As you report, “some economists argue that, precisely because the Greek economy is so sclerotic, it has great potential” (“It’s All Greek to Them,” June 11, 2011). And this bit of wisdom appears under a heading that suggests your acquiescence with the nifty argument: “The Balkan Tiger Within.” It reminds of me of the typical Balkan tale that Gypsies sing and dance when the weather is at its worst, for it cannot but get better. Now, the funny thing about the economists you cite is that they are saying exactly the same thing about many a Balkan country. Economists of this ilk seem to be thriving, especially with the media. Apparently, the Balkans are teeming with tigers. Take the argument a few steps farther, and they may even pull the entire sub-continent out of its slumber. By and by, the Balkan tigers may change the entire world, too. And all this just because it is hard to imagine that the mess could possibly get worse. As a matter of fact, the Balkan economies do well only when corruption and organized crime are allowed to blossom. Under the dozing gaze of the European Union, this is exactly what had happened to Greece during the last boom. Whence the dreadful bust.