You show us everything you've got
You keep on dancin' and the room gets hot
You drive us wild, we'll drive you crazy
You say you wanna go for a spin
The party's just begun, we'll let you in
You drive us wild, we'll drive you crazy
You keep on shoutin', you keep on shoutin'

I wanna rock and roll all night and party every day
Kiss

Well the Italian election was a mess and everyone was surprised! Since the end of World War II, Italy has see 41 Prime Ministers with the average length in office about a year when you don't add Silvio Berlusconi. II Calaiere (the Knight) is perhaps the most colorful politician in the world, living a life void of politically correct restraint that has seen him become rich, powerful and hated but maybe irresistible as well.

This guy rocks and rolls all night and parties throughout the day and he is partying today as the financial world nurses a headache.

The financial world is upset because an austerity plan was rejected but that's not so bad considering what one assumes is austerity. In Europe, it has largely been tax hikes instead of slower spending and a dramatic decrease in promises to workers. I've always liked that Berlusconi was a pro-business guy and the support of the Northern League has been a positive sign as a resistance to a welfare society. So, I'm not sure what he stands for right now. I do know the markets are upset as it felt like Italy was on its way toward something akin to responsibility.

Yet the candidate that represented reasonability, Mario Monti, only fetched 9% of the vote - a month ago many thought he could win this thing in a walk. Heck, the clown Grillo came out a bigger winner and his platform is also ambiguous but something about being non-traditional. One of Grillo's supporters told a reporter there was epochal change happening and my first thought was that statement was a million miles from reality. The fact is the deeper people become attached to goodies the harder it is to wean them off. Moreover, the Italian vote underscores the extent economic and mental depressions go hand in hand. Turnout was the lowest since WWII, pointing to a kind of apathy and surrender.

Italy is in need of a real leader. Someone with the flair for life of Berlusconi but that really cares about breaking the right rules and rekindling former glory.

Comments

I would have answered that clerk with "No thank you, I'll just put it all in my pocket"......and given him the dirtiest look I could muster....... tom wayne on 2/26/2013 9:44:09 AM

Charles: The dumbest question I have heard is a recent telephone poll asking. Do you support the Hunters for Hunger Program. A Program in which Wild game and fish are donated to feed the homeless. Frances Wiggins on 2/26/2013 10:13:12 AM

My father was a twin. He and his brother were once asked how they told each other apart. Doc on 2/26/2013 10:27:36 AM

While filling our a form, asked to check box for sex. I wrote in "Yes". Z on 2/26/2013 10:34:32 AM

Not sure which Barnes & Noble you were in, but if you were in Montgomery Co. Md there is a BAG TAX! and it maybe store policy to ask....because like all taxes they spread like a disease in today's BHO environment Buzz Mackintosh on 2/26/2013 11:13:39 AM

YOURS 1111 Josef Brunneer on 2/26/2013 11:24:13 AM

I got a wrong number on my cell phone last night while eating dinner. I answered with my mouth half full of food. "Glub, glub, hello!" I said. Then the guy asked, "Is this Louise?" I could only answer: "Do I sound like Louise?" I hung up, thinking that if I did, this guy has a real problem. Dennis Howard on 2/26/2013 11:46:17 AM

Vons, Lowe's Ross & others always ask if you would like to make a contribution to (you name it) cause. As soon as one is over they start on another one. The employees get in trouble if they don't ask. I say no. I give a lot but not to them anymore. -c Carolann on 2/26/2013 1:22:11 PM

Plastic or paper? Back in the 70's, if you took paper you were killing trees and today taking plastic makes you an environmental murderer. Rich on 2/26/2013 6:11:23 PM

When I walk in with the grandkids to a fast food joint, place an order for all of us and they ask me if it's for here or to go....? Really? If I unload the grandkids out of their kid seats and carry one child in the restaurant...buddy we are eat'in there. Otherwise I'm go'in through the drive thru. James on 2/26/2013 9:48:09 PM

The grocery store clerk that asked if I needed help out with a loaf of bread. Fritz Simmons on 2/27/2013 3:02:43 PM

Q: Would you like to donate $1 to the Massachusetts election fund? A:ha ha ha ha Would you like to toss $1 in the lake to see if it floats? I mean really! Tim Goff on 2/27/2013 8:58:03 PM

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