The rise of the far right is not just a Greek phenomenon: it was apparent in the recent French elections and is in Britain also; it is established in Germany and the US and can be heard in the rhetoric of many leading politicians as they thunder against race issues, immigration and foreign immigrants, many of whom in some countries are forced to live in squalor and even incarceration. One day we will look back on this period in our history with shame, as we do now over slavery.
Whenever democracy – freedom, equality and independent representative government - is ignored it allows its antithesis of control and suppression often for personal gain to come in, and this what has happened in Greece and elsewhere. Berlin and Brussels have trampled on its sovereign right to decide its future mercilessly and humiliatingly and EU policies have created a serious migration problem in the land that created democracy and which led the way by example for so long. It is not surprising that many among the Greek people have had enough and are turning to leaders who say what they want to hear.
Democracy matters, everywhere, but until decision makers remember and act accordingly, there will be increasing instability and the polarisation of extremist views. This is a significant time for our world, with important choices to be made. But remember, all is very well.]]>
