Greeks Have More Than Security Blanket

The contrast between the articles on the Olympic Games by Achilles Paparsenos and Wayne Merry [Feb. 6] could not have been more stark. Mr. Paparsenos’ article treated a serious problem seriously and provided concrete, objective information on the Greek response to the terrorism scourge. Mr. Merry, by contrast, gave the impression of being on a crusade, repeating the tired allegations he has made elsewhere with no new information.

As a high-profile event, of course, the Olympic Games are vulnerable to violence, no matter where they are held. From my experience, I know this fact is clearly understood in Greece. In meetings with the Athens Games organizers in December, I was impressed by the top priority they are affording security.

As Atlanta discovered, terrorism can strike anywhere. Athens is looking forward to peaceful Games, but is formidably prepared for any challenge.

EUGENE T. ROSSIDES

General Counsel,

American Hellenic Institute

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Wayne Merry’s scare story about the possibility of terrorism at the 2004 Olympics must be the unintentionally funniest article that I have ever read in the Los Angeles Times. Merry’s depiction of Athens as a nightmarish, violent, crime-ridden haven for terrorists shows that not only has he probably never even set foot in Greece but one wonders where he got his information. His lack of knowledge of the country and city are so far off, they are laughable.

And to top it off, he suggests moving the Olympics to Los Angeles, a city that really is the nightmarish, violent, crime-ridden nightmare he perceives Athens as.

MICHAEL SNIDER

Santa Monica