Onasagoras
“I am committed to lowering electricity prices,” Minister of Energy Mr. Papanastasiou told us when he assumed office. Since then, we’ve watched in dismay as electricity prices have steadily risen, with various justifications that no longer convince anyone.
Yes, we know that in this country, "commitment" has lost all meaning. But surely there must be a limit to underestimating the intelligence of citizens. How else can one explain the statement, “The cost of subsidies is borne by the state, not by the citizens”?
Doesn’t everything in the state’s coffers ultimately come from the citizens’ pockets, directly or indirectly? This isn’t something they teach in universities, of course, because they assume we’ve learned it in elementary school. Let’s hope we never have to hear the ridiculous line “the state will pay, so it won’t cost citizens a thing” again, because if I hadn’t already lost my hair, I’d be pulling it out.
Speaking of losing hair… Yesterday, our President sent a congratulatory message to Donald Trump, just days after visiting the United States and declaring that Trump’s election could be a very dangerous development! (Feel free to add as many exclamation points as you’d like).
Perhaps he didn’t think this one through, but surely Philippa, now back on duty at the Foreign Ministry, could have gone over the basics of diplomacy with him? Or maybe one of the army of advisors and aides that citizens pay for out of their own pockets?
At least it’s a good thing that we’re not taken as seriously abroad as we imagine we are. We’re also a bit unlucky, almost cursed. It brings to mind the unforgettable Benny Hill, who once sang – with not a trace of political correctness – “I’m so unlucky, if I were Sophia Loren’s baby, I’d be bottle-fed.” If you laughed, don’t admit it, at least not in front of a fanatical Woke Culture supporter. And, believe it or not, I’m a fan myself, albeit with some reservations. But when humor itself becomes criminalized – and I’m not referring to Seferlis, of course – then maybe it’s time to reflect on whether we’ve gone too far. Seriously.
Just yesterday, I was discussing with a friend AKEL’s proposed amendment to make inciting violence against LGBTQ individuals a felony. A very nice move, but I must confess I have a question: does this mean that inciting violence against non-LGBTQ individuals isn’t a felony? Is one a felony and the other a misdemeanor? If anyone ever figures it out, they should let me, a humble thinker, know.
My friend also offered his take on not only Trump’s election but the recent rise in far-right movements overall: the excesses of Woke Culture! When I asked him what he meant and how the two are connected, he explained: How is it possible that something that began with such positive, humanitarian intentions hasn’t been embraced by all but instead has enraged many to the point of pushing them toward extreme groups and ideologies bordering on misanthropy?
His answer left me thinking: “If I now declare myself an ATM, does that mean you can withdraw money just by tapping your card on me? Of course not. Some people have crossed every boundary of logic, and this provokes a reaction,” he added.
I was left in thought – and in a time when I didn’t have much energy for thinking. Should I “Cancel” my friend to bring some peace to my mind? Every action brings a reaction, and apparently, excess – even with good intentions – can lead to disillusionment. Food for thought.
[This opinion was translated from its Greek original]
