys I know that nobody has wanted term limits, how people costs were a billion dollars a anything bad to say about. He felt about the state of politics year. They are now $10 billion, taught me that one man can and the “throw the bums out” consuming one-fifth of the city’s make a difference and to give attitude, but after gaining public budget. He said unless there is back to the community. “ Peter service experience he said he’s reform, “All the tax money we Stay informed all year round, anytime, anywhere Jr. he didn’t get into public ser - come to appreciate the value of take in will go to pensions, forc - vice until he was about 35 years continuity in a legislative body. ing cuts to libraries and fire ser - Become an online subscriber of The National Herald and get... old, however. He was not pres - He says eight years is just too vice and police.” Declaring “No - sured by his father and told short, not just as a learning body values the police and fire * daily updates with news covering TNH that today he goes to curve but for accomplishments. departments higher than I do. the community, Greece and Cyprus. schools and people shout his “It takes five or six years to get As Public Safety chairman I’m name but when he was a stu - through important capital pro - their biggest supporter. I still ONLY* * immediate access to our previous editions. dent he didn’t even know what jects” like the Astoria skate park want them to get the best pen - kind of work his father did. His he said he’s proud of as it was sions of anybody because they $34.95 * edification that every Greek American should have! mother was a teacher at the voted the best such park in New have given the most to the city, school of the Immaculate Con - York. but we have to sit down a find a Year! Visit us online at ception for 25 years – he be - Vallone said he now believes a ways to make it doable so that lieves more people have voted term limits hurt long-term con - the pensions survive.” Citizens for him because of his mother tinuity and planning, which also know where Vallone comes www.thenationalherald.com than his dad. has fiscal significance. He told from, and if an Astorian has any He said he doesn’t want to TNH that he is conservative in issues with his positions, they or call us: 718-784-5255 ext.108 leave Astoria, but is beginning some things and progressive in can down the car window when to explore his political options others – such as the environ - stopped at a red light next to *The price indicated above is for current subscribers. Regular price is $45.95/year. since terms limits will bring his ment. “I’m a Democrat, but I be - his Harley and let him know. He Alternative for current subscribers is per 3 months $14.95, per 6 months $23.95 City Council tenure to an end lieve in fiscal responsibility.” may tell you to keep your eyes in two years. He is looking at He added: “I know what it’s on the road, but also invite you WR The National Herald offices that will allow him to like to run a business. As a small to his office for a discussion. Από το 1915 για τον Ελληνισμό Bringing the news to generations of Greek Americans serve greater Queens. District business owner I know what it’s Attorney is an option: as a pros - like when taxes or the minimum [email protected] THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 13-19, 2011 COMMUNITY 5 George Zouroudis Lived Before He Died and Brought the Real Greek Passion to Bear

Continued from page 1 French language lessons, turned George left for Canton, Ohio also joined the New York Athletic 20, he was sent to France to be - where he was expected to sell yo - Society. In time George also count of an individual whose come a civil engineer. World War gurts for a compatriot who also learned guitar and enjoyed paint - family now attends the church of I had just ended when Constan - believed he should not waste ing in oils in upstate New York St. John, the Theologian in tinos was able to make his first time attending school. Again, dis - where nature itself, especially Tenafly, New Jersey. I urged those trip home. His mother had sent satisfied with his situation, fish, became his enduring muse I spoke with and who had shared him a First Class ticket but he ex - George left for Ambridge, Penn - and artistic subject. Zouroudis written accounts with me to changed it for Third Class in or - sylvania where he learned, first also joined the National Guard, lengthen them somewhat and der to buy her a gift. Off the coast hand, the realities of hard, thank - spending much of his time at then seek to publish them under of Sicily, a war ship cruising the less work. The steel mills and Camp Smith in upstate New York their own name. But Greek Mediterranean that had not yet coalmines were the sole indus - near Bear Mountain. Becoming American society is an odd col - received the news the war had tries in the area and while he a Sergeant, Zouroudis earned a lective. Those I spoke with were ended torpedoed the vessel Con - worked in both he hated them sharp shooter medal. He had a well aware that if they were stantinos was traveling on with bitterly. The long hours, short lifelong fascination with rifles named, then, if only one or two the result that all passengers in pay, unsanitary conditions, tyran - and pistols. He owned a collec - individuals were mentioned in a Second and Third Class drowned. nical bosses and the nearly daily tion of fine rifles, never failing to published account they may well Not long after this tragedy Cap - expressions of hatred for foreign - apply for permission to own any face the heated objections of life - tain Zouroudis, fell ill and died. ers all served to sober young firearm in his collection and was long friends and relatives for not Facing poverty, Vasiliki George and propelled him to - a National Rifle Association mentioning other immigrants or Zouroudis was forced to send her ward the struggle for the basic member for 35 years. other historical moments. next oldest son, George, then only rights of all workers. This meant All these seemingly disparate Documentation and preserv - 15, with two of her husband’s that George found himself ac - elements had their own effect on ing the past are not always what brothers Foti and Phillipi to seek tively engaging in strikes for bet - the world around George. Having they textbooks prescribe. In the work in America. In 1917, Foti ter safety conditions, pay, an moved to Dyckman Street in up - spirit of living memory here is a Zouroudis had escaped from Rus - eight-hour work day and other per Manhattan, Zouroudis could - tale of just one immigrant and sia just ahead of the Bolshevik such employment standards the n’t help but notice the comings something of the lives he Revolution. Fortunately, Fotis was average American now takes for and goings of various young Irish touched. What I offer here has able to sell his hotel and beach granted. kids in the neighborhood who been read over by those who first resort along the Black Sea and Given these circumstances were getting more than their fair contacted me and they assure me flee. The two older men sought school was now out of the ques - Zouroudis (R) with his friend, Pete Petrotakis, President of the share of attention from the police. this version is in agreement with to begin a new life along with tion. Coupled with the unsafe Fur Workers' Union. They agitated bosses to help workers. They were local toughs as they drudgery of cruel work condi - were called back then, John Lane, tions George found himself facing and fellow Hellene, Pete Petro - not spend much time being with Steve McNiff, Harold Rush and obligations. First, George had to takis (later, Tate.) Nicknamed those he loved. In the meantime, others. Instead of preaching or pay room and board in a house Perdikakis, “The Dove,” Petro - the Zouroudis family had moved seeking to have these young men filled with other Greeks. Next, takis, while ever an ardent advo - from 22nd Street to 312 West punished Zouroudis decided to ever mindful of his responsibili - cate for the workingman was an 49th Street across the street from take it upon himself to get these ties to his beloved mother George acknowledged peacemaker dur - the old Madison Square Garden. young men in hand. He believed sent money to her regularly until ing labor disputes. In 1935, As part of the agreement to se - it was better to help redirect the she too died an early death. It Zouroudis, Petrotakis and their cure this new apartment George wild energies that are inherent in was always said Vasiliki union went on strike not long af - and Helen had consented to be - many young boys and distract Zouroudis died of marasma. All ter President Franklin Roosevelt come the building’s janitors. The them from destructiveness. this was on the shoulders of a signed laws establishing Social vitality, will and strength of these To each youth Zouroudis tem - boy far from family, home and Security and the eight-hour two individuals were typical of pered his approach while attend - country, who spoke little English workday. The Tenzer Brothers the early Greek immigrants who ing to all. At first he showed them on the cusp between 15 and 16 Company did not care what Roo - after their individual day of work wrestling holds. Over time, in years of age. sevelt wanted, management was also found time to complete their causal conversation and by his SETTING DOWN ROOTS against the eight-hour workday. chores as janitors. All this and a own actions, George conveyed to In 1929, George met Helen It is perhaps difficult for those vibrant family life serve now as these young men the manner in Mamones in Ambridge when this under 40 years of age to realize treasured memories. which to respect people and na - young woman was but 18 years that the average workday used HELPING THE YOUNG ture. As their camaraderie grew old. The Mamones family owned to be 10 to 12 hours with only a World War II devastated Zouroudis took them on trips to a laundry and was considered half day off on Sunday. Job safety, Greece but in 1945 the Dode - upstate New York showing them well to do. The couple soon fell medical benefits, pensions, child canese Islands gained their free - how to fish in the mountain George Zouroudis hunting in Zouroudis as a boxer in 1928 in love, eloped and moved to labor laws, mediated arbitration, dom from Italy. George felt a steams and rivers of the Catskills 1949 in Pine Bush, N.Y. before he started wrestling. New York City. George, who had eight-hour work days, the very keen responsibility for the family Mountains. As a consequence been working in the steel mills, right for a union to exist in the of his youngest brother, Phillipi, many of them became avid fish - their own treasured recollections. their nephew in this voyage to quickly secured a job in a Greek work place unopposed by man - who had disappeared when the ermen, while one among them Born in 1904, George N. North America. In 1919, the trio coffeehouse on 23rd Street. A agement, and all the rest were Nazis suspected he was sending learned to paint in oils. In due Zouroudis was one of six children set out aboard the Themistocles, cousin of George’s owned a demanded by the labor move - radio signals to the British forces course, when George felt that of a wealthy family on the island with young George more than a boarding house on 22nd Street ment as mandatory. All these from his ham radio. As soon as these youths had altered their of Symi in the Dodecanese Is - little reluctant to leave his beloved and the newlyweds soon had a taken-for-grant workplace condi - reliable contact with Symi could previous course, he taught them lands, which were, then, under family and island home. Once ar - furnished apartment. In 1931, tions every American worker now be made George and Helen be - about firearms going so far as to Italian rule. While Greek was spo - riving at Ellis Island George was the young couple had their first enjoys came through the direct gan to send money to support build a secure target practice ken in the Zouroudis home, forever to remember the demean - child, a girl named Vasiliki (Phyl - action of the labor movement Phillipi’s widow, Vasilia and range. Not one of these young young George soon learned Ital - ing delousing inspection at the lis) named after George’s mother and proved a hard bloody battle. theirnew born daughter Cleo. men disappointed him, all be - ian. His mother Vasiliki (neé Mi - hands of rough agents. Through and then in 1932 a boy, Nicholas. Roosevelt may have urged the While George was clearly a came responsible productive cit - halarias) made George attend a patrioti in Port Jervis, New York Given the new demands of being policies of the New Deal and disciplined individual and a fam - izens. school in the monastery, with young George was apprenticed to a family man George quit his job fought Big Business (and their ily man who shunned all bad Helen died in 1980 at 69, other boys his age, so he could a confectioner to begin learning at the cafenion and began work lackeys in Congress) to make habits he did far more than sim - George died on January 13, 2002 properly learn the Greek lan - how to make candy, ice cream as an iron and steel mechanic for them the law of the land but the ply work. He enjoyed life. In his at the age of 97. Both are buried guage as well as Hellenic history and other such sweet treats. Foti the Tenzer Brothers Company. basic outline of worker’s rights early youth in Pennsylvania, at George Washington Cemetery and religion. Nicholas Zouroudis, and Philippi Zouroudis, once they George was always a conscien - were not his invention but rather George had first become an am - in Paramus, New Jersey. George, George’s father, was captain and saw the dire working conditions tious worker and his years in the had long been the fundamental ateur boxer and later an amateur while always his own man is owner of the ship Evangelistria. in America, left the country al - Ambridge steel mills had made demands of the American labor wrestler. While a member of the clearly recognizable as emblem - Captain Zouroudis was the first most immediately resettling in him a skilled metal worker. In movement. Hermes Athletic Society George atic of an entire generation of captain from Symi to receive a Rhodes. Inexplicably, the two un - short order George was made a The 1935 strike ended in vic - won three medals as a mid - Greek immigrants, now, long diploma from Athens and was cles simply left George to his own foreman overseeing the construc - tory for the union and Vasiliki dleweight wrestler. One of these gone. What can be said of George also very insistent that his chil - devices when all this young man tion of steel doorways and other Zouroudis recalls this is when she metals was given to George dur - could easily be said of any of the dren be well educated. of 15 could think of was going to precision work. saw her father for the first time. ing a ceremony with Archbishop vast majority of his fellow Hel - Consequently, when Captain school to learn English. At the same time George was With only a half-day on Sunday Athenagoras who was ever a lenic sojourners: “Every man Zouroudis’ oldest son Constanti - HITTING THE ROAD also a union organizer working to spend with his family and a steadfast sponsor of the Hermes dies, not every man truly lives.” - nos, after receiving extensive Restless and dissatisfied, hand-in-hand with his best friend 10 hour + workday George could Athletic Society. Later, George [email protected] Cypriot Angie Bowie, The Woman Who Fell to Earth, Was Also Her Man’s Muse

