As I prepare to make a brief visit to Greece, I came across an article that brought into stark focus the enormity of the economic problems this country is wrestling with.
Hellenic Railways is drowning in debt -- its debt is estimated at $13 billion, or 5% of Greece's gross domestic product. It is losing 3 million Euros a day!
With that type of debt load you can begin imagining the types of drastic measures that will need to be taken.
These measures will definitely be unpopular.
More popular rage will undoubtedly be forthcoming.
The people who are responsible for this mess will probably evade being held accountable.
Why should I care?
It has to do with family history.
My paternal grandfather was an employee of Hellenic Railways, back when the trains were the main means of transportation within Greece. He was a railway man, proud of the company he worked for and I still remember his pocket chronograph, a token of his many years of service at the railway.
Grandpa Gianni would surely be distressed at the state of the company he once worked for.
Since I'm feeling sentimental, here's a link to an old-time, train-related, jazz tune with the same title as this post from the legendary Duke Ellington -- Take the A-Train.
John, thank you for this memento of our grandpa. In my pre-school years I travelled many times by train under his guardianship.
ReplyDeleteHello, John! Welcome to Greece and Cyprus! Have a nice time with your people.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your today's thoughts.
We have so many memories of our grandpa! Surely he would be totaly depressed if he was still alive, and not only for the Hellenic Railways...
Antoni kai Stavroula -- sas euxaristw gia ta comments.
ReplyDeleteH episkepsi stin Ellada itan ena 3ypnima -- eida apo konta ola auta pou akouga kai diabaza -- 8a grapsw kati gia auto to 8ema sigoura.