There.
My response to the only leader within Europe who features regularly in British newspapers – but not for much except his dalliances with under-age females; insults to other religions, people, countries, etc.; clowny behaviour at important international events and other such things.
He’s very rich; owns half the press and television here, in Italy and, what he doesn’t own, controls by being Prime Minister; wants to change the law to make it illegal to eavesdrop on conversations (because that’s how he was ‘found out’ over all the recent stuff); wants the Internet controlled (because people on the Internet don’t always agree with him) and is trying to curtail the powers of the Magistrates because they are, unfortunately, not ‘aligned’ with his wishes (they would like to put him in the clink, probably).
Buzz Lightyear (aka Silvio Berlusconi) has been at it again. Rescuing some illegal immigrant from prison (although she was very pretty ……. and young …….. ) because he thought the whole thing was ‘wrong’. Not because he had given her 7K for, apparently, no real reason.
Of course, his comment “It is better to like beautiful girls than be gay.” is the type of comment one could expect from him.
He is old enough to be a Grandfather (I’m not actually sure if he isn’t!) and should have been pensioned off before now. I can only be grateful that I’m not like him (although I would like some of his money, of course)!
great post, Andy!
I would recommend you to read the article written by Merlo on La Repubblica yesterday, it’s very good and gives some insights.
I’m grateful I’m not like him either but my main concern is that he was elected by many Italians who LOVE him. There are too many people in this country who think Mister B. is a great man, they seem all “blind”… I don’t undestand what is going on. He is an idiot but what about all the people who support him no matter what he does?
He is only a rich puttaniere.
Thank you Lola.
I presume you mean this article?. If so, thank you for pointing it out.
I know they do! I work with some of them. But, of course, like many other people (including Britons) in their own country, they don’t see what the outside world sees. And, sometimes, one must step back to see the whole picture. However, apart from his gaffes, he can talk the talk. And one wonders where the real opposition is (this is only from what I see, so is my opinion only)? Italians seem too divided to form a strong and co-ordinated opposition to him and he has the money and power to make himself seem like a god to many ……. it seems.
When these type of things happen (as they seem to with increasing regularity), I wonder if this time will be the time when the party is over for him?
Great post Andy!!!
I’m italian and usually I’m proud of it but all the times he says this kind of stupid things I feel ashamed of being italian…
The worst part is, as Lola said, that he was elected by many Italians and they don’t see what he’s doing to our country!!!!
Thank you Saruk. Please, you and Lola should not be ashamed. After all, he is one man, not the whole of Italy. If the whole of Italy were like this I would go back to the UK! It is unfortunate, though, that these are the only things that people in other countries see about Italy and it doesn’t make for a good advert for the country, which is a great shame.
Yes, I think it’s a good article, Lola. It is to the point. I suspect, though, that it is preaching to a biased readership. And too many people think ‘Good for him!” – especially about his supposed sexual encounters and experiences.
Without an opposition or, at least, an alternative leader, the non-B supporters are doomed. And now is exactly the time to change. We stuck with Margaret Thatcher for too long and her legacy (with the help of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown) has led to where we are today! She closed down ‘manufacturing’ and I remember saying at the time – if we have no businesses producing anything that people can buy, how can our country be sustained? And, of course, it can’t – well, not for very long!
yes, that article. I enjoyed it, let me know what you think
I am wondering too where is the opposition. The only politician I really like is Nichi Vendola.
I don’t know if this is the right time to get rid of him… unfortunatelly…
You’re right, it is preaching to a biased readership.
It is the time to change but I’m afraid this is not going to happen in the near future. We will see…
No, I don’t think it will happen in the near future. Fini may shout and bluster but, when it comes to the crunch, he has to side with him, really.
Unfortunately, “he” represents a dream for many italians. Rich, first of all. From this comes all the other things. “He” was able, during the last 16 years, to convince people that “he” (I continue to keep the “”, for me is less than….CENSORED) is a great businessman, because “his” family owns a big media industry and many work for him, including the ones that makes opposition to him. And people always say “what? Do the others do something different?”. You know that I quit all the discussion based on politics at work, it is better. But now the society is blind. I have many problems in my town, where next year we’ll have to choose the new major. The actual is of the same party of “him” and, still being in a small town, behaves in the same way of the boss. And people is blind. Unfortunately, until each one is touched by one problem, most of the people does not feel the problems. I am sure that if the ones that now say “he” is great would loose money or rights, the will change mind. Italy is in this way.
But I do not feel ashamed to be italian. I say that “He” is different.
To be honest, Pietro, it’s much the same anywhere – except that he seems more like Teflon – i.e. nothing seems to stick, which we outsiders find amazing. I think you’re right. Many people here look to him as a shining example of what can be done – maybe, even, what they could do, if only they had a bit of luck and everything worked out for them. And, as usual, if it doesn’t affect ‘you’ then ‘you’ won’t stand up and say anything. It’s a little like that quotation (which I forget now but goes something like – ‘they came for the immigrant and I said nothing, they cam for the Jews and I said nothing ….etc. ….. they came for me and there was no one left to say anything’). Everyone is much the same until it actually affects them – by which time it can be too late.
I never said that anyone should be ashamed to be Italian. In the same way that I’m not ashamed to be British – the drunken louts that fight at football matches, the Royal family, etc., etc. – they’re not me nor do they represent me. Everyone should be proud to be who they are and Italians are not Bersluconi and neither you nor I are a 74-year-old blithering idiot – for which I am (and I am sure you are) very grateful