A shield against violence

The reasonable and democratic-minded people of this country need to put up a shield against unchecked hatred and violence. Regrettably, public life has come to be dominated by both.

The terrorist attack on ex-prime minister Lucas Papademos was just the tip of the iceberg. A new generation of terrorists is being bred in and out of Greek prisons. Guerrilla groups are escalating their activity, forging links with organized crime and even seeking to recruit desperate refugee children. Organized groups occasionally raid state buildings without punishment. University departments are at the mercy of vandals. Greece has become a destination for "revolutionary tourism." Officials shrug their shoulders - violence has become the new norm. Wiser observers know the extent of the damage that can be incurred on the country's interests.

That said, violence is fueled by hatred - a...