Berlusconi seems to be in a phase of decline. It will take some time. He fights like a lion but there are limits that humans cannot cross, he too being human, not divine. Alternatives to B in the right-wing field? Why not Fini? He is a decent man.

I am inclined to think the Rome anti-Berlusconi day rally attracted 500,000 more than 350,000 people. I was there and Piazza S. Giovanni, a huuuge square, was almost full.

One thing. Spatuzza might be Mafia, not anti-Mafia – which is also the opinion of Dell’Utri. One interpretation is in fact that the Mafia is trying to bring down Berlusconi’s govmt because it didn’t return what the Mafia had given it at the beginning of the 90s.
True or not? No idea, but the fact that for the first time the turncoats are not considered ‘infamous’ (infami) by the other Mafiosi should stir some reflection.

Certainly, we live in a weird moment in which more than ever Italy appears enigmatic, elusive, sicilianized, so to say (to quote a Sicilian writer, Piazzese.)

But I have faith. We’ve said before here that Italians know well the art of surviving.

1. You obviously don’t take a lot of taxis — (they voted en masse for Mr. B) – what I find more intriguing is that everyone DID vote for him, but everyone then denies all connections with their politicians, preferring instead to complain about whosoever is in office (just ask those same taxi drivers).

2. What politician, to get in office esp. winning over Sicilia, Campania, & even Sardegna does not have ties to the mafia…even if it’s through somewhat legitimate businesses — your mafia-free north is seriously mafia run, from the money laundering to the waste removal…

2. Berlusconi is not tanned, at least by way of his own definition: Obama and Tiger Woods are.

After having been in Italy for a good few years, I can honestly understand why the Red Brigades came about – utter frustration.

When things do not work, some people eventually hit them.

Where there’s life, there is hope – if this is any consolation.

Best,

Alex