The financial markets see the Italian premier as a burden on Italy and, by remaining in office, he is unsettling investors, writes the Financial Times. Some of Berlusconi’s own supporters now fear that the prime minister and his scandals could irretrievably drive the country into a debt spiral. “Everyone is afraid of the contradictions between what Berlusconi needs for political survival and what the markets need,” says columnist Francesco Sisci.
“Your government is harming Italy,” opposition politician Anna Finocchiaro told the premier last Thursday. “This great country would be much better off without you.”
Combine Rupert Murdoch and George W. Bush, add some Italian flavor, and you get Silvio Berlusconi. When visiting relatives in Italy ten years ago, I listened to them complain that he was a buffoon and needed to go. Being of an American conservative stripe I stood up for him — and for our own president and our own pro-business party. After all, the enemy of our godless enemies on the left must be our friend, right? And, too, the big successful man and the “job creators” really do know what’s best for us, right? Right? What the hell, what’s a couple wars when it makes us feel good and employs a lot of red blooded, red state Americans? And it was always wrapped in the flag and blessed with a prayer to our American God. Ci hanno presso per il naso as long as the money lasts. Actually, there are a couple better colloquialisms for what we have engaged in with our political/business/finance overlords for quite awhile. We’re left with the clean up and the child support. At least they whispered sweet words about American exceptionalism and the free market in our ears while it lasted. (we are a bunch of Gomers!)
At least the Italians still have industry and they will always have Italy. We’ll be left with debt, a debased homeland, a lot more crippled veterans and some slogans. Say together : “We’re Number One!”
On the other hand, maybe this will get us all in the mood for some penitence/repentance. (pick according to your position on Anglicanism’s Calvin-Ordinariate scale)
-going out to dig up my front yard and plant vegetables