By Kimon Kalamaras Cyprus and would love to return Women in the United States. I ignorant houseowner working in interest in national education, Special to The National Herald to live there; but could I live in knew I didn’t want to be in Amer - indentured servitude for the next health care, transportation and For those who love glam rock an island only miles from my ica in 1966. It was horrible. 15, 20 or sometimes 30 years. all the other services govern - and the 1970’s, Angie Bowie, home and not be allowed to go That’s why I went to England. Then there is the Capitalist desire ments must provide to earn their “the prettiest star,” and former there because of some boundary My father told me there is no for more possessions. There is no taxes. model, was, apart from being the the Turkish military has drawn place for you in Cyprus at 16 muse of David Bowie, much in the sand? Will that ever hap - years of age. more than that. A business part - pen? Seriously? I doubt it. Imag - WOMEN AND GAY RIGHTS ner and manager, lover and wife. ine what it would have been like Life for women has deterio - Do you want to learn She married Bowie in 1970, be - if we had felt the sting of the rated to a new low. The 1980’s fore he really rocketed to fame. British leather and torture? Many Christian Coalition of Ronald GREEK The offspring of their love, Dun - members of EOKA felt that vio - Reagan and Maggie Thatcher in the shortest period of time? can Jones, today is a successful lence. threw the advances for women film director, and a winner of THE GOOD, THE BAD back 50 years. There has been no Visit BAFTA awards. When we asked Everywhere, the lessons of improvement in wages for her if she believes she was a huge history can either crush the hu - women, no wider availability for www.speakgreeknow.com inspiration to Bowie, she simply man spirit or restore one’s faith women’s healthcare including explained that, “I think one must in humanity by fellowship and abortion on demand, sex-traffick - TO FIND: be called a muse by others, I do hospitality. Cyprus has the ability ing has increased with the fall of 1. SPEAK GREEK in 2 MONTHS speed course not think that one call oneself a to entertain the world but instead the USSR and the satellite na - 2. A variety of Greek Language courses muse. Maybe you can, it just of becoming more open and wel - tions whose economies relied on seems like a title that should be coming the strict Cypriot social providing Russia with commodi - 3. Tutoring via Internet and Telephone given by others not by the person mores is a knee-jerk reaction to ties. The United States and Russia being qualified.” But even those the proximity of orthodox and re - are old news. China and India Contact who are familiar with Ziggy Star - pressive religions such as Catholi - are the new manufacturing pow - dust, David Bowie’s alter ego per - cism, Islam and Judaism. The erhouses and Africa with its de - Helen Dumas sona from the 1972 concept al - Cypriot attitude to gay people is velopment of the billion dollar Tel.: 301-373-0808 bum, may not know that Angela Angie Bowie is still thriving and not acceptable to me. Cyprus is gel for women to fight AIDS and Bowie Barnett was born in active, years from her marriage the comfortable home of my Brazil for implementing ethanol E-mail: [email protected] Cyprus. When she speaks about to rocker Davie Bowie. childhood, as a child one does as the power source for their her early days there she becomes not question the political correct - transportation have sidestepped tender and she reveals us her recording. Playing with my cats, ness of behavior. Cyprus is filled the race for oil and shown their dream, one day to go back. enjoying all the opportunities with the ruins of temples to advances compared to the tired Who does not want to return that Tucson has to offer. Aphrodite whose island followers thinking of the Western World. to the place once born? But when EARLY YEARS IN CYPRUS accepted life with all its blessings. But for women’s and gay rights these thoughts are expressed by Being able to dip in the After so many invasions the the western world is still safer someone that the word exciting Mediterranean and rinse away Cypriots are tired and ready to than alternative locations and may not be enough to describe the cares of the world renew accept an unacceptable status cultures. her life so far, they definitely one’s optimism about life and quo. There is little interest in ABOUT PARENTHOOD catch our attention. She also re - what it has to offer. I remember politicians who repress women My children are grown. Chil - vealed her sensitivity about watching the folks wake up in and gay folk or seek to intimidate dren have to achieve to impress women’s and gays’ rights. In an the morning in their beds out un - those who support human rights me. If you don’t get the best interview she opened up to the der the orange trees when we and do not discriminate between grades or do chores, I am not in - www.GreekKitchennyc.com National Herald. Angie Bowie, drove to Nicosia early in the gender and sexual preference. terested. If children do not dis - who was educated in Cyprus and morning. Somehow the idea of ON UNIFICATION play kindness and generosity, in - has many fond memories of her all people around the Mediter - I hope so. It will take a differ - tellect and enjoy laughing, then life there, has a daughter, Stacia ranean bathing in the same wa - ent mind-set to accomplish the they are as boring as adults who Lipka, from her second marriage, ters reminds one of the kinship reunification of Cyprus. The in - act in the same manner. and lives in Tucson, Arizona. of man and how we are so very sular character of island countries ABOUT THE FINANCIAL Among other things, she said she dependent upon each other. Yes, can be helpful or hinder political CRISIS didn’t agree with her former hus - my world was prefaced by a ambition for reunification. But The United States, Britain and band’s statements about rock ‘n thousand happy memories of kudos to the Cypriots who have Greece, the EEC have been roll in the 1980’s. “Rock kills only Cyprus and they are found in the at least kept the diplomatic dia - hurtling down this road to dev - if you don’t know where you are Cyprus essays @ logue alive and could teach larger astation with their banking stu - going,” she said. What makes her http://www.angiebowie.net/cyp more impatient countries as to pidity, falling into the same traps happy? “Writing and performing. rus_essays.htm how a solution can be reached of post-WWII Europe when Ger - Working physically as an electri - TURKISH INVASION by diligent negotiation. many and Italy had to take a cal contractor, Acting in movies Being invaded is not pleasant HER MOVE TO BRITAIN wheelbarrow full of cash to buy for Sergio Kardenas, styling and the Turkish invasion was a I went to college there, a loaf of bread, they invented a photo shoots and music, writing repeat of their 1964 attempt but Kingston Polytechnic after one se - new and more expensive mort - and rehearsing, performing and this one was successful. I love mester at Connecticut College for gage market, a way to keep the 6 OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 13-19, 2011 Agnes Varis, Founder of Drug Company Agvar, Cultural Benefactor, Dies at 81

By Margalit Fox over the years. As The Wall that her chief concern was to Jersey Business Executives New York Times Street Journal reported in 2006, put low-price prescriptions in Against the Vietnam War, an ini - after the election of President the hands of those who needed tiative, she said afterward, that NEW YORK - Agnes Varis, a George W. Bush she paid tribute them. “The only way to make did not delight her boss. She be - daughter of threadbare immi - to his predecessor by adorning drugs affordable,” she told The came an Executive Vice Presi - grants who parlayed a chemistry the front and rear of her Bentley Times in the 2003 article, “is to dent at Fine Organics before degree and $50,000 into a prof - with bumper stickers that read, stop brand people from being leaving to start Agvar with her itable drug company, and in so “I miss Bill.” Ms. Varis’s long greedy.” life savings and her husband’s - doing became a prolific philan - public advocacy of prescription- An ardent opera and jazz fan, $50,000. She later helped found thropist whose causes included drug reform did little to endear Ms. Varis was at her death a Marsam Pharmaceuticals, a the Democratic Party, access to her to the makers of those Managing Director of the Met - maker of injectable antibiotics, generic drugs and access to drugs. “Her roles as a drug ex - ropolitan Opera, a position to and Aegis Pharmaceuticals, a opera, died Aug. 5 at her home ecutive, a Democrat and a gad - which she had been recruited generic-drug maker. Ms. Varis’s in Manhattan. She was 81. The fly are not always easy to rec - by the soprano and administra - husband, who owned a printing cause was cancer, said her oncile,” read a New York Times tor Beverly Sills. In May 2010, business, died in 2009. She cousin Ted Leonsis, an entrepre - profile of Ms. Varis in 2003. Vanity Fair reported that she NEw yORK TImES leaves no known immediate sur - neur who owns the Washington That, from all appearances, was had given the company nearly Agnes Varis and her husband, Karl Leichtman, in 2003. Mrs. vivors. Capitals hockey team and the putting it mildly. She helped $21 million. Varis was the founder and chief executive of Agvar Chemicals. Her other philanthropic pro - Washington Wizards basketball draft the Hatch-Waxman Act of At the Met, Ms. Varis’s best- jects included support of the team. Ms. Varis, a leading figure 1984, intended to ease generics’ known projects included the Last year, President Obama ap - lege, Agnes earned a bachelor’s Opera Orchestra of New York, in the generic-drug industry, passage to market. She also Agnes Varis and Karl Leichtman pointed her to the President’s degree in chemistry and English Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Jazz was the founder and longtime helped draft the Greater Access Rush Tickets Program, which Committee on the Arts and the from Brooklyn College and later Foundation of America and chief executive of Agvar Chem - to Affordable Pharmaceuticals she and her husband inaugu - Humanities. studied at the Stern School of Tufts University’s veterinary icals, based in Little Falls, N.J. Act, which was intended to close rated in 2006. The program - in The youngest of eight chil - Business at New York University. school. She helped found the The company supplies active in - loopholes in the 1984 law. The essence a generic-drug plan for dren of Greek immigrants, She shortened her surname to Generic Pharmaceutical Associ - gredients to international drug legislation, sponsored by Sena - opera lovers seeking affordable Agnes Koulouvaris was born in Varis on entering the business ation, an industry group, in makers - in particular the mak - tors Charles E. Schumer, Demo - infusions - makes orchestra Lowell, Mass., on Jan. 11, 1930, world. 2000. Some years ago, Ms. Varis ers of generic drugs. Privately crat of New York, and John Mc - seats available for $20 at many and reared in the Bay Ridge sec - Ms. Varis, who said she de - offered a consolation prize of held, Agvar has annual revenues Cain, Republican of Arizona, weekday performances. The tion of Brooklyn. Her father, liberately avoided learning to sorts to the drug industry exec - between $50 million and $100 was passed as part of the seats normally cost $100 or who sold ice cream from a push - type so as never to drown in a utives she so often antagonized: million, Bloomberg News re - Medicare Modernization Act of more. Ms. Varis also underwrote cart, died when she was 14. Her typing pool, took a job as a she bought and distributed ported in March. 2003. several Met productions, includ - mother, who could neither read chemist with Fine Organics, a among them 200 copies of her A major Democratic contrib - Though Ms. Varis stood to ing its premieres in 2008 of nor write, sewed buttons in a New Jersey manufacturer of in - friend Hillary Rodham Clinton’s utor, Ms. Varis gave the party’s gain financially from such leg - Philip Glass’s Satyagraha and garment factory. The only one dustrial cleaning compounds. book It Takes a Village, auto - candidates millions of dollars islation, she said in interviews John Adams’ Doctor Atomic. among the children to go to col - While there, she founded New graphed by the author.

