[demnomo]

I know someone who is training for the USA Olympic fencing team. He and his fellow team members are not thrilled at the prospect of competing in Greece--well-known for its virulent anti-Americanism, anti-semitism and lax security regarding terrorists and other radical scum...

Hope this news makes him feel better.

On the other hand, if I were that Israeli security company, I'd have a hard time trusting the Greek police force because of its reputation for incompetency and corruption. No way would I visit Greece--especially at that time. I'll bet that a lot of tourits and Olympics buffs feel the same way.

[longtermmemmory]

anti amerianism? Perhaps your "friends" should focus on training instead of demonstrating their ignorance. Having spent significant times there for pleasure and business, I can tell you the people are most assuridly NOT anti-american. You may see some of the leftist students or albanians marching and the CNN types pick that up BUT that is just leftist media.

Greece is a TOURIST dependent country. They can not afford to be anti-american. Even when the socialist were in power they were careful. No one spends like the american tourist. Even now, they want dollars because the euro is causing inflation.

Greece went through a communist incursion after WWII people died to keep the commies out. (far different from a cold war) During WWII Jewish people went to Athens to get away from hitler. Many of them STILL LIVE THERE. Their children went to school and have families there.

As for lax security, perhaps thirty years ago, but on recent trips I can tell you that greek police are carrying heavier arms and are much much more agressive. I saw them chase down a shoplifter and openly throw in a few extra punches on the thief as he was caught. Security is give wide latitude. (a sad note considering the laid back lifestyle they used to have) The Greeks have been dealing with the illegal immigrants from albania and bosnia.

Before you go shooting out your aquaintances opinions based on ignorance think. (if you aquaintance hates it that much, tell them not to go. Otherwise I will save you an Ouzo at the Taverna.)

[Dog Gone]

I visited Greece for the first time two years ago. I found all the people to be very friendly, both in Athens and in the rest of the country. Greece has a reputation for being anti-American, but I never saw it myself.