Hunters of Greece, please hold your fire!
The latest issue of Kathimerini’s Greek-language Saturday supplement Oiko (Eco) which focused on hunting, an issue that is giving rise to concern in a steadily growing sector of Greek society, has received a massive response, both in Greece and abroad. The publication also appeared to scratch many an open wound on the body of Greek society and its relationship with nature. A number of these issues appear to be calling for a debate. The newspaper’s e-mail and fax services have been bombarded with letters, both for and against its stand. Unfortunately, some of the correspondents – including official hunting associations – did not want to discuss the issue, nor did they even recognize the existence of any problem. Some even resorted to threats and insults. Although these were devoid of content, unfortunately this does not necessarily make them any less cause for concern. Oiko’s latest issue clearly stated its opposition to hunting and called for a «ceasefire,» calling on hunters to exchange their guns for cameras, to enjoy nature in a different way by immortalizing it instead of shooting it dead. Oiko did not insult anyone and devoted an entire page to the views of a hunter, as well as referring to other experts’ opinions that differed from its own. It was supposed to encourage debate, but instead led to a barrage of inarticulate ravings.
