Greece/Riots/Taxes/

binch

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Greece

Until the Greek people face up to eliminating the fakilaki culture and the rusfeti that dominates political life, there can be no redemption. Perhaps our Greek friend will comment. I was a director of the Greek insurance company Ethniki when it was British owned (by the Norwich Union) and we had to sell it because the NU refused to make "donations" to certain "charities".

I have a lot of time for Greek ship-owners who can run profitable enterprises under circumstances that bankrupt British ship-owners, but some of their non-nautical activities worry me.

I used to have to go each year to pay formal thanks to Stavros Niarchos for the large annual donation he gave to (British) Royal Naval charities (The RN took him, and others off from burning Smyrna and he never forgot it). I also had invitations from the Pateras family to the island of Oinoussa (near Xios) and believe me I got some idea of the value of "Pull".
The monetary value, that is.

I have sailed Greek waters since 1953 when I went in HMS Childers to relieve earthquake damage. It is very easy to fall in love with Greece, but..... but...in spite of some imperfections the poorest people are ever the most hospitable.

But TI THA KANATE? (What can you do?)
It seemed to me that these mega-rich and hospitable plutocrats were not breaking Greek law, but that Greek law was adapted to their needs. Rather as banking law in the City of London.
 

grumpygit

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Nonsense; Greece together with Portugal, Spain and Ireland, were contributing 10% annual growth during the last 10 years, much more than other major EU countries. They were responsible for bringing considerable wealth into Europe; not just from tourism but from exports. Now is pay back time. Also, in the last 10 years there has been a huge influx of "tourists" who decide to stay in Greece for good, surviving on part-time jobs and contributing very little, if anything. Having the Euro is good, but the disadvantages are when the economy is down , there is no way for the individual country to devalue its currency as it would if they still had the drachma, and to adjust the economy until recovery. It is also hard to believe your suggestion that you have paid for the unfinished marinas.

And you'll think the Moon is made out of cheese..........................

Sorry, but your post in relation to Greece seem quite full of misconception and mixed with niavety.

________________________________________________________________________
 

charles_reed

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<<But TI THA KANATE? (What can you do?)
It seemed to me that these mega-rich and hospitable plutocrats were not breaking Greek law, but that Greek law was adapted to their needs. Rather as banking law in the City of London.>>

Bill,
you haven't mentioned that even greater Greek disgrace in 1946, the Civil War. That's very alive in the memories of the older Greeks to whom I talk.

One thing has changed (is changing) the youngsters have enjoyed 18 years of the Community and their attitudes are refreshingly different to their parents, far more switched on and dismissive of old habits.

I suspect the ECB will have to take a far more diligent supervisory role, in the economic affairs of all €uromember states, and the oligarchs who have treated the Greek State as their personal fiefdom will be restrained. But it's a long way to go, hopefully a peaceful change, not a revolution.
 

Ludd

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Ludd for someone with oodles panache as yourself ,his opinion if always sort out for.on a boring day.

It time you started heading south and what a about young Puddock not heared much of him these days .Did you damage him on your cruise?

Froggie is on an oil rig off the coast of Africa at present---should be back home soon.
I intend to start heading south in June,waiting for new mainsail.
 
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