Abalinx 6 March 2018 Peter Adamis
Sooner or later sadness will turn into grief, grief into anger and anger is violence. The matter of the naming of a nation has gone too far for individuals and communities that share the same faith, resemble each other in dress and bearing, trade with each other and yet at war with each other. I am talking about those who live outside the borders of two European nations. Two nations that should be at peace and yet because of past wrong doings of one nation attempts to reprogram a people using other nations history has not worked out well for those attempting to pervert the course of history. A copy of the article can be downloaded by clicking on: CYBERWARFARE AUSSIE GREEKS VERSUS SLAV FYROMITES
First it began with symbols in their society, followed by statues, naming of building and infrastructure, then education of at least three generations with a false foundation of history. Finally a propaganda exercise which gained momentum for a while fooling yes fooling governments with their false history and sense of purpose and making radical statements that they alone have the rights to an ancient and now non-existent race of people. One thought that they had integrated within Australian society and yet in the last few weeks we have seen no sign of integration, self-control and discipline which is prevalent amongst Australians of today.
During the 1992 and 1994 demonstrations and accusations of vandalism by both sides, it became so ludicrous that if, matters were not so serious it would be laughable. For example the Slav FYROMITES of the day accused the Aussie Greeks of burning their church, only for the Police to find holy icons and other relics held by the Slavic Orthodox FYROMITE priest at his home. These being found after accusations were unjustly hurled at the Aussie Greeks. Furthermore it was prove that the Priest and his die hard followers were responsible.
It took a Greek Politician to arrive in Australia to talk with Aussie Greek community leaders to advise them that they should not embroil themselves in such matters as both governments back in Europe will resolve the matter. His message also said that Aussie Greeks should concentrate on being good Australian citizens first and then concern themselves with what was happening in the old country. Wise words indeed and it should have been reciprocated by the FYROMITE Embassy in Australia. Something which did not happen.If it did, such violent demonstrations of anger and passion would not have been seen on the streets of Melbourne and Sydney.
These signs of anger, vandalism and passion were thought to be a thing of the past and yet we saw evidence of vandalism, racial taunts, intimidation and unwarranted printed and fabric material being displayed in prominent areas around Melbourne. Is the work of a community that is trying to be recognised as a civilised nation in the eyes of the world or is the signs of a nation who have been programmed to act in this manner.
These types of anti-social behaviour belongs in the Dark ages and not in todays enlightened society. Both sides have much to learn from each other and both sides have much to gain, but to come to that point negotiations must be on a level playing field and a positive result being the outcome.
Aussie Greek community leaders have consistently sent the same message of positive reinforcement and not to retaliate in anyway or form and/or act in a manner that will attract negative publicity and destroy the goodwill the Aussie Greek community is held by the rest of Australian society. If one community can do this then certainly such acts of patience should be reciprocated by the other. After all not only do they share the same faith, but there are many intermarriages between the two and have much in common with each other.
There is no blame here, only recriminations and unwarranted acts of intimidation and violence which if not checked or nipped in the bud has the potential to cause further damage to both community’s reputation and standing in society. Vile comments, fibs, lies, innuendoes, threats and intimidation are rife at the moment on social media outlets, which have culminated in one group accusing the other of falsehoods and reporting each other to the various social media communication platforms and blocking each other needlessly. When will it stop is my question?
Both communities need to be aware that Australian society has now put them both under the microscope and such are being judged accordingly. No amount of propaganda and falsehoods will change public opinion not will they influence the law makers of each nation when they sit down at the negotiation table. If matters do not simmer down and allowed to escalate both communities will suffer in the long term and will never reconcile under any circumstance. It may also drive them into camps not of their own choosing as a means of attracting allies to consolidate their own weak position.
My message to both warring groups is to chill out, take a break, reflect and consider the ramifications if this matter gets out of hand. Stop the propaganda, the vandalism, the burning of flags, intimidation, threats, racist comments and the never ending war of war on social media outlets. Aussie Greek peak organisational leaders and community elders have already demonstrated by their positive messages that Aussie Greeks are not to retaliate and to allow events in Europe to take a course of their own. As for those of the Slavic FYROMITE community, they could well take a leaf out of the Aussie Greek brethren and follow suit. If they can do that, then it is a clear sign that both can live with each other harmoniously in a country we all call home, Australia.
Peter Adamis is a Journalist/Social Media Commentator and writer. He is a retired Australian military serviceman and an Industry organisational & Occupational (OHS) & Training Consultant whose interests are within the parameters of domestic and international political spectrum. He is an avid blogger and contributes to domestic and international community news media outlets as well as to local and Ethnic News. He holds a Bachelor of Adult Learning & Development (Monash), Grad Dip Occupational Health & Safety, (Monash), and Dip. Training & Assessment, Dip Public Administration, and Dip Frontline Management. Website: abalinx.com Contact via Email: [email protected] or via Mobile: 0481 342 791