Anastasios Peponis, Tried to Bring Meritocracy to Greece CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED sions. E-mail resume and cover ATHENS - Former Minister and ferent ministries, including those 1994 law for hiring civil ser - letter to [email protected] or Member of Parliament Anasta - of Justice, Health and Industry. vants that was deemed a point We’re Looking for Good Writers! fax to : (718) 472-0510 sios Peponis, one of governing He was a PASOK deputy from of reference in terms of meri - FUNERAL HOMES PASOK’s most respected figures 1977 to 2000. tocracy. TNH offers an opportunity for in the Socialist party, died Aug. He also had a significant role However, he resigned in late enterprising college students or ANTONOPOULOS 8 at the age of 87. The center- in the fight against the military 1994 from his ministerial post recent graduates, particularly FUNERAL HOME, INC. left politician had been suffering junta from 1967 to 1974, was at the Ministry for the Presi - those with liberal arts or jour - Konstantinos Antonopoulos - from heart problems for years arrested five time and served dency as he felt he was being nalism backgrounds, or good Funeral Director and died in hospital, the news - some time in prison for his ac - undermined by some of his col - writers around the United States, 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., paper Kathimerini reported. He tivism. Peponis will be mostly leagues within the PASOK gov - including those with experience, Astoria, New York 11105 was among the close associates remembered for his pioneering ernment for that very law. Pe - who want a chance to hone their of Socialist Prime Minister An - work in Greek broadcasting, as ponis was also one of Greece's skills and build their resumes by (718) 728-8500 dreas Papandreou, who was he set up the country’s first ex - first members of the European writing news and feature stories. Not affiliated with any Prime Minister of Greece from perimental television station as Parliament, in 1981, and one of These are unpaid positions but other funeral home. 1981 to 1989 and from 1993 to director of the state broadcaster Former minister Anastasios the truly patriotic voices within you will have a chance to work 1996. Peponis served in five dif - in the mid-1960’s, and for the Peponis, tried to help Greece. his party. with our staff as well as offer sto - APOSTOLOPOULOS ries of your own about what’s Apostle Family - going on in your Greek American Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - community and get choice as - Funeral Directors of signments to help you develop RIVERDALE DEATHS or enhance your career. Please FUNERAL HOME Inc. send resumes and a sample of 5044 Broadway n CASTANES, ELAINE Deitzer, Justin Roller, Alison American football player. He n NICHOLAS, STELLA your writing, and story ideas, to New York, NY 10034 FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Sun Roller, and Berekett Conover. was awarded the ACC Jacob’s HINGHAM, Mass. – The North english.edition@thenationalher - (212) 942-4000 News reported that Elaine D. The funeral was held at St. Blocking Trophy for two consec - Adams Transcript reported that ald.com Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE Castanes, 84, passed in Cape Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathe - utive years, his Duke teams won Stella Lampropoulos Nicholas, 2/06-26 CONSTANTINIDES Fear Valley Hospital on July 30, dral. three consecutive ACC Champi - 104, passed away on July 27. FUNERAL PARLOR Co. surrounded by children, grand - onships. He was inducted into She was born in 1906 in Ipswich, LEADING GREEK AMERICAN (718) 745-1010 children, friends and family. She n EARLE, ETHEL the Duke University Athletics Mass., daughter of Harry and NEWSPAPER SEEKS Services in all localities - was born on Jan. 11, 1927 in GLENDORA, Calif. – The Hall of Fame, the South Car - Bessie Mitropolis Lampropoulos. Full-time AD sales representa - Low cost shipping to Greece High Point, N.C., the daughter Quincy, Mass. Patriot Ledger re - olina Athletics Hall of Fame, and After her marriage to Michael tives for both GREEK and ENG - of Nicholas and Angela Draku - ported that Ethel (Maniates) the AHEPA National Athletics Nicholas in 1937, they moved to LISH language publications. Ap - lakos. She was a member of the Earle, 88, a 57-year resident of Hall of Fame. In 2000, the Duke Vermont and then Williamstown, plicants should have some sales LITRAS FUNERAL HOME Daughters of Penelope in Win - Wollaston, Mass., passed away media and fans voted him to the Mass., where she and her hus - and/or marketing experience. Bi- ARLINGTON ston-Salem during the early here on July 27. She was the Duke All Twentieth Century band operated the College lingual command of both lan - BENSON DOWD, INC years of 1940. She was a Sun - widow of William L. Earle. Born Football Team. In 2006 he was Restaurant, adjacent to the cam - guages preferred. This positions FUNERAL HOME day school teacher, a charter in Boston, Aug. 28, 1922, to honored as a Duke Legend at pus of Williams College, and the offers base salary, plus com - 83-15 Parsons Blvd., member of the Hellenic Charles and Mersina (Korasanis) the ACC Championship game. Taconic Park Restaurant. Family misand/or marketing experi - Jamaica, NY 11432 Women’s Club, and for more Maniates, Ethel was prede - Arthur served as an officer in was very important to Stella so ence. Fluency with computer use (718) 858-4434 than 50 years a devoted mem - ceased by brothers Nick and the United States Navy. Upon after her husband’s death, Stella offers base salary, plus commis - • (800) 245-4872 ber of the Philoptochos Adelfotis Paul Maniates, and sisters, Irene completion of his military ser - and her sister, Colleen, moved Society of Fayetteville. Elaine Gewlas, Anne Raftell, and vice, he attended the University back to Ipswich. Stella had an was employed by Omega Engi - Dessie Tasso. She had a 44- year of South Carolina School of Law avid interest in Greece, the coun - neering, Inc., as the Administra - career with the Quincy, Mass- where he graduated with hon - try of her heritage, and in her 70’s TO PlACE yOuR ClASSIfIEd Ad, CAll: (718) 784-5255, tive Manager. Her primary hob - based Raytheon Corp., as a suc - ors in 1968. From 1968-1981, made several trips there. In 2005, ExT. 106, E-mAIl: classifieds@ thenationalherald.com bies were cooking and caring for cessful and respected Electron - he distinguished himself as a Stella moved to Hingham to live her treasured children and ics Technician. In retirement, trial lawyer in Atlanta. In 1981, near her son and his family. She grandchildren. She is survived Ethel and Bill enjoyed frequent Arthur joined the management was known for her vitality and REAL ESTATE by her husband of 58 years, flyer trips to their second home of Coca-Cola Bottlers Associa - spunk which remained with her John C. Castanes; a daughter, in California and taking side tion of America and shortly until the end of her life. She is Maria C. Kresho and husband, trips to Vegas with her sister thereafter became its Executive survived by her son, Nestor, and Mark, of Middletown, Penn.; a Mary Lewis of Beaumont, Calif. Director. Arthur was very active daughter-in-law, Anne; her grand - son, Chris J. Castanes and wife, She is survived by her son in Atlanta community affairs. In - sons, Matthew and Michael and Amy of North Myrtle Beach, George Earle (Brenda), of cluded in his civic involvement his wife, Anna, and three great- grandchildren Nicholas J. Marshfield, and Rita Earle Pe - were his service as President of grandchildren, Josephine Stella, Kresho and wife, Mary Kate, of terson (Dexter) of Glendora; the Atlanta Touchdown Club, Clementine Margaret and Atticus Pittsburgh, Elena N. Castanes and grandchildren Robert, Chairman of the Peach Bowl Se - Weymouth Nicholas, and many of North Myrtle Beach, Kimberly William and Michele Mamaty, lection Committee, and later as nieces and nephews in Ipswich. L. Leach of Garner, N.C., Nichole George and Christine Earle, and a member of the Chick-Fil-A The funeral was held at Assump - Kresho of Crafton, Pa., and Re - William, Sean and Kristin Peter - Bowl selection Committee. In tion of the Virgin Mary Greek Or - nee Marie Kolesa of Morristown, son, of Glendora. The funeral 2001, Arthur retired mainly to thodox Church, Ipswich. N.J. The funeral was held at Sts. service was held at St. Cather - his beloved Aiken. Arthur was Constantine and Helen Greek ine’s Greek Orthodox Church . justifiably proud of his many This is a service Orthodox Church, Fayetteville. athletics and career honors and to the community. PRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD n GREGORY, ARTHUR achievements. However, it was Announcements of deaths n DEITZER, HERMAN AIKEN, S.C. – The State re - family and treasured friendships may be telephoned to the VIA THE POST-OFFICE: BETHLEHEM, Penn. – The Ex - ported that Arthur Gregory that truly provided him joy and Classified department of o1 month $11.00 o3 months $22.00 press Times reported that Her - passed away on July 31. Arthur satisfaction and was enormously The National Herald at o6 months $33.00 oOne year $66.00 man Deitzer, 86, of Bethlehem, grew up in Aiken and graduated proud of his Greek heritage. He (718) 784-5255, VIA HOME DELIVERY (NY, NJ & CT): passed away Aug. 4 at Hospice from Aiken High School in is survived by his mother, So - monday through friday, o1 month for $14.00 o3 months for $33.00 House of St. Luke’s Hospital sur - 1958. He received his under - phie Christopher Gregory, two 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST o6 months for $48.00 oOne year for $88.00 rounded by his family. He was graduate degree from Duke Uni - brothers, George and Johnny, a or e-mailed to: VIA HOME DELIVERY born in Scranton, the son of the versity where he was an All At - sister Maria Taylor, and several [email protected] late Mary Loretta Snyder lantic Conference and All nephews and nieces. (New England, Pennsylvania) Deitzer and Michael Herman o1 month for $18.00 o3 months for $41.00 Deitzer. He was the husband of o6 months for $57.00 oOne year for $109.00 Angela Dervas Deitzer, and they ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION celebrated their 58th anniver - www.thenationalherald.com sary on Feb. 1. A graduate of St. e NON SuBSCRIBERS: oOne year for $45.95 Mary’s Assumption High School, o6 months for $29.95 Herm served in the US Navy o3 months for $18.95 during WWII 1943-1946 aboard SuBSCRIBERS: One year for $34.95 the USS Sibley in the South Pa - or o e feet, 2nd flo b 6 months for $23.95 cific. He was a field engineer 3,900 squar o 3 months for $14.95 Bell Telephone/AT&T for 38 o years, retiring in 1984. During i his retirement he worked for NAmE: ...... Henkels & McCory, Inc. and Her - AddRESS: ...... ron Funeral Home. He was a r member of St. Nicholas Greek CITy: ...... STATE: ...... ZIP: ...... Orthodox Cathedral, a former TEl.: ...... CEll: ...... member of AHEPA and of Senior E-mAIl: ...... Citizens of the Greek Orthodox c PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: Church. He is survived by three NAmE: ...... sons, Jim, of Boston, Michael, AddRESS: ......

of New York, and George, of s CITy: ...... STATE: ...... ZIP: ...... Lititz, Penn.; three daughters, Debbie Sfetsios-Conover of New TEl.: ...... CEll: ...... York, Doree, of Wayne, Penn., E-mAIl: ...... and Maria Geiger of Germans - Please specify method of payment ville, Penn., two brothers, Rent $4,500/month. b I enclose a check/money order for $ ...... Joseph, and Father Gerard 2 blocks away from 2 subway stations in Astoria made payable to: The National Herald, Inc., 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - 2614 Deitzer of Philadelphia; a sister, 7 minutes away from Manhattan Ann Farrell of Bridgewater, Va.’ or please debit my o mastercard o Visa grandchildren: Matthew o American Express u Deitzer, Christopher Sfetsios, Location: 37-10 30th St., Long Island City, NY CARd NumBER: ...... Damon Sfetsios, Timothy Call (718) 784-5255 and ask for Dimitri ExPIRATION dATE: ...... Deitzer, Bryn Sfetsios, Tristan SIGNATuRE: ...... Deitzer, Ian Deitzer, Jasper s THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 13-19, 2011 GREECE CYPRUS 7 Greeks Struggle to Shed Old Ways of Thinking and Find Some Innovators

By Christopher Torchia ery. the jargon to match - he says he show signs of societal disintegra - recalled The Iliad, the ancient and lives in Greece, said he was “It’s extremely difficult. Here, will “attack the market” - but he tion.” Greek poem in which King “shocked” years ago when he ATHENS , Greece (AP) - A few in general, innovation never ex - draws inspiration from some un - Deep in recession, Greece is Agamemnon and the warrior learned how little Greek wine Greek entrepreneurs perch in isted. The majority of the compa - expected sources. Outlining his struggling to reduce its budget Achilles quarrel during their ex - was sold abroad, an opening that front of laptops in bare offices nies, they relied on the state, on business philosophy, he evoked deficit from 10.5 percent of pedition against the city of Troy, he quickly exploited to build an above a ground-floor supermar - the government. It was a totally Vladimir Lenin’s revolutionary vi - Gross Domestic Product in 2010 jeopardizing their campaign. export market to Europe and the ket, five minutes’ walk from the wrong approach,” said Vassilis sion, and praised the Prime Min - to 7.5% this year as it imple - “We don’t see the essence of United States. He said Greeks Athens square convulsed by riots Nikolopoulos, a computer engi - ister of Turkey, Greece’s historical ments harsh austerity measures problems (and so we cannot generally lack that can-do spirit. last month over the country’s eco - neer whose IT startup, Intelen, enemy, for firm leadership while that combine pension and public solve them,) we don’t cooperate “People concentrate heavily on nomic crisis. “Innovate,” a wall aims to help firms monitor and presiding over his country’s econ - wage cuts with tax and retire - with each other, we lose any the problems they face rather slogan exhorts. “Originate.” A curb their energy consumption. omy boom. Many of Greece’s ment age increases. Greek un - moral high ground that we may than trying to execute things,” bowl of fist-sized plastic balls sits He recently shifted his operations brightest minds, however, feel employment has soared to over have and we flirt endlessly with Stolz said. “There are lots of bu - on a table, ripe for the plucking. to CoLab Workspace from a con - they have no choice but to build 16%, and more than 40% of catastrophe,” Konstandaras reaucratic issues. But in the end, Sure, the touches are geeky. ventional office that cost more. careers abroad, anticipating an Greeks aged 15 to 24 don’t have wrote. “Yet we persist with our people need to start something But if there is hope for debt-laden Declaring that, “The state is opportunity drought that will last jobs. mistakes.” just to get going.” Greece, which has just been dead,” in that it has no money to a decade. Nikos Georgiopoulos, The hardship has eroded the STARTING OVER That’s what Greek real estate bailed out again by the EU, there support projects, Nikolopoulos a 29-year-old former employee credibility of the state. The mass of street protesters, executive Alice Corovessi is try - is a glimmer of it here. A small said he has raised about one-third of the International Monetary One snapshot of that decline the public face of Greek discon - ing to do. Before the economic enterprise called CoLab Work - of the roughly $300,000 needed Fund, recently found a job in the came last month as presidential tent, contrasts with the clique of crisis, she used to receive 10 con - space rents space to tech-savvy for initial funding from private in - insurance industry in Vienna. His guards held vigil at the Tomb of earnest professionals at CoLab tacts a week from potential new startups on the theory that the vestors and that his seven mem - sister, a biologist, failed to find the Unknown Soldier outside Workspace, which has half a investors, mostly elsewhere in more they mingle, the more they ber company plans to export ser - work in Greece and got a job in parliament, garbed in caps and dozen clients, including a devel - Europe, and now she receives thrive. This nascent pocket of dy - vices even if it entails failure, a Switzerland. His father imports tassels, kilt and stockings and oper of entertainment software fewer than two such contacts a namism won’t make much of a rite of passage for any aggressive auto parts but is struggling to shoes with pompons. One spec - and a company that provides month. The few offers to buy dent in a culture of freeloading entrepreneur. “We only con - keep his small business afloat. tator vaulted a barrier and seed funding to high-tech star - usually come in as low as half and favor-trading that burrowed sume,” he said of the passive cul - In the old days, Greece’s in - lurched back and forth in a tups. Co-founder Stavros Messi - the cost of the property, to which deep into the Greek psyche, but ture of Greek business. “There stitutions were inefficient but crude parody of the slow, styl - nis said the aim, inspired by sim - Corovessi says she responds: “We it is a symbol, however rarefied, was no need to create something people complained less because ized march of the guards, an ilar projects in San Francisco, are not giving gifts.” Yet of fresh thinking. For the problem because you would sell to the the money was flowing, Geor - elite unit whose history dates to was to foster an “alternative cul - Corovessi, 38, plans to open an is not just the numbers, the dots state.” Educated in several Euro - giopoulos said. Now that the the battles against Greece’s Ot - ture” but acknowledged that the energy-efficient house, which she that connect a picture of eco - pean countries, he registered his government is cutting spending toman rulers. “Greek reality” posed risks. described as the first of its kind nomic collapse. Unemployment, company in the Mediterranean is - and salaries as part of a pact to In the English-language “We’re just about covering costs in the region, for a private buyer austerity measures, bailout funds land of Cyprus to attract foreign secure international funds, he Kathimerini newspaper, com - but confident we’ll turn a small in Athens at the end of August. and the slumping stock market investment from traders who give said, the “tradeoff between state mentator and Editor Nikos Kon - ‘operational’ profit,” he wrote in She intends to stick it out in are one thing. Modern Greece, Greece a wide berth, and to avoid and society” has crumbled and, standaras wrote that Greek soci - an email. “I say operational be - Greece, despite the nation’s pes - whose ancestors laid foundations the shackles of Greek business as in the Great Depression before ety does not trust its institutions, cause the mission here is about simistic speculation about the fu - of art, democracy and individu - culture, including corruption, bu - World War II, the wealthy will tolerates extreme behavior and fostering and creating at this ture. “We don’t know where the alism, is also reckoning with in - reaucracy and heavy taxation. suffer far less than those of mod - is given to division, as illustrated stage. We’re likely to plough any truth is,” she said. “We are not grained habits of dependence, ac - INDIVIDUALISM est means. by a conflict between the king profits back into growing the working. We are thinking and we companied today by a yawning UNFETTERED “People actually don’t know and the prime minister in the concept.” are discussing.” And yet, sense of betrayal and hopeless - Nikolopoulos is the picture of what is going to happen to early 20th Century, and the civil Markus Stolz, a German busi - Corovessi said, “Greece must ness, that block its path to recov - a smart corporate executive, with them,” he said. “They start to war just after World War II. He nessman who married a Greek restart.” Not Much to See: Greece’s Decaying National Archaeological Museum

