There was a blog, written by an Italian under a pseudonym, called ‘Italy is Falling’. This blog is no more. From the title of the blog, one is left under no illusions as to the writer’s feelings towards contemporary Italy. Others, it seems, may also believe that Italy is falling.
Whilst checking out new BlogfromItaly friends on the @newsfromitaly Twitter channel, I came across an Italian blog which rails against aspects of Italy which are far from perfect. This Italian blog makes grim reading, as its ‘Don’t read this Blog’ title warns.
Well, some people do read the blog they shouldn’t, and one of them is apparently a Carabiniere policeman who wrote the Italian blogger behind ‘Don’t Read this Blog’, Wil, a letter. The police officer is known to Wil by all accounts (I asked Wil), but he was reluctant to reveal his name. While perusing Wil’s blog, I came across the policeman’s letter and found its contents worrying. In order that you can understand why, here is said policeman’s letter which I have translated into English.
If you have a moment, read it. And remember that it was written by a serving Italian policeman.
The Policeman’s Letter
Dear Wil,
I’m 45 years old, and have served as Carabiniere [policeman] for 25 years. I read your blog [Non Leggere Questo Blog] every day, and every day I shudder with disgust at the disgraceful actions of this government. At work I do not hide what I think of Mr. B. and the havoc he is wreaking in Italy.
I love my country and I dream that one day it will become normal, a place where democracy is real, and where citizens are served by honest politicians. A place where my children can have a proper education and can find work without needing ‘recommendations’. A place where everyone pays taxes, and where justice is respected and valued. For these ideals, my colleagues think I am a sh**ty commie-anarchist.
Some 95% of my colleagues are right wingers / Northern League supporters (and may even be normal). The vast majority of these are fascists (meaning that on their desks or in their lockers or wallets or on their mobile phones they have pictures of Il Duce – Mussolini – or they have his speeches and films or songs popular during the Mussolini period), and when immigrants are mentioned, they are all “non-Europeans” “niggers”, while all left wingers are are “sh**ty communists”, and “f**king environmentalists” whose “arses should be kicked” or who should “all be killed”. The disgraceful actions of Mr. B. are “the lesser evil” and “…just let me get on with my job”. Misinformation dominates [Italy] and the truth interests almost no-one. In the event of a mobilization or “coup” or coup d’etat or civil war (I touch wood in order not to tempt fate) Italy’s Police Forces will line up (quite willingly) with those who initiate the coup.
I think the time has come for those who believe in other values and who do not want the [Italian] Constitution and the country to be definitively destroyed by these people, to standup and make themselves heard, express their dissent, declare loyalty to the Constitution (the original one) and to fight by civil means against this abomination.
Thanks, bye.
It makes quite interesting reading, don’t you think? I think the policeman who wrote it probably thinks Italy is falling.
From a mini-conversation via Twitter with Wil, I ascertained that the policemen concerned; or should that be ‘concerned policeman’; works up in the north of Italy – which explains the reference to Italy’s Northern League party.
In Italy, while the political parties like to give the impression that they are ‘centre’ left and right, the right wingers are not quite as ‘central’ as those on the left of Italy’s centre. For some Italians right is good, whereas other think left is better. It’s a little different to the situation back in the UK where I am from.
The Old Adversaries
In the UK the antagonists of old were the socialists and the conservatives – the working classes versus the ruling classes. Nowadays, what with the socialists having mutated into a funny thing called ‘New Labour’, the battle no longer rages so fiercely. The current conservatives don’t seem too far removed from the (new) Labour party when all is said and done, and I am under the impression that voters in the UK don’t seem to be too sure who stands for what.
Within the Living Museum, though, the warring factions are those traditional antagonists, the fascists (But don’t call them fascists, because a) publicly they hate the label b) they don’t think they are, except some, who secretly carried Mussolini photos in their wallets and handbags.) and the communists (You can call communists communists in Italy, and they won’t become irate! Watch your babies though!).
I think many would admit that the Italian flavours of both communism and fascism were never quite as extreme as the Soviet and Nazi interpretations.
Today’s Italian commies, for example, would probably not go around slapping people in the Italian equivalent of Siberia (not sure there is one in Italy, anyway! – Bolzano?! – only joking!), although you get the impression that the fascist wannabes are a bit more sinister, and would like nothing more than to don black shirts and wander around beating up coloured people, gays and the like. The policeman’s letter above appears to confirm that such people in Italy do exist, unfortunately.
It’s a shame that neither those who want to be fascists, nor those who like the idea of being communists have noted that at their extreme ends, neither of these ‘isms’ is much different. Both fascist and communist regimes tend to round up hoards of people and then either imprison or shoot them. Want a few examples? East Germany, Soviet Russia, China under Mao, Cuba, Cambodia, North Korea, and even Spain.
