Athens: most traffic lights destroyed, no money to replace them

[phantom power]

As long as the european banksters get their bailout, I'm sure everything will work out fine

It turns out that practically every single traffic light in central Athens was destroyed in the orgy of violence that erupted during parliament's dramatic vote on the loan deal.

Some 200 traffic wardens have been rushed down town to bring order to the roads . But four days later traffic chaos still reigns supreme. Apparently, the cash-strapped transport ministry doesn't have the funds to replace the lights.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/feb/16/greece-bailout-eurozone-crisis-live#block-16

[leeroysphitz]

1. Sounds like Detroit.

At least we did it to ourselves over 30 years and not all in one night...

[Historic NY]

2. The Greeks are going to wake up & find they destroy themselves......

yes those evil traffic lights .

[hack89]

3. Its not like the Greek drivers paid any attention to them anyway. nt

[Zalatix]

6. Really? How do you know that? Or is that just an attempt at a 'funny' stereotype?

Soldier on, Greece! Bring the system down! Make it hard for the PLUTOCRATS to drive in those streets! Drive them out of Greece!

[hack89]

8. Three months living in Athens back in the 80's. nt

[snooper2]

10. people are a lot more traveled than they used to be

If you really want to see bad driving go to Tijuana by the way There's a reason Avis asks if you are planning to go across the border

[Zalatix]

12. Why go that far? I could just walk outside.

Plenty of bad drivers around here.

[snooper2]

13. Sure, they are everywhere..I've been to 40 of the lower 48 states

After time you can determine where you can drive stoned with your knee and where you have to put your Sandro Munari hat on

For example, have you ever driven on I-285 around Atlanta?

Have you ever taken the third exit after crossing the border taking 5 South?


It is a fact, some areas of the World have a congregation of really shitty roads and drivers versus others

[WCGreen]

11. I watched Zorba the Greek so I know from Greece.....

I do know that there is a deep contempt for government authority that lingers on from the 1,500 years or so they were occupied...

[Nuclear Unicorn]

4. Cutting off your face to spite your nose.

[former9thward]

5. The big problem here is perception outside of Greece.

Tourism is a major driver of the Greek economy. Who in their right mind is going to want to visit Greece amongst all of this chaos?

[Bragi]

7. Actually, I have a trip planned for May-June

I support the protesters and I'm not the slightest bit worried about the protests. The Parthenon will survive any traffic problems, and boating in the islands will be as lovely as ever.

Sadly, I also have to admit that there's nothing like civic unrest to free up space in hotels and restaurants and moderate prices.

Anyway, far as I know, the plutocratic thieves and the hard-working people of Greece who have been screwed by them pretty much agree that none of their problems can be traced to tourists.

[Liberal_in_LA]

9. wow. That was a melee