Mourning becomes Olympia
Ultimately, there may even be some benefit from the destruction by fire of the exquisite landscape of ancient Olympia. For perhaps it is better for us to acknowledge the fact that our State is unable to protect even one of the greatest monuments of world heritage rather than live with the delusion that it is incompetent only when it comes to protecting the lives of «anonymous» citizens. It would have been unforgivable if, after such loss of life in the fires, the State authorities had been able to save Olympia. Now we all know that the State’s dysfunctioning is at least «democratic,» in that it does not discriminate. Just as the mountains lost their forests and are now naked rocks baking in the sun, so we have been stripped of our last illusions: no matter how familiar, beautiful and relaxed our country looks – especially in the summers of flip-flops and shorts – it remains the dark and dangerous setting of eternal tragedy. What has been proven beyond a shadow of doubt is that responsibility for this situation lies with a large number of people. Clearly, the greatest share of the blame lies with the State and the elected officials of local, regional and national government. But everyone is responsible for his or her own life and property, and when we see no one else taking care of it we have to demand that they do so. That is where we have all shown the greatest negligence. Because for far too long we have allowed the incompetent to assume positions of authority. We do not demand that they carry out their duties properly and then we do not demand accountability for the mismanagement, indifference and corruption that are the natural consequences. Everyone is now aware of this. A large number of people, at an unprecedented level, is outraged at the political caste. This rage spreads from the fire-ravaged area to the capital and other large cities. We all knew the weaknesses of our public administration, we all tolerated the moral laxity of our society in its informal and dangerous relationship of quid pro quo between citizens, local politicians and political parties. Citizens do not demand that politicians manage the country properly, because the former can thus enjoy the benefits of lax law enforcement. Similarly, local officials do not demand that the government and state machinery exercise the most effective management of the country. At the same time, local mayors do not implement those measures that would protect local populations and villages, for fear of the political cost. (Such measures include cutting dry grass around houses and the creation of fire barriers which may involve expropriation of some private property for the public good). So, no villager feels that he has been singled out for unfair treatment and the mayor’s party will not lose any votes. Thus, the mayor fails to demand the planning and technical apparatus that will prevent a catastrophe and so protect the lives of citizens. That’s why it is so fortunate that Olympia was burned. There, on that once heavenly expanse of land where the ancients chose to commune with their gods, our own generation showed that even when a lot of work has been carried out – when plans have been drawn up and the most expensive equipment has been bought – laziness, laxity and irresponsibility are capable of wreaking the greatest harm. What was lacking at Olympia is what is lacking from the most remote village and costs nothing: love for our land and its people, clever and effective planning for any eventuality and, then, the unwavering and diligent execution of these plans. Deep in our bones, in our collective nightmares, lurks the fear of some external enemy – one who will pounce on us with speed and no mercy, who will destroy forests, people, villages and towns. It is time we saw that the greatest threat is however our tolerance of leaders who do not share the anxiety and hard work of the people who toil in pursuit of success and happiness in a beautiful and safe environment, leaders who degrade voters through the unceasing devaluation of seriousness and responsibility.