ATHENS – Just as Greece is hop - thanks to the good will of the Giorgos Kyriakopoulos wrote ing to take on the responsibility, ing for an influx of tourists – who Association of the Friends of the the newspaper that had a simi - Kathimerini added. represent the second-biggest National Archaeological Mu - larly mortifying experience when The embarrassment was source of revenues for the seum. he took some guests from abroad noted outside of the Greek media money-starved country – comes “Thousands of tourists line up to visit the museum. “One can as well, including on the website stories that one of what is sup - at the ticket office, oblivious to justify this ridiculous situation in About.com, where its European posed to be it’s premier attrac - the fact they’re paying full price a hundred different ways. But if travel writer James Martin, tions, the National Archaeologi - to see a fraction of the displays. tourist arrivals this year are the wrote about the Kathimerini ar - cal Museum, is a neglected When they eventually realize only hope we have in this bank - ticle written by reporter Dimitris near-wreck. The respected news - that they have been cheated, rupt country, then maybe this sit - Rigopoulos. “Even in the wake paper Kathimerini reported re - they are justifiably enraged,” the uation is more serious than of a fiscal crisis brought on by cently that instead of a treasure, newspaper reported. According ridiculous. My suggestion to the banks and financial companies the museum is in a state of decay, to one reader, Giorgos Kyri - ministry is that it immediately gambling with the world’s like the neighborhood around it: akopoulos, “What ought to be shuts down all state museums wealth, one wonders where the drug dealers and crime abound - the ultimate experience along and private museums that de - museum world’s creativity has ing, a sore site for tourists trying with a visit to the Acropolis, is, pend on state funding, such as gotten off to. If the system needs to dodge their way through, only in fact, a dejected exchange of those of Piraeus, Vravrona and money, why not raise ticket to find there’s not much worth looks between disappointed stu - even the Acropolis, and transfer prices a bit and put on a show? seeing when they do. Greece’s dents from all four corners of the all of their guards to the National Tourists who’ve paid thousands economic disaster has led not earth and hundreds of visitors Archaeological Museum.” He to get to Greece aren’t likely to only to public workers having from around Greece and abroad added: “Politics is also about pri - put off a visit for the want of a their pay cut severely, and taxes who didn’t get to see the kouros, Greece’s National Archaeological Museum looks nice from the oritizing. The debt may be one Euro or two. But why not try raised, but cutbacks in many the stelae, the Marathon Boy or front, but is often surrounded by drug dealers, derelicts and petty side of the coin, but ineptitude other things to raise cash? Have state-run institutions. It’s a curi - the Antikythera Ephebe, didn’t criminals, who operate yards away from a police presence at the is the other, and the damage a cocktail night, where folks get ous situation for a museum in a see the Cycladic figurines or the back of the building. Don’t ask the cops to help. They won’t. from this is irreparable at such a to taste those emerging Greek country which has some of the Bronze Collection, and missed time.” wines while strolling amongst richest archaeological historgy in the wonderful Hellenistic and which hired two employees Mechanism closed. “We just Kathimerini said the signals the antiquities. They’d pay extra, the world, especially since the Roman sculptures, the Stathatos (who used to work for former thought, ‘Next time.’ But the sent to tourists are troubling, and believe me! Put the pornographic American School of Classical Collection and the impressive state-owned carrier Olympic Air - Canadian tourist, and another extends outside the museum, to vases on display and charge a Studies (ASCA) in Athens boasts Egyptian Collection.” ways), without, however, includ - five or six people staring at the the degradation of the entire bundle! Everyone likes that!” He world-class talent and does ma - The Director, Nikolaos Kalt - ing Sundays and public holidays door, could not say the same. I area from Omonia and Victoria added: “It’s about time that mu - jor digs around the country and sas, told the newspaper that the in their contracts. The cafe is heard him shout at the guard, stations, which serve as the two seums learned that hastily scrib - has an innovative, progressive museum needs at least 130 open, but only because a private ‘It was my dream to see this an - main arrival points for visitors to bled index cards propped up on program of trying to save guards in order to operate dou - company runs it. cient mechanical computer; it the museum. They are overrun dusty Greek vases entombed in - Greece’s past. At a recent awards ble shifts, but has just 30. The One visitor, Manos Elefthe - was my dream.’ As he walked with criminals and drug addicts side darkened glass cases are not ceremony, the ASCA gave top hiring of 115 additional guards, riou was at the museum on a re - away, he muttered in a trem - shooting up in broad daylight likely to thrill today’s tourist. The honors to four Philhellenes – he told Kathimerini, is all ready cent Saturday and Sunday and bling voice: ‘F... Greece! F... you, and have effectively been ceded gauntlet should be thrown down. none of the Greek or Greek to go ahead but is awaiting final said he was surprised to see Greeks!’ We just shook our heads over to criminal elements by the Tourists have money. Can you, American. Kathimerini used the approval from the Ministry of some of the halls closed on the because there was nothing we city. Visitors using the trolley bus Museum Director, show them a word “neglect” to show how far Culture and Tourism. “We expect first day, but completely shocked could say to this infuriated to get there, they have to get off good time? Can you make the the National Museum has fallen it any day now, any hour,” he to see so many more shut the tourist.” In another scene de - at the Tositsa Street stop on spirit of these antiquities come and wrote: “There is no other said, adding, however, that the following day. “Many foreign vis - scribed by Eleftheriou, “Two or Patission Street, which is one of alive? C’mon, don’t just sit there. word to describe the state of the normality will only last until the itors argued and nearly came to three elderly tourists, after walk - the city’s most dangerous thor - Greece, after all, was once the National Archaeological Museum end of October when the con - blows with the employees of the ing up the stairs because the el - oughfares even during the day, nexus of intellectual pilgrimage, than degradation, and it appears tracts for the additional staff ex - museum when they discovered evator was out of order, tried to as it is frequented by hundreds a name scribbled proudly at the the situation has been deterio - pire. that only one-sixth of it was clear a peek hole into the dark - of drug dealers and users and top of the wish list of any rating for some time,” according The museum shop’s opening open. I was speechless. How can ened windows of the vase col - derelicts. The directors of the Na - thoughtful person planning a to its readers. The situation is es - hours have been cut because it we say that we care about about lection by breathing on them tional Archaeological Museum tour of Europe. And I don’t think pecially embarrassing on Sun - came under the jurisdiction of our culture, our language, our and rubbing them with their and of the Epigraphical Museum that honor came entirely from days, a prime time day for mu - the now-defunct Organization tourists?” palms. When they saw us, they (whose entrance is on Tositsa Greece being perceived as a seum visitors, when only eight for the Promotion of Greek Cul - Eleftheriou told Kathimerini stared at us with a question in Street) have made repeated ap - cheap place to eat and drink. of the 64 halls are open, the shop ture (OPEP) and has now passed the reaction of one Canadian their eyes and we just ran, like peals to successive governments There’s a heritage here that we is shut and any maintenance that into the control of the Archaeo - tourist who found the hall ex - dogs that had been beaten, try - to do something about the situa - all share; let’s make sure it is carried out on the grounds is logical Resources Fund (TAPA,) hibiting the famed Antikythera ing to hide somewhere.” tion, though no one seems will - doesn’t die. Papandreou Tells EU to Send the Check Fast, But Some Germans Balking

Continued from page 1 and stoke the resentments that tral Bank and one of the archi - balance, which are set to in - are already deeply straining Eu - tects of the common currency, clude a second round of harsh bailout, with the private sector ropean unity.” There is no provi - has implied that Greece should austerity measures on workers, shouldering part of the burden sion in European Union law for exit. “If a country does not com - the poor and pensioners, while through a bond swap. “Imple - a member to be ejected, accord - ply with the conditions agreed the rich have largely escaped menting the (financing) scheme ing to legal experts. Greece on, it should not get further fi - with impunity. “The Greek prob - that was decided in the EU July would have to withdraw volun - nancial aid,” he said. “A country lem will be solved when we col - summit on Greece is even more tarily. But if the other countries which does not get further sup - lect more than we spend and important now that the global cut off aid, it may have little port has to decide what to do.” create a primary budget sur - economic crisis has sharpened,” choice. Among European econo - Economists who say Greece plus,” he said. “We need a pro - Venizelos said according to a mists outside Germany, the idea should leave the Eurozone ac - ductive and competitive public statement issued by his office af - that a country should be put un - knowledge that Greek banks sector and an outward-looking ter a conference call with top EU der pressure to leave the Euro - would probably fail and that the economy that will help turn and banking officials. zone is regarded generally as Greek economy would suffer a around the current model, “Venizelos underlined that it reckless and cruel. Greek banks deep recession. where there are three times as is particularly important to im - would fail, the country would de - Among European economists many imports as exports.” The plement quickly and comprehen - fault on its debt and would lack as a whole, the idea that Greece government has failed to make sively the decisions on the new a credible currency with which should withdraw from the euro any serious headway into reduc - role of the EFSF (rescue fund),” to buy essential imported goods is seen as irresponsible, if not ing the tax evasion problem the statement issued by his office like oil or food. The whole euro verging on madness. Jean- costing the country as much as said, adding that this was crucial area, their thinking goes, would Claude Trichet, the president of $40 billion a year. for Greece’s rescue plan. Under AP/THANASSIS STAVRAKIS suffer as investors feared the dis - the European Central Bank, has Papandreou met with Health the plan, private sector creditors A worker at the Athens Stock Exchange checks stock indices as integration of the currency union called such proposals “absurd.” Minister Andreas Loverdos to are set to take a 21% loss on Greek shares were battered amid renewed international un - and perhaps the European Union Charles Wyplosz, an economics check on the progress of reforms their bond holdings by contribut - certainty, falling to their lowest level in more than a decade. itself. “It’s very risky,” said Silvio professor at the Graduate Insti - in public healthcare, which are ing a total of about $52 billion Peruzzo, an economist in London tute in Geneva, said the idea that expected to deliver $1.42 billion, contribution to the rescue pack - have been expressing lately. a recent essay. Continuing to for Royal Bank of Scotland. “It Greece should spin off was “as part of the ruling Socialist PA - age, with the Eurozone guaran - Greece, they say, should leave throw money at Greece will only would set a precedent for other silly as could be.” He added: “It SOK party’s scheme to get the teeing the principal of the the Eurozone for its own good, reduce incentives for the country countries leaving the region. And would be the undermining of the country’s finances under control. swapped bonds. That came as as well as the Continent’s. Some to restructure its economy, he the market would start to flirt euro itself. Nobody will benefit Notis Mitarakis, Economic Af - part of a deal to extend Greece, German economists argue that and other experts say, while with the idea that the euro as a from that.” Sinn and other Ger - fairs Spokesman for the major which has been receiving loans others in the 17-nation currency pushing Europe toward a so- whole doesn’t make sense.” But man economists argue that opposition Conservative New as part of a $152 billion bailout, union, like Portugal or even Italy, called transfer union, where in Germany, with its embedded countries like Greece will never Democracy party said that a second round of another $157 might need to leave as well. “It strong countries must prop up fear of inflation and insistence do what they need to do to fix meant PASOK was going along billion to keep from going broke. is better for all concerned, in weaker ones. that individuals should suffer the their economies if others keep with New Democracy ideas. GERMAN PRESSURE particular for Greece, if the The Times said that Ger - consequences of their actions, bailing them out. Today, in Greece and abroad, Meanwhile, the New York country leaves the euro tem - many’s attitude draws plenty of the idea that Greece should just Government spokesman Ilias they are slowly coming around Times reported that a growing porarily,” Hans-Werner Sinn, publicity in Greece and other leave is gaining wider currency, Mossialos stressed in a state - to the positions of (party leader) number of reputable economists President of the influential Ifo stricken Eurozone countries, even in elite circles. ment that the wider turbulence Antonis Samaras,” he said, while and other commentators, partic - Institute at Ludwig Maximilian “where they feed stereotypes of Otmar Issing, a former chief did not mean Greece could let also calling for Eurobonds to be ularly from fully liquid Germany, University in Munich, wrote in arrogant, domineering Germans economist of the European Cen - up in its efforts to regain fiscal issued. 8 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 13-19, 2011

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The National Herald A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. Greek Bailouts know the cost of that non-think - looked down on. Clean it up! With the economy in bad (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), a Crutch That Will Fail ing. George Christopher shape, both Bloomberg and reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest Andreas Ntapalis Princeton, N.J. Cuomo see new revenue coming to the Greek American community of the United States of America. To the Editor: Chelmsford, Mass. into the state and city. Do not It is with both bemusement Gays Bring Money, Not Morals be surprised that gays from Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris and bereavement that I watch other states come into New Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos the free fall of our beloved Muckraking or Yellow To the Editor: York. This is extra revenue, city Executive Editor Andy Dabilis homeland of Greece, wondering Journalism Needed Your editorial on same – sex and state. On Line Assistant Editor Christos Tripoulas at the same time when the lies marriage was well written, but, In conclusion, the politicians Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros will end from the politicians Dear Sir: you left out some facts. First of ignore morality and ethics for Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias there and in Europe who are I don’t know Dennis Menos or all, the gay community is one badly needed revenue. They throwing bad money after bad Maureen Kris Halikis (your edi - of the wealthiest groups in New don’t see the damage they have The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by in trying to rescue a country tion July 2-8) but they don’t York. They get involved in poli - done. It’s disgraceful what is The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 that doesn’t want to be saved, smear Greeks on Old Calendar tics and raise money for candi - happening in both our city and Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, only to find some mechanism crooked bishops, pregnant nuns, dates in local elections. This is state. e-mail: [email protected] to continue profligate spending parishes cheating the public or why both the mayor and gover - Respectful submitted and ways to prop up the poor souls hanging out at truck nor gravitate towards this Nicholas J. Golegos Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece lifestyles of the rich and infa - stops. No wonder Greeks are group. Flushing, NY Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: mous who could care less where [email protected] they lived as long as they have enough money to luxuriate and Subscriptions by mail : 1 year $66.00, 6 months $33.00, 3 months $22.00, 1 month $11.00 Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $88.00, 6 months $48.00, keep their feet on the backs of 3 months $33.00, 1 month $14.00 the necks of the workers and Home delivery New England States : poor. fotograffiti 1 year $109.00, 6 months $57.00, 3 months $41.00, 1 month $18.00 There’s a reason why Greek On line subscription : Subscribers to the print edition: 1 year $34.95, 6 months $23.95, 3 months $14.95; Non subscribers : 1 year $45.95, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $18.95 Americans prosper and Greeks suffer: most of the good Greeks Periodical postage paid at L.I.C., N.Y. and additional mailing offices. left for America long ago, pre - Postmaster send change of address to: ferring a country where hard work and innovation are re - THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 warded, not punished. I feel bad for the powerless, but Greeks have long wanted a free ride Greek Lesson: Oti Koroidevis… and free lunch and now they

