Waving the flag doesn't function in Italy. No pavlovian reaction. No one will stop arguing and questioning. For example everyone understands that by asking to stop "polemics to honor the deads" he's only trying to prop up his political agenda muting dissent. Yesterday I would agree. A day to mourn. Now I can say that if he goes on with this attitude he is only practicing political looting. I was contrary to italian participation and now... well, the same.
Ben- has it come to the point that you'll cheerlead any rightwing demagogue as long as it means an Arab gets his ass kicked?
Actually, the key point is that it annoys Sardinia. However, you're wrong on a numerous other counts. (1) I think the war in Iraq is probably a big waste. (2) We can always use friends in Europe. (3) I've always enjoyed Berlusconi. He's the PM of Italy for G's sake. It's not like he can cause any real problems.
Sadists. But I'm not masochist my one and only post on the issue is a gem of intellectual splendor, free thought and correct democratic behavior. Humbly speaking.
Found out yesterday afternoon that my cousin was in the Italian building when it was bombed. He's an officer in the Italian military and volunteered to go to Iraq about a month ago. Three of his close friends are among the dead. He got word to his father late yesterday that he is okay. While shaken over the death of his close friends, he made a point to say that the resolve of the Italians serving in Iraq is now stronger than ever.