Fiddling While Rome Burns

 Written by Stephan Faris (TIME May 14,2012)

   Italy’s failed politicians cling to power even as the country’s woes linger.

An Italian comedian Beppe Grillo is organizing nationwide protests against governmental corruption called “Go F Yourself” days. Italy’s politics has stagnated. Political parties change frequently through splits and mergers. Corruption scandals are competing for column inches. Public confidence in the political class is in the single digits. 11.6% of the workforce had given up looking for work. The official unemployment rate is 9.8%. However, maverick mayoral candidates in Milan and Florence have challenged their party hierarchies and won. The message should not be “button down,” but “open up.” 100 words