The Greeks have a phrase – Oti koroidevis to pathenis - what you TO OUR READERS make fun of will happen to you. We bring this up partly to point out The National Herald welcomes one of the ironies of life, and partly to signal to our fellow Greek letters from its readers in - Americans that they can lighten up about their homeland – Greece tended for publication. They is not alone. Beginning closest to home, we will note that although should include the writer’s we were shaken up by the reaction of financial markets to the decision name, address, and telephone – questionable, we believe, but not reprehensible – of Standard & number and be addressed to: Poor’s downgrade of America’s credit rating. But we’re not shocked. The Editor, The National Her - There was bound to be fallout from the political irresponsibility in ald, 37-10 30th Street, long Washington and sooner or later the world’s declining faith that our Island City, Ny 11101. letters government will deal with debt and deficits rationally was going reg - can also be faxed to (718) ister on Wall Street in one way or another. Let’s hope that President Obama is correct when he says this should concentrate the minds of 472-0510 or e-mailed to eng - lish.edition@thenationalher - the members of the super committee charged with coming up with AP PHOTO/dImITRI Ω mESSINIS compromises – yes, that dirty word, compromises – that will be nec - ald.com. we reserve the right A Political Prayer essary to make the budget numbers work. As noted economists have to edit letters for publication said on these pages regarding Greece, you can’t ignore the numbers. and regret that we are unable Greek Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos didn’t think he was asking for too much when We add: You can’t blame the other guy for everything. to acknowledge or return he knelt to pray: “Dear God, please make Prime Minister George Papandreou resign, and for The Democrats must look at ideas such as going back to zero- those left unpublished. Pangalos to be caught raiding a homeless shelter food pantry …… and I want a puppy.” based budgeting, and the Republicans at revenue enhancements, by at least plugging loopholes through tax reform, if not the tax increases that most economists say are a necessary medicine for our fiscal dis - ease. Now we will go out on a limb. There is institutional separation COMMENTARY of Church and State in America - and rightly so – but there is a place for religion-inspired ideas or criticisms in discourse. Republicans tend to wear their religion on their sleeve more than Democrats, so we ask: Who said that shared sacrifice, especially in times of suffering, is Greek Debt Crisis Lessons for the American Experience anathema? A lot of the rhetoric of the Far Right and the Tea Party does not jibe with the Judeo – Christian tradition they tout in the culture war portion of their agenda. Isn’t it time for the other Repub - By C. G. Alexandrides The US Senate on June 29 toman Empire in the 1820’s. the good relations between the licans to call them on that? On a nearby front, perhaps we will see rejected a Republican amend - Philhellenes from European EU, the US and Greece. It may an end to those bus ads in Washington that put down Greece. President Barack Obama wel - ment to restrict the Interna - countries and the US citizens well become the model for fi - Europeans can stop their tongue wagging too. They have bigger comed the rescue package for tional Monetary Fund’s ability came to Greece in the 1820’s to nancial assistance for the reso - fish than Greece to fry. Without denying Greece has been foolish and Greece, which "would help en - to use US funds to bail out for - fight for Greek independence, lution of the national debt prob - reckless for decades, it is clear that Prime Minister George Papandreou sure stability in the Euro com - eign countries, including which was subsequently recog - lems of other countries, such as has a point when he says the Greek collapse (he won’t use that word mon currency bloc." The bailout Greece. The contention of the nized by their governments. Ireland and Portugal. Lessons but we will) was partly caused by the global economic crisis. He can of Greece by the European Republican Senators “to take a President James Monroe praised from the present Greek experi - feel less guilty – if guilt is the word - about being bailed out, but he Union and the International taxpayer bailout of Greece the Greek fighting spirit and the ence include the mass popular and his government and the more responsible members of the oppo - Monetary Fund (IMF) consists through the IMF off the table” American assistance to the cra - protests, which show intense sition parties must now focus on structural reforms and getting the of the first loan of $155 billion is incorrect because the assi - dle of democracy. The same public concern compared to the tax cheats to pay or go to jail. Yes George, we think that includes last year and the second loan of tance provided by IMF to Greece spirit exhibited by the Greeks in general apathy of the American some of your friends, as well as your former college roommate’s, $110 billion this year. Private is a loan with high interest rates, World War I influenced Presi - people in the resolution of the major opposition New Democracy conservative party leader Antonis banks and investors will con - not a bailout. The IMF has al - dent Woodrow Wilson’s cham - U.S. national debt crisis in Con - Samaras. Can you gentlemen say: Credibility? tribute $71 billion to the rescue ways recovered the money it has pioning the cause for the self- gress. package until 2014 by either ex - loaned to ailing economies and determination of captive Issues of national urgency tending the maturity of the Greece has repaid its loans to nations. As the founder of the should not be determined by Hang Together or Separately loans, swapping them for new IMF. There is no American tax - League of Nations, the prede - partisan politics, lobbies and loans at lower interest rates or payers’ money lost or in jeop - cessor of the UN, President Wil - special interests. The American selling them to the Greek Gov - ardy in this case. son offered the leadership posi - voter should be a participant in The breakup of the European Union, and to a lesser degree, the ernment at a lower interest rate. This attitude of a few Repub - tion of the League of Nations to the political process and not a Eurozone of the 17 countries using the euro is just not in the cards. Moody’s put Greece in selected lican US Senators jeopardizes the Greek Prime Minister Eleft - spectator on issues affecting the Too much has been invested in the idea and reality of a united Europe default due to the extension of the close relations between the herios Venizelos. national economy, defense and after the horrors of WW II, and too many have benefited from its re - the maturity of Greek bonds on US with Greece. For example, During World War II, Presi - the well being of the people. alization for any reasonable leaders to dynamite them. Yes, many July 25. The Eurozone countries the largest US Mediterranean dent Franklin Roosevelt ex - The causes of the public debt Germans and other northern Europeans want to take their ball and have agreed to guarantee the Naval Base is in Souda Bay, pressed his admiration for the crises in Greece and the US may go home, but they have profited greatly in the arena they created, new Greek Government bonds, Crete and the US Air Force has Greek victory against Mus - be different but there are com - where those profligate southerners have bought so many of their which is expected to remove strategic air bases in Greece. solini’s invading armies from Al - mon lessons to be learned. It is cars and computers and cell phones through the decades. Yes, the Greece from selected default Moreover, Greece has purchased bania and for the valiant fight hoped that the European Union Greeks, Italians and Spaniards should have bought less and manu - status. These measures are ex - 90 F-16 jet fighters since 2000 against Hitler’s armies, which and the US as members of the factured more, but the fact they did not fattened many bottom lines pected to cut by 21% the pre - from Lockheed-Martin and Gen - delayed their invasion of Russia Atlantic Alliance will emerge up north. sent debt of Greece of $490 bil - eral Dynamics valued in excess into the devastating Russian stronger from the experience of It is now clear what will be necessary to save Europe, and it may lion. According to the EU of $10 billion. The Western winter. The Truman Doctrine the bailouts and the debt crises. add up to massive transfers of wealth from North to South. There Finance Ministers, the steps of countries have come to the as - was instrumental in the Greek will be screaming, but the have’s have profited from the Europe they the European Union and IMF sistance of Greece from the time fight against communism and C. G. Alexandrides is Professor have built, current cracks notwithstanding. Some might acknowledge will “improve the sustainability of its struggles for freedom and its defeat. The new rescue plan Emeritus of Management at that all this is part of the responsibilities of EU membership. Most of the Greek public debt.” independence from the Ot - for Greece is a continuation of Georgia State University New Yorkers don’t complain when they learn that their taxes help pay for roads or unemployment benefits in Alabama, but those who don’t buy that kind of thinking will want to exact a price from their ANTILOGOS southern neighbors. That price will be what the architects of Europe have long been calling for: going far beyond the original trade union and the new currency union to a political union, where individual countries will accept more rules legislated by all. Many who like that Of Gay Weddings and Greek Islands idea would prefer to see a strengthening of democratic mechanisms – more authority in the elected European Parliament than the ap - pointed all-powerful European Commission, but that is another mat - Say what you will about title ON THE NEUROBIOLOGY basic rights shared by us. - action...... It’s allowing ter. In the meantime, within the current structure, the north will Greece – it’s not boring, espe - OF SIN, written by non other Dionysios Markopoulos Ankara to eat the elephant “one want to be able to impose more fiscal discipline on the south. People cially in the news business these than Orthodox Archbishop GREEKS STRUGGLE TO bite at a time.” - George Econo - will become enraged about supposed losses of sovereignty, but they days. Its economic crisis contin - Lazar Puhal, which may be ob - SHED OLD WAYS OF mides always forget that one of the elements of sovereignty is the power to ues to bring world attention and tained at Synaxis@Orthodox - THINKING I am ready to vomit at what enter into treaties and other international agreements. If the repre - jibes from The National Herald canada.org - Fr. Basil Papaniko - Americans are also struggling I just read! They are selling off sentatives of the people agree that the country will benefit from a readers who also chimed in on laou to shed old ways of thinking! islands? Ofcourse the Turks will transfer of some authority, that change is legitimate. However, when New York’s gay wedding law Fr. Let’s say it like it is. Many The downgrade of the US credit buy them! Its cheaper than go - the people have lost all faith in their government, actions in their and the notion of rich Turks Orthodox clergy, including hier - rating has now put the blame ing to war! Once the islands are best interests will appear to be illegitimate, if not treasonous. buying the country’s treasured archs, are gay. Also, let’s be hon - game into full swing. It is im - in someone elses hands are they Others are screaming: “They want us all to become Germans.” jewels – its islands. est. Heterosexual marriage has portant to recognize that “good still part of Greece? Does the Don’t be silly. Yes, Greeks and Spaniards and Italians and others must not been the most successful government” is not about parti - Greek flag still fly there? I would make structural and behavioral adjustments, but they can do so and DOUBLE JOY AT BACOLAS now has it? So if Americans sanship but about partnership. hope so. Just because someone retain their identity. When they come to USA they adapt and flourish GAY WEDDING DAY want to marry same sex part - That is, it is about seeking to buys your land doesn’t mean – and many of them love their homeland more than the people they Most people find the idea of ners, frankly I don’t care. All avoid arguments and finding that its part of another country. left behind. Like, for example, the taxi drivers who struck in the gay and lesbian marriages (re - Americans have the same rights common ground by going to a They should still have to pay heart of the tourism season in Greece. latonships) utterlly repulsive. It in my mind, otherwise democ - higher ground. In this regard, property tax on them, oh wait, is time, however, to take a racy cannot work. Now for a the Athenian playwright, Sopho - they can easily avoid paying deeper look and try to under - priest to be sermonizing about cles ( Σοφοκλ ῆς), wisely advised taxes by bribing the guy who Greek Cabbie Taxi-Dermy stand the plight of those people. this, I find repulsive. The Ortho - that: “In regard to a just deed, collects them. - Niko Seretis During my 48 years as an Or - dox Church like most religions it is unreasonable for two peo - Folks, I’m afraid you’re allow - thodox priest, I encountered a condemn these people. And I ple to argue, but reasonable to ing your emotions to cloud your If is difficult to find a greater recent example of a society shooting number of Orthodox people liv - am a very strong supporter of jump to action.” – Alex Pattakos thinking. If this report is true, it itself in the foot than the reckless strike and obscene behavior of ing in isolation, rejection and the Orthodox Church. But I am TURKISH MOGUL READYING is great news. What are the Greece’s 28,000 taxi drivers. The U.S. Congress’ debt limit follies depression on account of their an absolute supporter of free - TO BUY GREEK ISLANDS downsides? A prominent Turk - come close, but it appears that although leaders in both parties de - sexual orientation. In addition dom and human dignity. Gays, This guy is not a private ish consortium is prepared to in - cided to let it go down to the wire, none of them - the leaders at to my discussions with them, I lesbians, bisexuals, transgen - buyer, he’s a front for Turkey’s vest money and knowhow to de - least – were deliberately trying to blow it all blow up. In Greece studied as much as I could re - dered have been oppressed, ‘Deep State’. If the current Greek velop business and create jobs however, the taxi drivers, rejecting the version of shared sacrifice lated topics in popular and sci - beaten, killed, have had their Government leadership sells one in Greece. Greece does not give they were called upon to make, decided not just to hold a gun to the entific books and was convinced rights stepped just like so many inch of islands to him they bet - up sovereignty over the proper - head of their politicians, but offer an obscene gesture to the tens of that the physical attraction other people like African Amer - ter check their life insurance ties being sold. In fact it gains thousands of people who showed their love for Greece by choosing among them is not a choice, as icans, Jews, women, American policies. - Philip Vorgias diplomatic leverage, in addition to vacation there this summer. The country has few revenue engines: many believe, but it is deter - Indians just to name a few. Philip, I have NO DOUBT to investment funds and jobs, shipping, tourism and construction, when there is money to build, mined by forces similar to those Leave these people alone in lib - your are correct. Greek islands for the consortium will have but tourism is vital. By refusing to work during the high season this operating among “strait” people. erty to choose their own lives, should never be for sale. It’s ob - strong incentive to promote year, they sent a message to millions all over the world that will For an enlightening view on the their own happiness. They do vious that the Turks are attempt - good relations between Greece endure many years: Don’t come. Some will, many won’t. What will subject, I would refer interested not need your or my approval. ing the create a “wedge” into and Turkey so as to ensure its the taxi drivers do when there won’t be any xeni and Greek Americans peope to an interesting, if not They only need to live their lives the frontier of Europe. Athens assets are safeguarded. I say: to rip off? provocative, booklet, with the as they choose with the same should never agree to this trans - bring it on! - Basil Zafiriou THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 13-19, 2011 VIEWPOINTS 9 LETTER FROM ATHENS The Rage Against Obama: Is it Just a Black Thing?

