Protests continue in Greece as their parliament deliberately ignores the demonstrations (in spite of some lip service paid by certain members). Police and protesters "clashed" today, but there is much speculation as to the nature of the "thugs" who have been initiating seemingly unconnected criminal acts (such as looting and destruction of property)--many claim they are agents provacateur, seeking to justify the extreme violence utilized by the police in response to the ongoing peaceful protests against EU-imposed austerity measures.
It's important to note that "polls suggest that up to 80% of Greeks reject these austerity measures," as reported by the Guardian. Not surprising considering the pay cuts, job cuts, and tax increases involved; these are not simply radicals hellbent on destruction, these are "the people" in every sense of the word.
This is one of many videos posted recently showing the police using unnecessary force against clearly peaceful citizens:
This tweeter is providing regular updates of the state-sponsored attempts to force a rout by protesters. Luckily, they are still holding strong, despite the passage today of several pieces of legislation related to the externally-imposed austerity measures.
According to Sofia (as quoted in the Guardian): "But people kept coming back, they were clapping their hands whenever they heard many gas bombs explode. From time to time they were singing. All sorts of ages, professions [joined the protests]. I'd say they were people that wouldn't usually protest and now they do."
Inspiring. we would be lucky to have such a commitment to real democracy in this country, but unfortunately all we have is the Tea Party.
I cannot emphasize enough my appreciation for the strength of the heroic protesters standing their ground against all odds in Syntagma Square and elsewhere in Greece. Keep fighting the good fight!
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