The Nest of the Hellenic Mind NEW ATHENS CITY AND ARTHUR KERRY (!?) BY: cOSTAS MILIOTIS On the peninsula of the Southeast North American continent, there is a tiny township called "New Athens City." Wishfully, this most impressive reconstruction of the Monuments on the Acropolis of Athens was what Arthur Kerry, the builder, may have had in mind! This is a fascinating discovery of unknown significance. Actually, you, the reader, are cordially invited to share and even render judgment into this significance! And, vividly remember this invitation at the very end of this narrative! The story to be told could very well be an epic. Simultaneously, it bears an enigma and can be potentially euphoric in its prospect. The possible significance may be found in a noble, but muted effort of someone named Arthur Kerry. How can a most impressive center of Hellenism in the name of the City of Athens be interwoven in an absurd combination of a New Athens City, distant in time and place, and an irrelevant person named Arthur Kerry? The story will unfold. In a ten acre radius of land in central west Florida, there is an unincorporated "town" situated between the cities of Clearwater and Dunedin, FL Tarpon Springs, FL Both of these cities are adjacent to Tampa and Tarpon Springs. This entire township’s streets are named after prominent historical Hellenes. One highly interesting exception is that one of these Greek named streets was later changed. The name substituted for became that of a charismatic American President: John Fitzgerald Kennedy. As one drives along a well known street called Belcher, there is a intersecting street called Solon. The locals pronounce it "Solon's" with the emphasis on the second syllable. This cacophony pronunciation is as an anathema to historians and especially Hellenophones. A westward turn into Solon and directly north of it, there is a parallel street named "Platon". Going westward, one comes across the following order of north-south streets: J.F.Kennedy, (formerly Aristedes), Archimedes, Aristotle, and Diogenis. It is the author’s categorical contention that nowhere in the world, and not withstanding the City of Athens, Hellas, or any other Hellenic or non-Hellenic country, will be found such a village, town, or whatever one may call it with an array of consecutive streets named after such Hellenic grandeur! On a northbound turn into Diogenes Street, one will notice that there are no curbs. The eastward side of the street has a sidewalk, but it lacks a curb. In lieu of a curb, there is a gutter with the following inscription that has been engraved onto the concrete: "NEW ATHENS CITY DIOGENES THE ‘HONEST’ ONCE WAS WALKING IN THE STREETS OF OLD ATHENS CITY ON THE MIDDLE OF A BRIGHT DAY WITH HIS LANTERN UP SO HIS NEIGHBORS ASKED HIM WHY WAS HE WALKING WITH HIS LANTERN UP? DIOGENES ANSWERED! HE WAS LOOKING FOR AN HONEST MAN! ARTHUR KERRY THE DEVELOPER MAY 1967". Who is or was Arthur Kerry? What did Arthur Kerry, the Developer, know about those six grand Hellenic giants? Why would Kerry name the streets of his development after these giants? Whether this enigma is solved or not, one certain theme will be revealed which will potentially benefit the multitude: that is, at the least, the Greek Diaspora will stand to learn a bit about its cultural identity. As for the public at large, this article will enhance its awareness on the contributions of these great Hellenes who inspired this developer and most importantly mankind’s at large benefit. (Also, see the related article:"The meaning of Hellenism." As stated at the introduction, the main street which leads to the others is Solon. It has also been stated that the first street perpendicular to Solon is J. F. Kennedy. Why is Kennedy interwoven with the rest of the gigantic Greek names? One can begin unraveling the puzzle by cursorily looking into who John Fitzgerald Kennedy was at the time close to the construction date of this development. However, before we enter the domain of this New Athens City, let us enter this magnificent entrance to the Acropolis; The Propylene, which was designed, not by Arthur Kerry, but Mescal -JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY- John Kennedy lived from 1917 to 1963. As the 35th president of the United States, he was the youngest person ever to be elected to that office and served between 1961 and 1963. Kennedy was assassinated before he completed his third year as president. Though his presidential tenure was extremely short, his influence was worldwide. He was admired by young people and he was adored by the world, even by arch enemies of the United States. He was characterized by and radiated charisma, culture, historical traditions and, yes, intellect. He had eloquence and his rhetorical skills were superb; he may have been a distant disciple of Socrates. He was considered handsome. His youth, his wife’s beauty and elegance, and his young children perhaps epitomized a world leader and an average layman. Are these, therefore, the virtues which appealed to Arthur Kerry? Did Kerry’s admiration for John Fitzgerald Kennedy place him in the pantheon of some of the prominent Greek statesmen and philosophers? Do hold your breath however, as