Paphitis wrote:If you think this is all about Hellenism V's Cypriotism, then you are wrong.
For me there is no issue. One complements the other.
You are the one that decided to make this issue personal, not me. I am more than willing to accept the way you feel about things, but you are not willing to accept others for who they are. That is your problem.
And you have no right to question my Cypriotness. I do not question yours.
What the hell have YOU or your family done for Cyprus?
Do you want to know why I go on and on about Evagoras Pallikaridi. Well, here is a newsflash for you little boy. He is from my father's village. But there is a much deeper reason than that. He is also a blood relative. And it bloody hurts when some dumb Brits or Cypriots like Bananiot call him a terrorist. This is why I staunchly defend him like nothing else. He is a part of me and I am so proud of what he did. Back then, men were men and not little boys or drama queens that you have become. So I ask you again, what have YOU or your family done?
During the coup and assassination attempt against the President, Makarios fled by helicopter to Paphos. Amongst his inner circle supporters was my Uncle (my mother’s brother). My Uncle Andreas Pantelis, a PHD Physicist, helped organise the infamous radio broadcast along with other well known figures. He was on the EOKA B assassination list - a wanted man just like many other staunch Makarios supporters. My uncle is still alive today, and lives in Paphos. He became a career school teacher and head master. But despite his experience with EOKA B and The Greek Junta, he does not hold any grudge against Greece or the Greek people. He still thinks I have strange tastes in Cypriot soccer teams (Apoel) and he loathes this aspect of me, but that is about it. I am proud of him as well. Where was YOUR family when all this was happening?
During the Turkish Invasion, my father in law was captured in a CNG uniform. He was caught behind the lines, along with others and there was no escape. They sent him to Adana Prison, where he was incarcerated for about 3 months. He endured constant beatings, starvation and interrogations. Where was YOUR family when all this was happening?
Oh I forgot, your family was fleeing from the Turkish Advance. You can still hear the air raid sirens ringing in your ears. Well guess what? My mother in law also fled the advance along with her daughter (my wife) who she grabbed from the cot, while her husband was in the hands of the Turkish Army and who were pointing a gun to his head.
Does you family have any missing? Because my in laws do. Do your research, and find out how many of the missing hail from Kythrea and Mia Milia.
Everyone suffered, some more than others.
You should visit my relative's grave in The Nicosia Prison. He has the kind of impact which may connect you to your roots.
So yes, I have seen my fair share. And just because I live in Australia does not make me any less Cypriot than anyone else.
When was the last time you volunteered for anything in your life? Probably never. Well I did, and as a result I have travelled to the 5 continents. No one forced me into doing anything.
So how much more "patriotic" are you than me?
You have no right to judge me because you know nothing about me. But if you insist on making this personal, then I am afraid you have a fight on your hands.
Bafidis; you forgot that GR is indeed a hero - of sorts. One that boasts of capturing a TC shepherd allegedly a spy - single handedly. Me thinks you picked on the wrong man.
Come on you guys. You are both Cypriots for crying out loud. Greece did its best during 1974. ( on two counts). We all know Greece' hands were tied, they could do no more.
Its about time you kissed and made up.