In many of the countries which have been subjected to extreme regimes, things kicked off with a revolution. This is something which has not escaped the attention of Italians. Indeed, there is a fear amongst some Italians the Berlusconi and Co might be plotting a little take over.
Fear of Coups in Italy
The word ‘coup’ has cropped up a few times in Italy’s press recently. You would be surprised at how many people in Italy still worry about what could be called the Banana republic method of changing governments. I’ve even unearthed an article in English from the socialist daily Morning Star online which uses the word ‘coup’ in the title of this article about recent goings-on in Italy: Rome rages over Berlusconi ‘coup’.
Personally, while I don’t think a coup is that likely, I do think there are one or two people in Italy who might be capable of trying to engineer such an event… In this case, Italy might well fall.
My politics? Let’s call it a variety of ‘Futurism’ – everybody working together today to ensure the world is a better place tomorrow.
Thanks Wil
With thanks to Wil of Non Leggere Questo Blog for allowing me to republish the policeman’s letter. The original post is here: Anche i Carabinieri, nel loro piccolo, s’incazzano -translation: Even the Carabiniere, in their own little world, get pissed off.
Alan says
Thanks for those. I’d seen dagospia but haven’t read it in a while. I watch the Grillo clips, depressing and inspiring at the same time. I have a good friend from Rome who lives outside Italy now- he despairs of what’s going on. Hopefully change can come. He’s gay and found that particularly difficult in Rome, but said Madrid in Spain was a much more open city. If Spain can largely overcome its fascist legacy, there is surely hope for Italy.
Alex Roe says
You are welcome, Alan. If anything else springs to mind, I’ll pop a link here – but it sounds as if you know the biggies.
Interesting to hear you know yet another Italian who has left Italy. As for being gay friendly, Italy is a little mixed in this respect. I think Milan is a little more tolerant than Rome, but could be wrong – Italy is a very traditional place and, for one, the Vatican likes to maintain things the way they are. Reputedly, Lele Mora, one of the bunch under investigation in the bunga bunga thing is gay, even if Mr B does not appear to be gay friendly.
I get the impression that Spain, despite its fascist past, is a more progressive country than Italy in many respects, so, yes, there is hope for Italy – and as I’ve said on more than one occasion, with a little work, Italy could be one of the greatest countries in the world.
Cheers,
Alex
Alan says
Amen to your last comment Alex.
Just curious, on a day to day basis living there do you find the very numerous positives outweigh the negatives overall?
Cheers,
Alan
Alex Roe says
There’s lots which is positive about Italy – but you would not think so reading the papers here. Yes, there are some big problems – like the mafia and other stuff, but there are aspects of Italy which are very praiseworthy.
A few examples: Italy is not, generally, a violent place. Family and community values do exist and are held in high regard. Italians tend to prefer life to work – which is not a bad thing, and education is held in high regard here. Teenage pregnancy is not something you hear of too much, nor is rape, thankfully. Delinquent kids do exist, but not to the same extent as in the UK or US.
Generally for me, the positives do outweigh the negatives – which is why I am still here. Sometimes Italy does get you down, but a quick trip to Tuscany or to the mountains tends to perk you up!
If Italy could find some decent politicians, it would be better off – but finding decent politicos is not easy.
Best,
Alex
Alan says
Thanks for that. It’s interesting, and in fairness, every country has its pros and cons. Re the family thing, it’s something we loved about Italy- the general warmth towards and acceptance of children. We had people of every age, both male and female, cooing over our 20 month old son. We never once got the impression in a restaurant, for example, that kids were not welcome.
On politicos, finding decent ones is a challenge everywhere!
Alan says
Very interesting reading on that blog Alex. Any other blogs in Italian you recommend?
Thanks.
Alex Roe says
Well, Alan, if you liked that Italian blog, you’ll probably find this one interesting too, if you don’t already know it: http://www.dagospia.com/
I imagine you know http://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/ and there’s Grillo – eye opening, is Grillo, if rather depressing.
Happy, I hope, reading,
Best,
Alex
Chris says
@ to the carabiniere who wrote this letter
I am sorry to say this, because I believe you have noble intentions,
but seems like the 95% of your colleagues got it right !!!!
Mr. Berlusconi may not be an angel .. BUT:
he is a great politician, a man who dares to speak his honest mind and he is actually defending individual and property rights, because he tries to lower taxes as much as possible, but obviously even he isn’t all-powerful. I am sure he could do a LOT MORE GOOD THINGS for Italy, if he only had more power to overcame all the traitors and communists in parliament and the senate!
I am also living here in Italy.
And I will always vote for Mr. Berlusconi !
Always when the leftist press and media tries to scandalize Mr. Berlusconi with yet another lie, each time this happens, I am confirmed in my opinion even more to vote for Mr. Berlusconi and to convince as much people as I know.
You believe those goddamn communists from the Margerita can do anything better for this country?
