Time for change

Time for change, originally uploaded by Teacher Dude's BBQ.

Here is hoping that the presidency of Barack Obama will bring a change for the better in the world. In a time of uncertainty and crisis we need believe that there are people who can deliver on what they have promised and do not simply rely on sound bites and spin to wriggle out from their commitments.

But remember, whoever is in power, politics is too important to leave to politicians.

Greek national newspaper in anti-semitism row

Greek national daily, Avriani (Tomorrow) has found itself in the centre of allegations of anti-semitism over its 4th November front page headline;

THE END OF JEWISH DOMINATION:

“Everything changes in America which we hope will become more democratic and humane”

The paper's lead story stated that Barack Obama's recent victory in the US elections was a major setback to Jewish influence over the US government. It also claimed that Arabic finance was behind Obama's success in the presidential race over the McCain - Palin ticket who were "puppets" of the Jewish lobby.

The report has produced a strong response from Greek human rights groups and Jewish community organisations. The Greek Helsinki Monitor condemned the newspaper and accused the Greek government of indirectly supporting racism as the the front page article also featured an advertisment for the state run OPAP gaming company.

In addition the Anti-Defamation League claimed the story showed that, "anti-Semitism remains alive in Greece today» and that political leaders need to take a clear stand against hate."


It should be noted that despite the existence of legislation outlawing racist speech for nearly 30 years in Greece and numerous incidences in both the printed and electronic press there has been only one successful conviction (click here).


In 2008 the far right Eletherous Kosmos (Free World) newspaper was found guilty under article 2 of law 927/79 for publishing a column by Theodoros Hatzigogos which stated,"Thank God, less than 1500 Jews have been left in Thessaloniki." Apparently referring to the fact that the vast majority of Thessaloniki's (Greece's second city) Jewish population died in Nazi death camps during the Second World War."

This story can also be seen on NowPublic.com

Thanks to Devious Diva and Abravanel for putting me onto this story

Obama wins

When Barack Obama emerged as a possible contender for the Democratic nomination last year I have to admit that I thought he little or no chance of convincing his own party to back his run for the presidency let alone actually persuade a wider elctorate to vote for him.

When I saw his acceptence speech I was reminded of John F.Kennedy's inaugural address in 1961.