Marinakis appeared yesterday at the White House Greek Independence reception, sitting in the “peanut gallery” (in the back seats), along with his “sponsor,” former Ambassador Tsunis, and other “disgraced”, “pro-Kamala” Greeks, including Karloutsos and a few AHEPA so-called “leaders.” Nobody paid attention to any of them…
By Nick Stamatakis
At the beginning of the month (link here), we had reported that, according to our information, Gen. Poppas would not participate in our parade BECAUSE HE HAD LEARNED ABOUT THE PRESENCE OF A QUSTIONABLE PERSONALITY AND INVESTIGATED (NOW ALMOST INDICTED) FOR RACKETTERING, Olympiakos President, Vangelis Marinakis. We wrote then:
“…But let’s try for a minute to walk in General Poppas’ shoes: He has an impeccable record and a 37-year career (link here to see for yourselves). He is dealing with a new administration that is dramatically changing EVERYTHING in the Pentagon and foreign policy. How does it help him to walk down Fifth Avenue next to someone, V. Marinakis, who is indicted (or about to be) for racketeering? It does not look right… And from what I hear, the General has second thoughts…”
Last Friday, Philip Christopher announced that General Poppas would not be able to participate, giving an obvious “excuse” that, in essence, verified our information. Will those responsible for the parade EVER learn the lesson— especially Christopher and Stroumbakis? Will they EVER realize that the Parade is not where to “exchange favors” with “shady” figures or play political and other games?
Parade Chairman Yiannis Stroumbakis informed me about the possibility of having Marinakis as the Grand Marshall around November 10 – proof that they already knew the problem of inviting someone under investigation for racketeering like Marinakis. They also knew that the NY Times on Oct. 30 and Nov. 1st had published two lengthy articles about Marinakis and his “activities” in and out of business – while “the Republic” in 2020 made known the infamous drug trafficking case of the ship NOOR1 (link here) emphasizing that several witnesses related to this case “committed suicide” or disappeared.
Others had the gall to publicly accuse me, making the STUPID statement that “everyone is innocent until proven guilty”. To this, I responded: “If this is your standard for the Grand Marshall, then would you invite someone investigated for murder – because he is still ‘innocent’?” Silence was the answer of the supposedly experienced ‘leaders’ of our community.
What would these “leaders” do now? General Poppas has withdrawn his participation as a Grand Marshal in our parade. Will they hide behind their finger? Or will they man up and accept responsibility? It’s prime time for all to take the blame for damaging the most historic event of our community, our Parade.
In this case, both sides of the Federation of NY share the blame – it is not only the usual suspects of the “sidewalk” side, the well-known “Nomiki and the Orangutans”. The other side, under president Siokis, is equally to blame. Since December, I have supplied them with all available information. Some seemed to care, but none thought they should stand their ground and say NO to this atrocity. Siokis, Kalamaras, Meimaroglou, Vournas, Filios, and the rest are equally responsible. THEY CANNOT PRETEND THEY ARE DEAF NOW. Gentlemen, you had every right – and plenty of time – to pull the plug and refuse Marinakis being “honored”. The damage is now done.
But we are not finished yet. Gentlemen, what will you do if the NY Times or NY Post comes out tomorrow with one more negative story about Marinakis – explaining to all New Yorkers that the Greek community decided to honor him? Even worse, what would you do if the D.A. in Athens announced that Marinakis would stand criminal trial? This second eventuality can happen any day.
PS. Congratulations to Mr. Theodore Pavlakos, president of the Epidavrou-Limiras Association and one of the most experienced leaders in our community, for standing up against all the “fake leaders” and opposing the invitation to Marinakis. He was the only one in this community who did the right thing: He publicly stated that his association would withdraw any support for the Parade as long as Marinakis was the Grand Marshal.
I’m confused. Who cares about these people being at the parade and being honored. This is so lame. Why can’t they get someone who people would be excited to see?? This organization is living in the past!!!