THEY WON’T DO ANYTHING, BUT RAISING TAXES, BRING IN EVEN MORE LAZY BLACKS THAT WILL CAUSE RAISING TAXES AND MORE SOCIALISM !!!!
If you ask me, whom I prefer to be in power, the Mafia or the communists, I don’t have to think 2 seconds about it. THE FORMER OF COURSE !!
Why?
Because the Mafia has a honour codex. (Omertá)
Because the Mafia respects private property rights. (largely)
Because the Mafia keeps its word and is not outright lying and deceptive like the communist.
Because the Mafia believes in our Lord, Redeemer and Saviour Jesus Christ.
THE COMMUNIST, IF THEY EVER GET TO POWER, WILL TAKE EVERYTHING WE OWN, EVERYTHING WE HAVE SAVED OR WHAT WE HAVE EARNED IN THE PAST DECADES AND SAVED!
THE COMMUNIST WOULD DEGRADE US TO SUBSERVIENT SLAVES OF THE STATES, FORCING US TO FEED ALL OF AFRICA AND ASIA !
NO THANKS, DUDE !!!!
Your 95% of colleagues got it 100% right !!!!! WAKE UP
pgcd says
Dear Chris,
thank you for this awesome display! I’ve been trying to get Obama to nuke Italy (or, at least, send a serious invasion force) for the last couple years, to no avail. I’m confident that, as soon as we can manage to make him read your rant, he’ll see that there’s a serious need of that.
Sincerely,
pgcd
Paolo says
Interesting article, shame about the bigotry and blinkered views in the comments section. For those of you who cannot see that ‘our friend Silvio’ is essentially making his own laws to escape prosecution and generally having no shame about his ‘relations’ with minors, embarrasing the country more in the process. Have you any idea how Italy is seen as a country by other states with him in power? More of a jokle than the stereotypical nonsense about Pizzas and Mafia, this stuff is serious and really he will need to go soon. How do you defend that Chris and PGCD?! Insane…
pgcd says
Dear Paolo,
please forgive me for not adding a “/sarcasm” line. =)
Paolo says
@PGCD No problem, I detected some sarcasm!
Alex Roe says
Ah, a Berlusconi fan.
Do I detect a hint of Xenophobia and a touch of racism in there? And, Chris, you seem to think the mafia is a good thing. This is worrying. The mafia kills people who disagree with it, and encourages young people to kill too, and has been doing dangerous things to Italy’s environment, but perhaps you do not know about this, or do not care.
You appear to think organised crime and corruption are OK, which is a little odd.
Your attitude towards communism is a little old fashioned. If you think Italy will ever become a communist state, then you don’t know Italy very well.
If the mafia believes in our Lord, then why does it kill people? I thought the Bible had something called the 10 Commandments and that one is Thou shalt not kill. Have the mafia forgotten this?
You are not providing great publicity for Berlusconi or for the kind of people who support him, I feel.
Thanks for the comment – which has not been censored in any way 😉
Best,
Alex
CJ says
Down here in darkest Sicily things aren’t much better. Each of the Police forces live in their own little World, keeping themselves out of the firing line. The local population believes they can do what they want, when they want, and the Police won’t bother them. It’s very true to an extent.
The Police don’t try at all to enforce the law, as they are more concerned with keeping their little Worlds their own. I even found out the reason why all Police officers in Italy wear sunglasses; so they can say they didn’t see the bank robber escaping with the loot.
Is Italy falling ? It fell a long time ago, and is still burning.
The only things keeping me here are my wife, good food/wine, and the weather (which is bloody hot !)
Joy says
I came across this AP article.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_ITALY_ECONOMIC_CRISIS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2010-03-18-00-38-42
I guess at least someone sees the glass half full. From my point of view here in the deep north-east, we’re just overcoming inertia and gathering speed on our way down. Fast..
About the caribiniere’s letter, it seems to embody the sentiments of a few law enforcement people in my acquaintance. They dreamed about joining “l’Arma” and fight crime as kids, no later than 5 years ago they were still somewhat confident in the system and Justice. The only things they are feeling nowadays is anger, despair and betrayal while logging endless unpaid overtime in dangerous stakeouts, risk their lives every day for 1000 euros a month to catch criminals who will be out on streets again in 3 days time.
Maybe anger and desperation are needed in order to stop being resilient, stop taking things in, and finally bounce back.
Alex Roe says
Thanks for the link to the AP article, Joy. It made interesting reading. It looks as though Italy may well muddle through for a generation or so before the trouble starts.
However, from the letter in my post, and your carabiniere friends, it looks as if things are not too rosy. Some people in Italy are keen to keep the country’s police forces unhappy…
What this will mean for Italian society in the long run, is anybody’s guess, but things may get worse before they get better. Italians, though, are quite resilient and my well find a road out of the mud. We’ll see.
Thanks for your comment.
Best,
Alex