A Lesson for America

You probably know that legal issues really fascinate me, and this was a great insight.

I would disagree with the idea that Italy's lame legal structure hasn't harmed her. After all, Mussolini managed to rise to power, and Italy just is NOT a "world-class" country in many ways (though I love the place!).

They're not an industrial giant like Japan, for example, a country similar in size. The still-extant power of the Mafia in Sicily speaks to the ineffectiveness of their criminal system. They're not a major player in the economic realm.

Great tourist destinations, good wine, sporty cars, beautiful women. That's Italy.

Thanks for kind words.

I don’t disagree about Mussolini. The fascist state is a good example of implosion from one perspective; an intended consequence from another. Let’s see...do we know anyone who’d welcome the latter?

“Great tourist destinations, good wine, sporty cars, beautiful women. That's Italy.”

And that my friend is the best of Sicily.

And it's good enough! I'd seriously consider moving there if I didn't have my family here.

Gawd, what a beautiful country.

Italy and Greece are my two favorite places in Europe.

Some of the best soccer in the world. GO JUVE!

As for a nation of notions instead of a nation of laws...well, they can use our Constitution if they ever want one. We sure as heck ain't usin' it.

Be sure and let me know if you plan a visit. We’ll partake in a few Antico Tuscanos and some of that aforementioned wine.

LOL!!!! I couldn’t have said it better.

BTW I’m still a regular fan of the weekly and appreciate your work.

I was thinking along the same lines of Crawfish, our constitution can be rented for a few years since all it's doing is collecting dust.


Of course the Italian soccer team really knows how to fake tackling injuries! A blade of grass hits them and they're down on the ground like it's the end of the world.

“A blade of grass hits them and they're down on the ground like it's the end of the world.”

One of the best descriptive reads on the Italians was written by Luigi Barzini and appropriately titled, “The Italians”. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “the only bad actors in Italy are on the stage”. The really talented thespians populate the cities, countryside, and soccer fields.

Obama would not read this because it would hit home with a bang especially after his kow towing at the UN yesterday to the tyrants of the world, mostly one party socialist dictatorships. Drop by my latest on the UN today.

I sincerely believe Obama would quietly welcome the type of democratic socialism so prevalent in Europe. It represents near total power of government over the people and is only one step from fascism.

Fiorentina vs Livornio today...thank God for Fox Soccer Channel!

Actually I read Poems from Don first that is a great post. Then A Lesson for America. Though I would never say immigration is a bad thing, it is clear that many many immigrants from nations as Italy, the Soviet Union and Middle East to name just a few, have had trouble leaving their previous misconceptions about rights, law and the role of government behind when they arrive here.

I long ago pondered whether the constant influx of immigrants being largely un-vetted, and desiring no particular allegiance to America would be our undoing. It's clear the problem has existed for well over 100 years, and has only been exacerbated by the political manipulation of immigration policy. Clearly there is a bit of cause and effect catching up to us now.

I like your work, keep it up!

Thanks for the kind words.

I agree; legal immigration is not the problem…never has been. In the past, immigrants assimilated into an American culture that promoted and practiced self-reliance. And more often than not, they embraced free market capitalism and patriotism even more than natural born citizens, because they had the added perspective gained from the experience of living under corrupt repressive governments. However, now resident and illegal aliens, along with our dumbed-downed youth are encouraged not to rely not on themselves, but on a redistributive “benevolent” government for everything from shelter to their own well being…including their liberties.

Sometimes I wonder if the recent conservative outcry in America is nothing more than a bump in the road to socialism.

Very interesting and well presented writeup from Amanda! Good find!

Living in Mexico, there are many parallels re blatant corruption, nepotism and cronyism. Mexico is governed under the Napoleonic Code of Law. However, you can slide if you pay "mordida". I personally believe man`s basic failings have not evolved over so many thousands of years. The powerful over the powerless ....

Hence this profound statement: "Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one." -- Thomas Paine

And the fundamental reason limited government is essential to liberty.