What a pity to have the institution of European Capital of Culture be so heavily inflitrated, politically speaking. That is never good for the arts and the culture. If the original idea of Melina was to make cities into meeting places, so that also serious discussions can take place, then there is no need for only smiles to become a success story. This advertisement firms do not realise. However, Bob Palmer said already in March when 25 year history of the ECOC was celebrated, that there is a tendency for European Capitals of Culture to succumb to the cultural industrial factor i.e. conveying the proper image before substance appears to be more important as criterion of success. Given this honest article about the political interwovenness one can only hope 2011 goes beyond the attitudes described such as 'don't care' and people will appreciate it if honesty goes together with 'integrity of memory'. A test will be what will people remember of 2011 once that year is over, and no advertisement shall be able to convince something happened when nothing took place worthy to be remembered. Politicians make the mistake to believe they stay in power if only people know upon whom they depend. Rather culture is about letting people tell their own stories, including how they wish to live in freedom. Good luck,