Time to shine again (aka Italy is 150)

In 1861, Italy became one. It had been a country of many people, of many cultures and ideas, but finally, one day of 150 years ago, Garibaldi, “Hero of the Two Worlds” in tribute to his military expeditions in both South America and Europe, helped shaping a united Italy, as we know it. Of course now we have separatists, Leghisti and the likes but today, a national holiday in the Bel Paese, I wanted to be cheerful and celebrate my country. With all its problems, all its contradictions. In the hope that, sooner rather than later, Italy may be back to times of splendour, times of ideals and tangible change. Times when we say no to bunga bunga, to dictators hidden behind the frail mask of democracy, times we there’s no room for bribery, for negligence, for indecent behaviours. Times when people find a job not because they’re sons of a friend of a friend. When politicians do act on our behalf and best interests and citizens are proud of their roots.

Am I? Indeed, I always will be. But innerly, I know that all could go to waste in a second if there’s no significant effort to change.

I do hope my poor country lifts its head, right now, and tries hard to shine again.

W l’Italia. Unita e bella. Festeggiamo con Benigni: click here for a great interpretation of the national anthem.

Till the next one,

Val