This is the President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, a faithful member of the Italian Communist Party (although websites call him a moderate Communist) until he was elected President, and now, no doubt, a firm believer in free enterprise, individual freedom, and, of course, anti-totalitarianism (which to a Red means anti-fascism). There are at least two, maybe three, communist parties here in Italy and there is a strong Venetian contingent which is seen in its flag-waving glory on May Day and during elections. Yes, the hammer and sickle are often seen flying in this country of free enterprise, free elections, and freedom of movement and expression. I wonder what the Russian women emigres (Badantes) who are all over Italy caring for old Italian people think about those flags and the hammer and sickle pins on many lapels of old Venetians, some of whom the Russians may be spoon-feeding at night. The Italian Communist Party is the largest in any western country.
One of the better things about Silvio Burlesconi, our prime minister, is that he'll never miss an opportunity to ridicule the communists here. And they are ridiculous.
20 Years ago my wife and I went to Moscow for a long weekend. In Red Square we ran into an English contingent of Trade Union members on a junket to the world headquarters of Socialism. In casual conversation, we discovered that they felt as if they were visiting the Bethlehem of their political philosophy. They were so excited, many sporting pins showing the Union Jack and the Soviet Flag juxtaposed. I doubt if they were being shown the gulag or the living conditions of the average Russian. If so, the smarter ones would be back on that BA flight home immediately. Thanking St. Margaret.
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