the farce must go on

"In its own leading article yesterday, the Guardian condemned the Italians as a whole for continuing to give almost 50% support to Berlusconi despite all the scandals - private and public - in which he has been involved. It said that "until Italians start demanding serious standards from their leaders, the country is perhaps not the best venue for serious world summits". This, in my opinion, is a little unfair.

It should be remembered that Berlusconi came to power in the first place on a wave of popular disgust with the corruption and incompetence of feuding coalition governments. He held out the hope not only of honest rule (his huge wealth was seen as one reason to trust in his incorruptibility) but also of a strong and united administration. And if, despite everything, he retains widespread popular support, it's because he seems to have delivered the latter; and because, on the honesty question, people have no more faith in the integrity of his accusers than they do in his." (Alexander Chancellor, The Guardian).

No, Alexander. It is not unfair. Berlusconi has the support of more than half of the country. Italy is torn between the proto-fascist right and a the non-existent Left. There is no middle ground. Everywhere you look, it smells like vomit. Thus, the farce will continue. You either accept it. Or you leave. 

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