Italian journalist Beppe Severgnini made this observation on the BBC’s “Newshour” program: “If we were in America, where madmen carry guns, [Silvio] Berlusconi would be dead. We are in Italy. Madmen carry souvenir replica of the Duomo.”

The Italian prime minister was attacked in a crowd over the weekend. He was taken to a hospital with a broken nose and broken teeth.

Severgnini conceded that other world leaders would not have let an attacker get so close. Berlusconi, he said, loves a crowd. — PZS

[Link]

WAIT, BEFORE YOU GO…

If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.

Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG