*Italians vote for Obama
Over the past 6 months or so, just about every Italian I've talked to wants Barack Obama to be the Democratic nominee and, further, would vote for him in the general election if the law allowed. Their reasons and motivations are varied, but their enthusiasm for the man is intense, almost fervent. They invoke JFK, just like Obama's fans here in the United States. They see hope emanating from him. They see desperately needed change issuing from him. They see a serious revaluation of the dollar (up, up, way up) and of the euro (downdowndown).
It's an article of faith that Obama will, as soon as he takes office, through the magic of his presence, give buoyancy to our sinking currency through the restoration of hope and confidence in the USA, leading swiftly to setting the country (and the world) on a new political, cultural and economic course. It sounds like the "dawning of the age of Aquarius" with all this millennial hope and joy awaiting us.
But to be serious for just a moment, I think that the Italians' enthusiasm for Obama is, in part, based on the necessity for their wines to become more competitive in this very important market. Even if we get Italian wines at rock-bottom prices compared with Europeans, with correspondingly low profits for the producers, the cashflow is large. And so is the fame and glory associated with commercial and, hm, critical success here. Remember, too, that Americans soak up about a third of Italy's vast wine exports.
There is something less mercenary at work here as well. When people in Italy speak about Obama, they really do exude that hope -- that thirsting for someone and something so much better, of such a higher level than the revolting characters that dominate their own politics. Their belief in him is as much a displacement of their own disgust with their "leaders" as it is the expression of a much-abused idealism -- something Americans can relate to after these disastrous Bush years.
And if the export cost of their wine decreases, tanto meglio.
Gli italiani ormai parlano come se Obama stesse già governando il Paese.
Posted by: Tommaso Farina | June 04, 2008 at 04:05 AM
Lo so, e' strano.
Posted by: th | June 04, 2008 at 07:56 AM
Terrance, where do you get your Italians from? This is the country that has just voted for Perky Berscy (AGAIN) and the Lega Nord, EN MASSE. Nearly 10%, 1 in ten (rounded up, as you will) who agree with the premise, 'round 'em up, put 'em in a field, and BOMB THE BASTARDS'...(that goes for judiciary, commies, gypsies, pro-abortionists, divorcees, Romany, immigrants, illegal immigrants, immigrants' grannies and anyone who might be an immigrant by proxy. Or with a squint...)
So political morality (oxym.?) is not so rosy here,(try Mars?) and if we're rooting for Obama, it's for the novelty value of seeing a young, black new-comer with a nifty line in speeches. now where did I put my cynic pills.....?
Posted by: justine | June 04, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Maybe I know a nicer lot of Ities than you do.
Stop taking them cynical pills, luv!
Posted by: th | June 04, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Molto interessante, prof.Hughes!
Posted by: tirebouchon | June 05, 2008 at 07:20 AM