Spike Island, I got out... and some Italy snippets culled from my upcoming book

Fascists and Communists ..the ongoing Italian tragedy

A new hat It pays to be aware of the different attitudes and allegiances or affiliations among which the modern Italian, man, woman and child divide themselves. These will lay hidden in general and only apparent from certain actions, if witnessed. It might be that you will see an Italian contributing to the Red Cross whereas there will be no donation to the local clergy in an appeal for an ambulance. I am speaking of Vetralla and my observations, though I believe this will be found to be true everywhere. There are no doubt those individuals who will give to all sorts of needy causes, but they are few. The division is also apparent in political leanings. The path and mode of politics has long been confused and combative, personal rancour, ambition, greed and corruption are the principle tennets and, until a short time ago, that has been the way of things.

The recently formed Five Star Movement, 5MS, founded by a comedian called Beppe Grillo wants to change the political landscape. No discernible impact is noted yet, but it is early days and they need support. There is at least an alternative which claims to want to change the mould. WIKIPEDIA, I dont have their manifesto, but Wkipedia says...In the Five Star Movement converge themes derived from ecological and anti-particracy promoting the direct participation of citizens in the management of public affairs through forms of digital democracy. From the economic point of view, embraces the theories of degrowth supporting the creation of jobs, "green", and a rejection of polluting and expensive, including incinerators and many "great works", aiming to an overall better quality of life and greater social justice. The Movement 5 Star proposes the adoption of large-scale energy projects, elimination of waste, sustainable mobility, protection of territory by overbuilding, teleworking, computerization....... unusual English but one comprehends. The Five Star movement, known as 5MS, has achieved some good results at recent polls, particularly given its fledgling status. Wiki has some details of these successes.