You Let the World Down!

Nearly 3,5 million people marched against terrorism yesterday in Paris and so did more than 50 heads of States. It was a unique display of solidarity among the leaders of the world and the message was loud and determined. A united front against terrorism, no matter what form it takes on, religious, political or other. In this display of unity many saw the revival of hope for mankind and a reminder of our human values. People gathered not only in Paris but all over the world to express their support to the families of the victims and to the institution of free speech. The portrait was just too beautiful to pass up. In this context, many criticised the absence of President Barack Obama, whose presence could have been a strong political symbolism and a message that would magnify all other messages already sent out. The question remains even among the Obama-friendly press in the US, which spared no efforts to express its huge disappointment for a great opportunity missed-out with its front-page headline "You let the world down". Fact of the matter is, that from a diplomacy/political point of view the absence was a huge error. I am sure that everyone at the White House must have realised the significance of the symbolism of the "Paris Walk". Harsh critics of the recent events in the US are incapable of understanding or of showing tollerance for their President's agenda who puts his priority on the reception of the NBA Champions of the season - the St. Antonio Spurs over the events of Paris. Unless Barack Obama perceives the US as a disconnected capsule these days, not worth linking to the international arena. In Greece we have this old proverb that says that the people get the leader that they deserve...