there is an interesting twist to the naming of this street, which is revealed towards the end of the story! What follows next to the American icon? Well, the main street is named after Solon. So long who? For example, did you know that Solon is considered the father of democracy? -SOLON- Solon lived from 638 to 559 B.C. He was an Athenian aristocrat, a statesman, and legislator. Also, he was one of "seven wise men" of Greece. In his youth he was engaged in foreign trade through family business and, therefore, he gained valuable experience. Athens was involved during this time in some social and economic crises (Think 2008-2010). Simultaneously, an agricultural depression caused many free Athenian small farmers who were unable to pay their debts to be sold as slaves. This situation provided in 594 B. C. the opportunity for Solon to be elected as archon, or chief magistrate, in order to reform the oppressive conditions. Solon’s first act was to forbid the act of borrowing on the security of the person (do we refer to this today as human rights?) or the debtor and he canceled all mortgages and debts. He then took on constitutional reforms. He was the architect of the modern form of government with selection or vote of representatives from among the people. He introduced the council or congress (the legislative body) which was composed of 400 members. He also devised a division of the armed forces into the land army of Attica; the rowers in the triremes (ancient ships with three banks of rowers) would form the most important part of the navy which would later prove the salvation of Greece. Solon’s statesmanship ranged over many provinces of life, including the family, marriage, adoption, grooming, farming, and the calendar. He is credited for emancipating the individual (yesteryear’s Lincoln) and for taking the first steps towards complete democracy, the way we know it today. He advocated the concept of moderation. Solon promulgated that public services ought to be given by the state on the basis of their affordability ( possibly today’s tax system). His reforms were first met with dissatisfaction, as indeed they seemed to favor the privileged (today’s Republicans?). In addition to his statesmanship, Solon occupies prominence as the first Athenian poet in martial and didactic poems expressing political and ethical opinions. Nevertheless, the following story has made a lasting impact on students of Greek Classics. In fact, students of history when studying the father of History, Herodotus, come across a didacticism. Croesus on the pyre, Uttering Loudly! - "Solon! Solon! Solon!" - In the course of his travels, Solon came to the court of Croesus, a fabulously wealthy king of Lydia. After showing Solon his great wealth, Croesus asked him who was the happiest man he had ever met. Tellis of Athens, said Solon, because he had a moderately comfortable existence and happy family life, and died in his old age for his country. When pushed further for the second happiest man in the world, Solon ranked Clovis and Bite of Argos, who had great physical strength and died after performing a deed of religious and final devotion. The gods are jealous of humans, explained Solon, and all his life is unstable. No human is perfect and no one can be called happy until he is dead; " ΜΗΔΕΝΑ ΠΡΟ ΤΟΥ ΤΕΛΟΥΣ ΤΟΥ ΜΑΚΑΡΙΖΕ " "Moderation is best;" " wealth is not the key to happiness," further elaborated Solon. After he had stated his views, Solon was dismissed by Croesus, king of Lydia, as a fool. Shortly after Solon’s departure Croesus troubles began. He had a dream that his son Atys would be killed, and, despite his precautions, the dream was fulfilled. The gods had begun teaching him humility. The power of the Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus, was increasing. Resolved to check the spread of this new imperialistic power, he consulted the oracles, trusting especially one in Delphi. After he had made many precious offerings and gifts to the oracle (bribes ha!), it advised him that, if he made war on the Persians, a mighty empire would be destroyed. Confident, he began to make military preparations, and sought alliances with Greek states. Croesus arrogance made him contemptuous, corruptive, and, certainly, an exaggerated tone of power. Thus, he assumed the role of aggressor. This led him to attack Cyrus of Persia (today’s Iran). After extensive battles, Croesus’ capital Sardis was taken after an assault by the Persian forces. Croesus was captured after having reigned for 14 years. Cyrus ordered him burned on a pyre; Webster’s 7th New Collegiate Dictionary defines pyre as: "Greek for fire=a combustible heap for burning a dead body as a funeral rite." As Cross stood there, he remembered in despair Solon’s admonitory words on man’s happiness and screamed out loud: "Solon, Solon, Solon". Cyrus heard the cries and ordered to stop Croesus from burning. Then Cyrus asked why he called out Solon’s name thrice? When Cyrus heard the story, he spared Cross’ life showing him much respect and accepting his advice! What can we uncover in the muted voice of Arthur Kerry can be rousing and certainly inspirational. You have been listening to music by Yanni -Next Page- PLEASE ! |