Meet the Yellow Peril: I have devoted a great deal of What Obama’s ab - ment’s increased linked to those factors. Con - space in this column over the solutist defenders for - oversight of health versely, it is also tenuous for any - years defending President get when they play care, and the one to conclude that black Re - Greece’s Unruly Cabbies Obama against charges that he the race card, how - bailout of big publicans crossed party lines to wasn’t really born in the United ever, is that the racist banks and other vote for Obama in 2008 because States, that he has a Socialist demagogues never conglomerates. race was more important to them Greece’s 28,000- missing a beat, he agenda, and that he is in any way voted for Obama in That much of this than party affiliation. American taxi driver fleet was said, “20 euros – for unpatriotic and uncommitted to the first place – they happened while voters are split roughly down the stilled for three all.” When I advised preserving the sovereignty of our were too busy Obama occupied middle in terms of which major weeks during a them that fare was nation. I have gone so far as to spreading lies the White House party’s candidate they support. strike undertaken to about 10 times too make a case for why Obama isn’t through emails in ex - makes him an easy For Obama to have won the elec - demand the right to high – for all – they even a liberal, let alone a Marxist. tra-large black and target, but that be - tion by a near landslide, then, keep a monopoly balked and he But when some folks conclude red font – just to by CONSTANTINOS E. ing black is a good demonstrates that legions upon and prevent compe - drove away furi - that the only reason Obama is re - flaunt their sophisti - SCAROS excuse to hate him legions of Republicans – most of tition, and no one ously. ceiving such backlash is because cation. That Obama’s is a sentiment not them white – made the conver - missed them, apart Greek taxi dri - he is black, that’s where I draw popularity has Special to harbored by the sion. from the elderly and vers are widely de - the line. Granted, racism does dropped consider - The National Herald majority of the Tea In one breath, observers are other people they spised, especially by factor into the equation, but not ably over the past Partiers. wise to point out the utter silli - left to walk to hos - by ANDY Greeks, and you can to any significant extent. Sadly, couple of years, then, certainly THE BLACK GODFATHER ness of portraying Obama as a pitals or places that DABILIS add tourists who there remains a portion of the cannot be explained away as the How can we be sure of that? member of the extreme left, aren’t served by the are burned by them, American population (thankfully, populace having thought origi - Well, look at how the Tea Party given that he has continued Metro system or bus Special to and the drivers have a consistently diminishing one) nally that he was Caucasian and has embraced Herman Cain, the many of his Republican prede - routes which resem - The National Herald lot of ways to do it, that looks at Obama and doesn’t they took a good look at him only Republican Party hopeful who is cessor’s policies. In the next ble moving cattle including trying to see an Ivy league educated Con - recently. Instead, the reason has every bit as black as Barack breath, however, they damage around. So what if their strike – convince you the decimal point stitutional law professor, a de - to do with his policies, or at least, Obama – actually, more so, be - their own credibility by suggest - which included blocking airports, on the meter is in the wrong voted father and husband, and a their perception of his ideology. cause both of Cain’s parents were ing that if anyone criticizes bridges, hotels and ports, making place so the fare is really 100 eu - highly accomplished speaker and Those same folks who will do just black. The Tea Party doesn’t Obama’s performance as presi - tourists walk while carrying suit - ros and not 10, play fast and writer, but only a man whose skin about anything to see that merely tolerate Cain in a cordial dent, it necessarily follows that cases and baby strollers, cost the loose with the change and pro - is of a darker tone than their Obama doesn’t win re-election manner - they are gaga over him! the remarks are racially moti - country an estimated 250,000- duce a 5-euro bill instead of the own. As a result, they surmise, would have been as obsessive if Unless he sticks his foot in his vated. If you know of any such 300,000 bookings for September- 20 you gave him, pick up other Obama is somehow inferior: Hillary Clinton had been Presi - mouth (as many a politician has folks, you might want to amuse October and caused a sudden passengers without your permis - more prone to espouse leftist dent right now – and neither the been known to do,) there is an yourselves by handing them a 20% decline in tourism, the coun - sion and not give you a discount ideals, and even racist himself, whiteness of her skin nor the excellent chance that by the end transcript of Cain’s daily rants try’s most important revenue after he’s charged them, charge to the point that he does even American-ness of her birthplace of the summer he will displace against Obama – without Cain’s raiser during a time when the more than allowed for tolls and care about white Americans. is open to debate. Michelle Bachman and Sarah name and likeness attached – and economy is sinking faster than baggage and operating at night, Never mind that Obama’s pale- What about the Tea Party, Palin as the Tea Party’s pre-emi - sit back and revel in laughter as the Chicago Cubs hopes of win - charge a fare higher than on the faced, rosy-cheeked, Kansas-born then? It has subjected Obama to nent inspirational leader. As for they start to hypothesize how the ning a World Series? More than meter and claim dubious un - mother was as white as June harsher criticism than any Presi - Obama enduring harsher criti - author “must be a white racist!” $1.7 billion in revenue was lost known charges, not give you a Cleaver and a distant cousin of dent has ever faced, hasn’t it? cism “than any other President,” at the main port of Piraeus that receipt, charge double the full Dick Cheney. Forget that his fa - Surely there are certain plenty of they must have forgotten Holly - Constantinos E. Scaros is a pub - was blockaded, forcing cruise fare if you share a cab with a ther, Barack Obama Senior, also racists among them, aren’t there? wood’s, the media’s, and acade - lished author and expert in ships to cancel tours and seek al - friend who gets off sooner, over - attended Harvard and was a se - Well, not exactly. For one thing, mia’s daily defamation of George American presidential history, ternative ports, Greek media re - charge for waiting time and start nior economist in the Kenyan the Tea Party is not actually a po - W. Bush. with a background in Ancient ported. All that matters to the the meter before they are sup - government. That doesn’t matter litical party. Rather, it is an unof - Like any other group that has Greek history. He has taught his - Greek cabbies, a/k/a “The Yellow posed to, and round off the fare much to those judgmental sim - ficial and loosely organized group suffered persecution because of tory, political science, and law at Peril,” after the color of their cars on the meter to the next euro – pletons; to them, our President of folks whose common bond is their racial or ethnic heritage, New York University, and served or the next 10 euros if you’re par - might as well be Grady, Bubba, that they are unhappy with the African-Americans sometimes as an Academic Dean at two ticularly gullible. Rollo, or any other supporting status quo. Mainly, they are out - tend to overlook that mistreat - other colleges in New York. His Greek taxi drivers So all that weakens their ar - cast member of Sanford and Son, raged at our double-digit trillion- ment of a specific member of latest book is Understanding the are widely despised, gument that they’ve paid as much the 1970’s television sitcom. dollar debt, the federal govern - their group is not necessarily Constitution. as $150,000 for a license, called especially by Greeks … medallions in the United States and tourists who’ve and don’t want more drivers on the streets. What was worse was been burned by them their hooligan behavior, a few Question for Christofias: How Did You Mess Up Cyprus? cabbies allegedly assaulting in - and the line down their backs, is nocent people they thought were keeping their monopoly, prevent - drivers breaking the strike, pour - By Nic os A. Rolandis apologies with a lot of humility, under occupation. President None of all the above considered ing competition, and stiffing ing oil on the road to prevent po - Special to The National Herald we hear some allegations from Kyprianou almost had a stroke. it expedient to advise you, Pres - tourists and the unsuspecting. lice from chasing them, and ha - your people that the President is Eventually we voted “absten - ident? None of them thought This is the point where it’s oblig - rassing tourists passing by the The ancient dramatist and undermined. My God! The dan - tion,” to avert an upbrading of that steps should be taken? And atory to say there actually ARE parade of chain-smoking, shab - poet Menandros said in the 4th gerous cargo was confiscated be - the “state” in the north. We knew if this is the case, what sort of fair cab drivers and decent people bily-dressed drivers who, for Century B.C that, “We are all cause there was contravention of that whatever we did would be Ministers and assistants did you among their motley crew, those some reason, prefer nearly new wise when we advise others. But Security Council Resolution wrong. Unfortunately, this is appoint? who believe theirs is a profession luxury cars as taxis but can’t find we cannot perceive our own mis - 1747. The adoption of the reso - what happens when you have Or is it that they did let you and not an organized scam. They time to press a clean shirt or stop takes.” It’s good advice today for lution meant that the whole in - friends acting “on the basis of know, but instead of unfolding perform a necessary service, but smoking and spilling ashes on the Greek Cypriot President ternational community, including principles.” So the explosive ma - the issue like headlines in front too many of them don’t care seat of their Mercedes. Taxi dri - Demetris Christofias. I am afraid, the permanent members of the terial was left in our hands, on of your eyes, you opted to treat about that. ving is a hard grind and a thank - dear Demetris, that you did not Security Council (U.S, Russia, the “basis of principles.” We re - it as a secondary and negligible Drivers, who more often than less business, 12-hour daily shifts, become fully aware of the mag - U.K, France, China) had given fused to surrender it to those issue. If this is the case, I really not are a rude bunch and won’t no paid vacations, no health in - nitude of your blunder and of their approval. It now appears countries which knew how to do not know what to say. If the stop to pick you up if they don’t surance, and being treated like a the heavy responsibility of your that the only country which had handle or destroy it. We wanted cargo were in France would the feel like it – then complain they slave by customers who think government in regard to the re - not really agreed with the con - to be able to reciprocate the prin - French ever place “death” next don’t have enough customers - you’re beneath hired help. You cent catastrophic and murderous tents of the resolution, was the ciples of our “friends”. Principles to the Louvre? If it was in Eng - are furious over a planned re - can sit for many long minutes or explosion at Mari. This is why country which had confiscated to principles, lest our principle- land would “death” be stored in form that would allow more dri - hours without a fare and some you did not apologize in the first the cargo - Cyprus. We kept the loving friends recognized the Trafalgar Square? So, why vers and licenses, demanded by times go home with the equiva - place, as you ought to have done, cargo intact, so that we would “state” in the north. should we install “death” next to the so-called Troika of the Euro - lent of $50 for a 12-hour gig, during your recent address to the not blow up our relations with This is where the question the youth of this country and pean Union-International Mon - sleep a few hours and get up and people. You apologized when it some countries. Instead, we blew arises. If you are left with a time also where the heart of the econ - etary Fund-European Central do it all over again, so this busi - was too late. So, Menandros was up our children. bomb in your hand (even omy is ticking? Why? Bank as a condition of Greece re - ness breeds a kind of cowboy at - right in his assessment made 25 We are a small semi-occupied through a mistake of yours,) do And even if we had to keep it ceiving $312 billion in emer - titude in drivers who, apart from centuries before we appeared on country. In accordance with what you deposit it in an area where for the sake of the famous “prin - gency rescue loans to keep from collegiality with their brethren this planet. One of your prede - you believe and have repeatedly you may blow up and destroy sa - ciples” could we not get govern - going broke. It would affect and speaking with riders, mostly cessors in office, Glafcos stated, Mr. President, our cred values? Do you risk the ex - ment-owned piece of land out other professions too, some of find themselves alone, sometimes Clerides, used to encourage his “friends” are standing by our side termination of 300 people who and away, put up a fence and a whom also took to striking, but deep into a dark, cold night of ministers to go and meet him at “on the basis of principles.” It ap - work and move about in the building and store it there in ac - not to trying to ruin themselves. loneliness when there is little his office at 6.30-7.00 in the pears however that our “friends” area? Or the flattening of a mili - cordance with the correct and Matt Barrett, who has the best business, and that produces dri - morning. They discussed with do not value so much these prin - tary camp which is vital for the professional rules and precau - guide to Greece on the Internet, vers who are either noble or rot - him important matters, which ciples. Because if they acted on defense of your country? Do you tions? Aeschylus, one of the great recommends driver George ten, who decide to be profes - they were handling or which had “the basis of principles” as you demolish a power plant which tragic poets of ancient Greece Kokkotos, who left New York 25 sional or crooked, who try to do come to their knowledge. I used allege they would not threaten – pumps blood into the economy? had said, “Sound thinking is the years ago to come back to Greece their job the best they