Typically Italian?

Question

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5089462.stm

Irishman in Italy here. This is so typical of life here. Corruption everywhere.

Answer 1

same here too. American in Romania!

Answer 2

Most people have this concept that Italy is a solid, well established nation, when as a united country, it has only been that way since after WWII-so in 60 years, it has made great strides.  Most countries 60 years after becoming united face great turmoil-the United States was fighting it out over slaves.  So the fact that the former royals are corrupt is no big surprise.  You should really look at Berlusconi-he has been charged for crimes many times while in office, and has not been convicted-not for lack of evidence, but because the statue of limitations runs out, or he changes the law to suit his own needs.  Check out the book "The Dark Heart of Italy"-it is all about the various corruptions Italy has and faces daily.

Answer 3

Agreeing with Thad. The guy is a known liability to society as well as an alcoholic and a semi-criminal. Years ago he even shot a guy from his boat if I remember well.

I would not take this man as a symbol of Italians in any way. Remember also that he has been (miserably) educated out of Italy, never lived in Italy, and I hope he'll stay in jail (sadly, I think lawyers will get him out)

Answer 4

If you live in Italy in spite of all the corruption and evilness, why not move and stop hurting.

I'm pulling your leg.

You've got to remember, PRIVILEGE, is the keyword. I mean the former king had a huge fortune abroad long before Mussolini caused the disaster that put the kibbosh on the monarchy in Italy.

This class is used to peasants groveling, and EVERYONE is a peasant to them.

In Italy at the moment there's a wave of prosecutorial fervour against conservatives of any note, Berlusconi being just one.

Catching a wealthy former heir-to-the-throne probably is a delicious prospect for some bureaucratic zealot, just out to score points, and advance career.

Console yourself with a thought: your quinns brood is above such stuff. Way above.