I personally wouldn't turn to violence, but only because I'm not a physically aggressive person - in fact, I'm rather cowardly when it comes to conflict.

I can understand why people would, though. The people of Greece have tried:

Austerity. It didn't work. The economic situation declined further.

Protesting the austerity package, peacefully and democratically, whilst retaining their government. It didn't work. The party accepted its debtees' demands for more austerity.

Democratically and peacefully electing an anti-austerity party. It sort-of worked in that the party said "maybe, we'll have a referendum".

Voting "No" to austerity, peacefully and democratically, in said referendum. It didn't work. The party accepted the terms of another austerity package.

It seems to me that the Greeks have been doing all they can through democratic and peaceful channels, and - however much sympathy for them the rest of the world may have - their demands have not been met. There probably are other channels of participation, but I can't immediately think what they would be. And I'm pretty sure if I can't think of them, the poor Greeks - after five years of poverty and high unemployment and not being listened to - aren't really in the mood to think of one either.

I agree, daltonslaw, that violent protest doesn't solve anything. But I can understand where the frustration comes from, and I think the rest of Europe (myself included) shares the responsibility for the Greeks' plight.