Silvio's Abstinence

So... abstinence from sex was not enough to get Silvio Berlusconi re-elected. I believe that his refusal to concede defeat and other puzzling antics were a direct result of this abstinence in the first place. With all that pent-up... something... the guy was bound to lose it at some point! Or maybe he cheated on his promise and got some - and the gods of Italian politics were affronted and punished him in return.

The lesson: Your sex life is probably not a very good collateral to offer in exchange for votes.

For outsiders, it is pretty amusing to watch this guy who epitomizes every stereotype you've ever had of Italian dudes: he fancies himself as a ladies' man (hence his offer of abstinence was supposed to be a big deal, with all those belle donnes throwing themselves at him ), he is perpetually tanned and wears impeccable pin stripe suits, he has perfect hair, and he has a blonde trophy wife by his side. On top of this, the guy was a cruise ship singer, owns A.C. Milan and basically most of the Italian media, was in the 2004 list of Forbes' richest, and has released his own CD of romantic songs! (I wonder if Delia has a copy...)

Why this guy still wants to be Prime Minister is beyond me, but power is a very strange dark force - those who have had a taste of it want to have more. But for once, it's easier to watch another country's political comedy than focus on the tragedy that is ours - a little bit of shadenfraude, perhaps? Even the CNN Fan Girls' favorite Italian - Alessio Vinci - almost chuckled in amusement when he said that a split house of representative is "the nightmare scenario (in Italy). The nightmare scenario. This country is not ready for a grand coalition similar to the one that is taking place -- that took place in Germany after the vote there. "

My bet is that Silvio Berlusconi would be dragged out of the Prime Minister's house before he voluntarily leaves - kinda like Dick Cheney except significantly less dangerous. Unless she has flown back there to relax and see her... significant other?... Delia is missing out on this drama.


Delia Gallagher