can or just to call the President at least once in connection with the cargo – A state-of-the-art plant, which I biggest gift from the Gods.” It and prides himself on his work. flat out cheat everyone. a week and I was at his office that they would recognize the have visited in the past, because appears that the Gods have not Too bad there weren’t 27,999 What bad drivers never un - the following morning. The early occupied north – especially since it was under my political super - been so generous with us, more like him because for every derstand when they pilfer some - morning get-together with the they have their own occupied vision for five years. Demetris. They did not bestow good taxi driver in Greece, there one’s pockets is that they steal prudent President was proven to territories. There are dozens of docu - on us the divine gift. Because if are many more who are on the from their own souls the mantle be very useful both for him and That reminds me of some ments showing that written we had sound or even moderate lookout only for ways to cheat of decency that would make also for his ministers. The Presi - other “friends” we had in the warnings were given in regard or bearable thinking, we would people, who smoke in defiance them feel proud of themselves dent was thus apprised of all im - past, again “on the basis of prin - to the dangers emanating from not place “death” next to the of Greek law (which everyone and what they do instead of act - portant issues. ciples.” It was the Soviet Union, the explosive material. The “life” of Cyprus. We would never does too, of course,) and who ing like the bums they are, mak - The question is: how did you which used very harsh language sound of alarm could be heard pull the plug on our economy. try to find every excuse they can ing others treat them with the manage, Demetris, both you and and threatened consequences if dozens of times. Ministers, high We would never kill our children. to bilk you. While walking near contempt they earned instead of your government, to blow up we did not support the Soviet in - officials, representatives of the the Plaka close to Syntagma elevating the profession of their Cyprus, without even knowing, vasion of Afghanistan in Decem - office of the President partici - Mr. Rolandis was the Cypriot Square in the heart of Athens a calling. “I can’t control these peo - supposedly, what was going on? ber 1979. I was Foreign Minister pated in many meetings related Government’s Foreign couple of years ago, I happened ple,” union leader Thymios Ly - There was nobody out there to at that time and I recall the un - to the explosive material. The Minister (1978-83) and Minis - to walk past a tired family of for - beropoulos said of his drivers. whisper in your ear that death bearable pressure exercised by EAC leadership must have been ter of Commerce, Industry & eigners asking a taxi driver how You might want to think about was lying in ambush? Further - Foreign Minister Gromyko, by aware of the cargo and the dan - Tourism (1998-2003). He was much it would cost to take them that the next time you hail a more, so many young people Ambassador Astavin and also by gers. Furthermore some of the also a member of the Cyprus all to Mt. Lycabettos, a 10-minute Greek taxi. If it stops. perished, the economy was “as - AKEL to support the Soviet ag - containers were swollen, like House of Representatives walk away, but they didn’t know sassinated” and instead of hear - gression, despite the fact that pregnant women, signaling that (1991-96) and chairman of that. With a smile and without [email protected] ing words of deep regret and they knew that our country was an explosion was imminent. the Liberal Party (1986-98). The Stone-Paved Street of Argostoli is a Hard Walk Now and Mostly Lined With Tourists

By Evaggelos Vallianatos ion. Yet, for me, Lithostroto is a livable Athens and a few other the largely irresponsible and lenders. to solve the financial crisis of symbol of how Argostoli, mega-cities. One sees grandiose party-funded press. The animos - Greeks must put their eco - Greece. The EU must decide if I have been visiting Argostoli, Kephalonia and Greece have homes peppering villages that ity between the parties castrates nomic house in order: the cur - it is a real union. And Germany, the capital of Kephalonia, for gone astray. Not that I am import everything, including political discourse to the hurling rent troubles are harbingers of the powerhouse of Europe, must years. Kephalonia is the largest against coffee shops or com - food - and bread! But villages of epithets and insults. Like violence and civil war. Greece take a look at its recent history. of the Ionian Islands between merce. No, the problem with are also full of old people Americans, Greeks watch this is not a poor country. Its mer - According to the German eco - Greece and Italy. Kephalonia Lithostroto’s glittering boutiques stressed to the breaking point theater daily, becoming disori - chant marine is the first in the nomic historian Albrecht and its smaller sibling island is their purpose: they sell for - by the drastic decline in their ented, which explains why they world. I saw hundreds of yachts Ritschi, Germany prospered af - Ithaca next door made up the eign products to foreigners. standards of living imposed on vote the same corporate ser - in the islands of Poros, Hydra ter WWII only because America kingdom of Odysseus, the Even the names of most them by corrupt Greek politi - vants and thieves to power. As and Kephalonia. The govern - did not allow German repara - Homeric hero who, at the end Lithostroto stores are written in cians and foreign bankers. Irre - a result, the country is becoming ment, however, needs to tax tions to the countries, including of the Trojan War, struggled for English. sponsible borrowing for decades like a colony, its ruling class more than the middle class. The Greece, which the Nazis devas - so long to get back home to his Lithostroto exemplifies a par - is now coming home to roost. holding degrees from US uni - rich must be taxed, including tated. The Greek debt in 2011 beloved wife Penelope. My adigm shift for Greece: contin - Greek politicians are acting like versities but impoverishing ship owners and the owners of is smaller but not unlike the Penelope is American but I still uing the de-Hellenization of the thieves, not telling the truth, Greek universities. It’s as if the yachts. As for the loathsome crushing debt of Germany in the return to the island of my birth, country started by Christianity paying themselves handsome order the rulers of Greece re - politicians, they must be taxed 1950’s. America forgave Ger - Kephalonia. As for Argostoli, it and exacerbated by foreign oc - salaries, and voting laws that ceive from an invisible emperor and be brought under the pro - many’s debt. Now Greece can - is where I went to high school cupiers and foreign influences. protect them from breaking the is to grind the Greeks and visions of the law. not pay its debt. The EU and and lived my happy teenage Instead of selling to the count - law. Greece to the ground. So Greece needs an ecumenical Germany in particular must ini - years learning a few things and less tourists things made in LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH Lithostroto mirrors Greece. non-party government to give tiate a substantial “haircut” of dating pretty girls and hiding Greece, Lithostroto and Greece The model of Greece is the Shining and quiet on a sunny opportunities to its talented peo - the Greek debt. Germany has to from the prying eyes of the the - in general sell imported goods, US but only the bad practices of Saturday afternoon in May, the ple to produce what they need do that if only for moral rea - ology teacher. My sister Georgia the country ditching its ancient America have reached Greek few tourists strolling and admir - and use, especially food; entice sons. During WWII it occupied lives in the Lithostroto Street of crafts and skills for the cheap shores. And despite the success ing the boutiques on both sides many Greeks to their villages by Greece, committing war crimes Argostoli and, whenever I visit and luxury items of other coun - of thousands of Greeks in Amer - of the traffic free street, while giving them free land from against the Greeks, plundering Kephalonia, I stay with her. I tries. This destructive habit has ica, few of those successful peo - the natives are sleeping off the church and monastery lands, Greek antiquities, and, other - walk daily in the Lithostroto a tsunami-like effect on the ple return to Greece. Watching cares of the day, all the better which the government must ex - wise, leaving an appalling (stone-paved) Street, the coffee country. The best of the Greeks Greek TV is like watching Amer - to march to the coffee shops and propriate for the public good; legacy of destruction and death. shop center of the city. leave home for America and ican TV: a fantasyland. Talking restaurants in the evening. But support local crafts and green Lithostroto is the place locals Western Europe. The country - heads, speaking loud and inter - who is going to continue to pay industries for tourism and for Evaggelos Vallianatos is the au - and tourists cannot do without side is emptied of peasants, rupting each other, simply re - for such a comfortable way of export. Greece and the Euro - thor of This Land is Their Land because its boutiques sell fash - slowly becoming a suburb to un - peat the screaming headlines of life? Certainly not the foreign pean Union must work together and The Passion of the Greeks. 10 THE BACK PAGE THE NATIONAL HERALD, AUGUST 13-19, 2011 Mikis Theodorakis Looks Back On a Tortured Life of Genius

In a lengthy interview with the many oratorios, cantatas, op - BAH: Returning to music… MT: Composing - no! I do no Buenos Aires Herald (BAH) of Ar - eras, symphonies and concerts. did you study music formally? longer compose but I continue gentina last year, Greek composer We introduced ourselves using MT: I am not too sure of making arrangements and some Mikis Theodorakis waxed on some Greek and much English, what “formally” would be … I changes. I read quite a lot and about the sadness and anger he but later on I had to shift mostly did not have a teacher or a pro - every so often I write about con - felt watching his beloved country to French and some English and fessor, if that’s what you mean. temporary affairs. Politics are slip toward economic oblivion. It a few phrases in Greek. The first I learned alone observing and still my passion and my worry. was a telling piece about an 85- question helped me get my listening to others and I only at - BAH: How many concerts year-old musical genius in the bearings: “How should I address tended a conservatory for about have you conducted with your twilight of his career and life and you: Mr. Theodorakis, Maestro three years, between 1956 orchestra? he touched many nerves. That he Theodorakis, or Maestro?” A and1958, in Paris. MT: About two thousand, all garnered such attention halfway wide, radiant smile and a brief BAH: You have composed over the world. Just as the around the world was not sur - answer: “Mikis!” music for works of great Greek greatest pleasure in my whole prising because his music is in - THE DANCE OF LIFE poets. Those of us who speak life has been to compose, one ternational and respected, even The hour and a half with one Spanish are both gratified and of my greatest delights has been revered, by fans around the of the greatest contemporary surprised by the fact that you to conduct my own music. With - world. Here is the article. musicians, a committed, coura - have also written music for out music, there’s no life! geous, passionate man whose Neruda’s Canto General and BAH: Would you mind if we THEODORAKIS: music helped put modern-day Garca Lorca’s Romancero Gi - took a few pictures of you? “I AM NOT A MUSEUM” Greece on the map, who fought tano. Why did you? MT: I’d rather you didn’t. Be - I left the Acropolis with a for his ideals and beliefs, who MT: Spanish is very attrac - sides - as I just said in my recent vague feeling of sadness: to de - had to endure torture, impris - tive to me, I feel very attracted interview with Ept - I am not a scend towards the noisy neigh - onment and exile at the time of to those poems, I am really at - museum and this is why I prefer bourhood of Monastiraki was to the Colonels seemed to last just tracted to the feelings and ideals to have no pictures taken. They turn my back on the sources of a few minutes. A man, who, they express. have taken so many of them and our culture and the way we see throughout his life, created, BAH: You have visited many then they have always published the world. A Greek word – composed, played, conducted Latin American countries. the worst ones. But do not kaimis - describes well the feel - and made music, spelled with a Which Latin American people worry. I’ll tell Rena - my secre - ing that took hold of us. It is a capital “M,” just like in Mikis. have impressed you most? With tary - to send you a few inter - feeling of indefinite deprivation, He has recently turned 85 and which one do you feel most esting ones, with me alone or melancholy and sweet at the was born on the island of Chios identified? with other people I have loved same time, much like the (Xios) in 1925. According to the MT: The Chileans, no doubt. and admired, like Anthony “saudades” of the Portuguese legend, Chios is the most prob - Chileans have ways of being and Quinn and Melina Mercouri. and the Brazilians. Even so, a able birthplace of another fa - of thinking which - from my BAH: Regarding Anthony few minutes after leaving the mous Greek: Homer. This north - point of view - is very Greek. Quinn. Did it bother you that Parthenon, that feeling opened ern Aegean island, not far from We are very much alike and this for Zorba’s role Cacoyannis did the way to one of stimulating the Turkish coast in Asia Minor, must be why Pablo (Neruda) not choose a Greek actor? anticipation. I had left behind a can be reached by ferry from the and I were such good friends! MT: Not at all … he was magic place, the essence of all same port of Piraeus where BAH: Any anecdote you can Mexican, you know. He had a that is classic. Very soon, at its Zorba Anthony Quinn and his share with us? very Greek countenance and feet, I would meet the most em - boss, the English intellectual MT: Many years ago I was in was a great actor. blematic personality of modern- Alan Bates set sail followed by Havana and met Fidel Castro. BAH: Do you know Astor Pi - day Greece. Fascinated by this the rhythm of a song in which Mikis Theodorakis is Greece’s greatest living composer and Knowing Greek and French it azzolla’s work? perspective, suddenly all kinds the bouzouki starts to play still one of the most renowned in the world, although in recent was very easy for me to com - MT: Of course. I like it very of unexpected fears started