It is a solid wall going up in the architecture of a modern totalitarian democracy. Will Europe allow it? Probably. So long as it's done sneakly without upsetting the proforma democratic mechanisms, such as voting.
As for many other aspects, Europe appears slow or impotent. The European courts will soon proceed to sanction Italy over the Gasparri Communications Law that practically turned over all future digital communication to Berlusconi. Berlusconi simply shuffled around a few commas in the law and sent it back for review. Time passes. Europe then opens up the procedure again. Berlusconi in the meantime goes ahead and further monopolizes the media. Europe will sanction Italy but it will be too late- a fait accompli.
Italy is an upside down state. Here, Murdoch is a hero of free information. The ACLU would be shamed face and champion harsher laws were it here in Italy.
In effect Berlusconi passes laws that willfully violate the constitution. However, it takes nearly two years for a Constitutional Court ruling or a referendum against the law. By that time, damage is irreversible.
A large part of the voting population just adore it. Berlusconi is perceived as a man of action, decisive.
Great show. Applause. It works.
Exactly what my neighbors say about Sarkozy: Man of action. Decisive. Does what he says he will do.
Great Planet; Funny People Never underestimate their intelligence, always underestimate their knowledge.
Frank Delaney ~ Ireland
