7 chapters across the catalog
Greek Debt Relief and Anniversary Riots in Athens
Eurozone finance ministers agree to minor debt relief for Greece, but require the country to maintain a 3.5% primary budget surplus through 2021. Meanwhile, violent clashes erupt in Athens and Thessaloniki on the anniversary of the 2008 police shooting of a teenager. The hosts note that these significant riots receive little coverage in American mainstream media.
Hillary Clinton and the European Union Nobel Peace Prize
Hillary Clinton is shown praising the European Union's Nobel Peace Prize as a validation of a "unified and peaceful Europe." This statement is contrasted with footage of violent general strikes and firebombings in Athens, Greece. The hosts argue that Clinton's rhetoric is designed for an American audience that is shielded from the reality of European civil unrest.
Hillary Clinton, European Union Nobel Peace Prize
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton congratulated the European Union on winning the Nobel Peace Prize, praising the continent's unity and peace. This statement is contrasted with footage of violent general strikes and firebombings in Athens, Greece. The disconnect between diplomatic rhetoric and the reality of European austerity protests is highlighted.
Greek Budget Cuts, Anti-Austerity Activists, 1973 Uprising
The new Greek unity government under Prime Minister Lucas Papademos presented a 2012 budget aiming to cut the national deficit to 5.4% of GDP. Protests by "anti-austerity activists" in Athens coincided with the anniversary of the 1973 student uprising against the military dictatorship. Clashes between youths and police occurred shortly after the government won a parliamentary vote of confidence.
Russia Today Reporter, Greek Riot Coverage, Tear Gas Incident
A British reporter for Russia Today (RT) was filmed attempting to report from the front lines of anti-austerity riots in Greece. The footage shows the reporter struggling with poor audio, being pushed by protesters who did not want to be filmed, and eventually running directly into a cloud of tear gas. The segment concludes with the reporter physically incapacitated by the gas while bystanders offer assistance.
A stray dog named Kanellos has become a viral sensation for appearing in the front lines of numerous anti-austerity riots in Athens, Greece. The Guardian published a series of photos showing the same yellow dog barking at riot police across different protests. The hosts joke that the dog might be a spy or the actual leader of the Greek resistance movement.
The practice of throwing shoes at government buildings and embassies has emerged as a global protest meme following an incident involving an Iraqi journalist. While riots in Oakland and Athens receive varying levels of media coverage, the symbolic act of shoe throwing is noted for its cultural impact and effectiveness as a gesture of defiance.