grip - mildly until it reaches a moving, years he’s taken more to politics and railing against the United municate with him and under - much, just as I like the work of ping me. What was I thinking - closing escalation: Zorba’s States, Israel, and Jews. Some say he's sullying his reputation. stand all he was telling me. You Ariel Ramrez and especially his knowing I would soon travel to Dance. see, Spanish – a language that I Misa Criolla. Athens - when I sent an e-mail It makes sense that both them. It is all music … at the life. like so much but that I almost BAH: How old were you there, practically certain we Theodorakis and Homer - the most, we might say that what BAH: Is the problem that to - do not speak - shares the same when you composed for the first would never get a reply? Instead great poet of ancient Greece - we define classical is more spir - day affects your legs the product intonation, rhythm and cadence time? I did get one advising us to call were born on the same island itual, while what we call popu - of injuries suffered during the with Greek. There’s much affin - MT: I was very young – just once in Athens and to ask for and that Theodorakis based lar is basically emotional. war? ity between them. 12. someone called Rena. As I many of his works on the poems BAH: Your music then MT: No! I was in jail for 12 BAH: Why did you decide to We would have kept going walked on the path paved with of Pablo Neruda, Federico Gar - should not be catalogued either years and was tortured by the make a musical adaptation of the rest of the afternoon, but we worn marble slabs towards the ca Lorca and Greek Nobel Lau - as classical or popular? Fascists and this is the result of Canto General? had already abused enough of residential district of Philopap - reate Odysseas Elytis. His wife MT: No, and it should not be those tortures … you may also MT: We were having break - his patience and time. We got up pou, I felt definitely not up to Myrto, a year younger than he, described as political music ei - want to add that I also was a fast with Pablo in his Paris home to say good-bye by he stopped the challenge much like a child suffers from miopathy and ther. At the most it could be de - representative in Parliament one morning - he was an Am - us with an energetic gesture of that cries, screams and has a never leaves home. This is why fined as committed music. Any - and, for a short time, a minister. bassador there- and that was his hand, just as if we were mu - tantrum to get a particular toy Mikis himself seldom goes out. way, I always composed music One never stops being active in when I decided to compose mu - sicians and he were on the and, once he gets it, does not He has difficulty walking and without labels. politics. sic for his Canto General. At the podium. He produced a number know what to do with it. has a pair of little bells on the BAH: Yet all through your BAH: A great Greek actress - time, Neruda had the entire of CD’s from a drawer in the little It was early, and Rena had table next to his large armchair life you had intense political ac - Melina Mercouri - was a minis - Chilean bourgeoisie, the leading table and a marker with which told me to be there at 5 p.m. in order to be helped getting up tivity, which cost you years in ter too and fought for the return daily in his country - El Mercu - he started dedicating them to us, sharp. A couple of minutes be - as it is difficult for him to do so jail and exile... of the Parthenon’s marbles. rio newspaper - and the US one by one with a firm, expres - fore 5, I rang the bell of an unaided. The lady materialized MT: I have never ceased be - What do you think about those against him. Then one day he sive handwriting, asking about ivory-colored house similar to in total silence bringing us cof - ing interested in politics; I fol - marbles that Lord Elgin took to and his wife came to our record - the spelling of our names and the ones around it, with street fee and then disappeared. low the developments and read the British Museum in London ing studio when I had already making jokes all along. level and first floor. A lady of BAH: Mikis (this first time a lot even now. Some time ago, and which the English refuse to composed the music for the first Only when he was done he austere aspect and hard to de - calling him Mikis was hard for in an interview with the weekly give back to Greece? five poems. The first one was picked up of the bells to call the fine age opened the door for our me) how important was it for magazine Ept (Seven) - notic - MT: I believe, just as Melina Amor América. The singers were silent lady. He shook hands with limited command of Greek, en - you to have composed the ing that a great paralysis and in her day, that those sculptures two of the best I have ever us with energy, seated in his abled me to understand that a soundtrack for Cacoyannis’ film lack of leadership were damag - should be returned to Greece worked with: Maria Farandouri armchair and we felt that he problem would keep Rena from Zorba, the Greek, screened all ing Greece- I stated: govern or because they were stolen. It is and Petros Pands. Pablo lis - kept looking at us as we walked attending. She led me to a to - over the world, with giants such resign! terrible to see the beauty of the tened very attentively and in - towards the door. Those strong tally carpeted study, with warm as Anthony Quinn, Alan Bates, BAH: How would you define Acropolis and the damage those vited me for dinner at his place handshakes, and having held tones of wood and many book - Irene Pappas and Lila Kedrova? yourself: a leftist, a Socialist or monuments have endured when for the following evening. There our hands between his for a mo - cases full of books and folders MT: Not especially important a Communist? entire pieces were taken else - he made a toast raising his glass. ment, made us recall that Mikis and framed etchings hanging … that is music I have com - MT: I would define myself as where. The only pretext of the Taking a green crayon he dedi - always conducted with his bare from the walls. There were posed and for me all music has a Utopian Communist. During English against (returning cated his poem Voy a Vivir to, hands, his arms and all his body, many chairs and small arm - the same hierarchy, the same the years of the occupation, in them) was that Greece did not “A genial man, Mikis Theodor - clad with a simple black shirt chairs and, next to a bulky dark relevance. the war, I enrolled in the Greek have a suitable museum to pro - akis.” In that poem he writes and trousers of the same color, desk, a large easy chair with pil - BAH: Yet everybody knows Popular Army and I was a parti - tect them. Today this is no about Emiliano Zapata, Lautaro, with his mane to the wind. lows on it, all guarded by a tow - Zorba’s music and the “sirtaki” san both in the mountains as longer valid, because we have Sandino … That was the last We turned right on the nar - ering grandfather clock that rhythm…” well as in Athens. Those were one of the most modern and time I saw him. Shortly after, I row sidewalk. Up there, as for struck five like Big Ben. The lady MT: That may be so, but it is the most important years in my lovely museums. went on a Latin American tour many centuries, stood the invited me to sit; “he” would be not important. with my orchestra, which Parthenon, outlined against the coming soon. A few moments BAH: Wouldn’t you say that started in Buenos Aires. He let backdrop of a very deep blue later she returned to accompany Zorba marked a before and after me know that he would not be sky, the columns shining like him to the large easy chair and in your career? able to meet me there due to gold in the setting sun. A Mikis put his cane next to him. I had MT: In a certain sense, yes, his crippling rheumatism, but Theodorakis can only have been never seen him such a short dis - but not on account of the music, committed to be at my side once born in Greece, in that magic, tance, even though we had at - but because of the movie. Cin - I reached Santiago. From impressive context. It is hard to tended all his concerts in ema is very powerful and I was Buenos Aires, we went on to say where Mikis Theodorakis Buenos Aires. fortunate to have been called to play in Venezuela and Mexico. begins and where Greece ends! Possibly because of the per - compose the soundtrack of this It was precisely the day of the They are two parts of the same spective of the stage, I had not film based on the book by one premiere of Canto General in continuum. His memorable sen - realized he was so tall, solid, ro - of our greatest writers, Nikos Mexico City’s theater that we tence “Without music, there’s no bust and, at the same time, Kazantzakis. got the news about his passing life!” kept ringing in my ears. graced by such gentle, expres - BAH: Mikis (this time it in Chile…” And as Kazantzakis put in sive movements. I did recognize came easier…) Zorba is a classic BAH: What does that paint - Zorba’s lips, Theodorakis is one his unmistakable mane of hair, today, but you cannot say it is ing in front of you represent, of those human beings who his trademark. Seated in front classical music, such as that of full of handwritten words con - have “the fire inside” and who of me, slight smile lighting up so many works you have com - nected by a network of straight can light up the world with the his features, Mikis Theodorakis posed. and curving lines? power and energy of his music. was observing us, the Theodor - MT: All music is music and MT: Ah… that? That is the As I walked by a small taverna akis of Zorba, the Greek and a it is wrong to separate it. What galaxy of all my works, of all in Plaka, they were playing a myriad of songs that today have many describe as classical music my music, that shows how each Theodorakis favorite: Doxa to become a must in the taverns of would not come to be if popular Theodorakis has composed or arranged scores of scores, in - composition relates to the oth - The (Thanks to God.) In our Plaka and the estiatoria (restau - music did not exist before. cluding many classics such as Axion Esti, but is unhappy he’s ers… I am not just the composer hearts, we too thanked the gods rants) of the smallest and re - There would not be classical best known for his music for Zorba the Greek, the 1964 award- of Zorba. of Olympus and Rena for having motest Greek islands, that same music if we didn’t have popular winning film that featured Anthony Quinn (L ) as the hero who BAH: Do you keep compos - given us the gift of being with Theodorakis, composer of so music: there’s no gap between taught his English friend Basil (Alan Bates), how to dance. ing? Mikis that afternoon. The Dark Side of the Maestro Emerges

Mikis Theodorakis is inarguably among the dering part of our sovereignty and finding our - “thoughtless, hurtful and racist.” Papadopoulou, greatest music composers in the world. Ever. He selves under foreign tutelage,” he wrote, point - who said Theodorakis was a “good man,” said has produced what’s become the iconic song of ing his finger at the so-called Troika of the Eu - he was reinforcing racial stereotypes by making Greece, Zorba the Greek – which he later fa - ropean Union-International Monetary the comment, the Athens newspaper Kathimeri mously denigrated as for tourists and ignorant Fund-European Central Bank in return for lend - reported. people who think it’s Greek – as well as the noted ing the country $312 billion to keep from going “Why should a floundering nation of Greeks American film Serpico and many other soaring broke – and demanding big pay cuts for workers, be compared to Filipinas? How can you callously scores, including the incomparable Axion Esti. tax hikes and reduced benefits for pensioners. categorize Philippine women in a way that ig - Few fail to be stirred by his moving adaptions of “There are some people who made us feel guilty nores their individuality, their intelligence, their famous poets or the way his music reaches into and alarmed us for the purpose of steering us strengths and their charms? How can you use a person’s soul and makes it stir and mix with towards the IMF, which is a pillar of US expan - hard-working and courageous people as a symbol melancholy and inspiration simultaneously. So sionist policy,” he added. of everything that you find humiliating, a symbol it’s sad that in his later years, the 85-year-old He’s vehemently anti-American, the residue of servitude?” maestro, who had to endure imprisonment dur - of U.S. support for the Colonels who imprisoned The Filipino group Kasapi Hellas also criti - ing the rule of the Colonels in the military junta him, and he continues to rail against interna - cized Theodorakis’ statement. “You use the term from 1967-74, seems to have snapped a string tional bodies he thinks are trying to imprison ‘Filipina’ as a synonym for submissiveness and on one of the instruments that play his music. his whole country. He was nominated for a Nobel servitude, as someone low and insignificant: a He identified himself as an anti-semite, akin to Peace Prize on 2000, shortly before his baton non-person, so helpless in the presence of em - a famous American composer openly calling him - started slipping. Last year he formed Spitha, or ployers that she only has to obey blindly. While self the same or a racist, and Theodorakis has spark, the People’s Independent Movement but you wish, thus, to portray an image of blind obe - gotten away with it because he’s still revered for it has virtually been ignored. And recently he dience of the Greek people to the demands of his music if forgiven for his sometimes loony po - likened the treatment of Greece by the Troika to the Troika, at the same time you are demeaning litical ramblings. that of expecting Greeks to behave like a “Filip - the Filipino people.” Jeremaiah Opiniano of the In a commentary late in 2010, as Greece was ina,” perhaps an unwitting reference to the OFW Journalism Consortium reported that the reeling in an economic near-collapse and beg - scores of thousands of Filipino maids who toil in Commission on Filipinos Overseas estimates ging international lenders for money, Theodor - Greece, especially for the rich. Predictably, that there were more than 45,000 Filipinos in Greece akis expressed his outrage. “I cannot explain set off a storm of anger from those women. Fil - who sent more than $222 million back to the and even less justify the vertiginous speed of ipina-Greek Margie Doyle Papadopoulou said in Philippines. It doesn’t sound like Theodorakis Theodorakis in a typically somber pose of se - our country’s collapse since 2009, to the point an open letter that has been circulated on social was listening to Zorba, who espoused a joy for riousness. He’s a man of intensity, whether of having appealed to the IMF thereby surren - media that she finds Theodorakis’ statement life, without hatred or prejudice. in music or politics, and eminently quotable.