Here is a bright ray of light that warms our hearts. Something that is out of the ordinary and mundane. Instead of the usual ‘not particularly effective’ when it comes to our Community.

Here is something we have enthusiastically supported for years. Something that aligns with the developments of the era. If the idea spreads, if it is embraced, if it is supported, then it can be a huge step forward and yield many significant general benefits.

I am referring to the establishment of a nationwide political organization called ‘Greek Americans for Harris’. The founder of the group is Harry Zikas, Jr., who was inspired by Michael Dukakis’ presidential candidacy, as were many other Greek-Americans, according to an interview he gave to TNH.

Mr. Zikas claims that his organization already has 8,000 members. This is a satisfactory number of members, which, as he informed us, has been constantly increasing ever since Kamala Harris became the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate.

My enthusiasm for the establishment of this organization is not based on the fact that it is an organization that supports Harris.

It is because I hope that there will also be an organization of Greek-Americans supporting former President Donald Trump.

We need participation in both parties. It is in this spirit that we viewed positively the prayer offered by the Archbishop of America at the Republican convention. And it is in the same spirit that we hope he will offer a prayer at the Democratic convention in a few days. Regardless of whether the Archbishop is ready or not for such a big step.

As I have had the opportunity to write many times, the Greek-American community does not have the numbers, like for example the Latino community, that makes them a decisive force for the outcome of an election. But we are not insignificant either.

Nevertheless, often elections, at every level, depend on a few thousand or sometimes even hundreds of votes. In this context, we constitute a respectable electoral minority.

We just need to participate more. To exercise one of the greatest and most honorable rights we have as American citizens: To vote. This increases our influence. This opens doors. This, at the end of the day, makes us good citizens.

Absenteeism is an enemy of democracy.

Sidenote: On January 19, 2024, in a related commentary of mine titled ‘The Need to Create American Political Party Organizations’ I wrote the following: “It’s worth acknowledging the privilege of voting in the U.S., a global powerhouse, where every vote holds significance. A concerted effort from our community towards both candidates could significantly impact the political weight carried.

“Unfortunately, our community lacks formal Democratic and Republican party organizations. While Greek-American voters and financial backers of candidates are present, the absence of structured party organizations is palpable and repeated for emphasis.

“It’s challenging to find another significant minority in a similar predicament as ours. Considering our lives, jobs, and the education of our children are rooted in the U.S., not to mention our efforts to support Greece and Cyprus from here, change seems imperative. Shouldn’t it?”

And I concluded that commentary as follows:
“The advantages for the Greek-American community are manifold. Political influence directly translates into economic clout, ranging from appointment opportunities to funding access for various organizations and associations. This framework could also pave the way for emerging leaders, reminiscent of the Dukakis era, and foster a stronger, more influential lobby. The benefits for Greece and Cyprus are undeniable.
“The need for the creation of such party organizations seems self-evident. And yet, some self-evident things do not get implemented.”