It must confound friends and foes alike that Silvio Berlusconi has become the longest-serving prime minister in post-war Italy, having served May 1994 – January 1995, June 2001 – May 2006, and May 2008 – present. After all, each of his stints in power has been distinguished by political gaffes and sex scandals the likes of which would surely have ended the career of any other politician.
For example, his gaffes have included insinuating that a German member of the EU parliament – who dared to criticize him – was a Nazi, as well as comparing himself to Jesus Christ.
While his scandals have included being dumped by his wife in an open letter to a leading newspaper in which she derided him as a narcissistic philanderer with an unseemly attraction to teenage girls and prostitutes, as well as having a “girlfriend” reveal kiss-and-tell details about their assignations that would make Tiger Woods green with envy.
Not to mention the damoclean sword of being prosecuted for corruption that has hovered over his entire career, which has compelled this billionaire politician to spend almost as much time in court defending himself as he has spent in parliament representing the Italian people.
It seems ironic therefore that being the victim of a shocking physical assault might redeem him from all iniquities. For the way he withstood a brutal strike in the face on Sunday, sustaining two broken teeth, a broken nose and a busted lip, is the thing of which legends are made.
The assault occurred at a political gathering after Berlusconi had given one of his vintage speeches, during which he no doubt reminded voters that he’s the best thing to happen to Italy since pasta and wine and hurled indignation at dogged prosecutors who are trying once again to convict him on charges of corruption.
In fact, his persecution complex, which causes him lament on occasion that he is “the person the most persecuted by the judiciary of all times, in all history”, made what followed seem like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
For, as Berlusconi was reveling in the hosannas of devoted supporters on his way to his motorcade, a man in the crowd threw a souvenir model of an Italian cathedral at him, striking him in the face. Video footage of the incident shows Berlusconi wincing in pain as he falls back into the arms of one of his bodyguards.
What is truly amazing, however, is that, despite his injuries, a visibly dazed Berlusconi pushed his wary handlers aside and stood on the landing of the door to his limo – presumably so that his disciples could not only see that he was okay but also witness the stigmata of his crucifixion.
His political supporters are asserting that this physical assault was inspired by the hate-mongering that now characterizes political attacks against Berlusconi; whereas (many of) his critics are countering that he got exactly what he deserved.
Meanwhile, reports are that the assailant, Massimo Tartaglia (42), is a man with a history of mental illness who has no known ties to any political or criminal organization whatsoever. And one has to think that if Tartaglia were truly a would-be assassin he would have used something a little more lethal than a marble souvenir.
Berlusconi is expected to be discharged today, but is under doctor’s orders to cancel all official duties for the remainder of the year….
But it can’t be lost on this messianic cad that this incident gives him an opportunity to really emulate Christ by making quite a show of forgiving his attacker (for he knows not, mentally, what he did). Never mind that Tartaglia was sane enough to apologize as soon as he was hauled away and charged with aggravated assault, even calling his attack “cowardly”.
In any event, since Berlusconi’s media empire influences more than 90 percent of all television news in Italy, a well-scripted, televised visit to this coward’s prison cell to pray with him (as Pope John Paul did with the man who actually shot him) should do the trick.
Thanks to all of the many who sent me messages of support and affection. I say to all of you, stay calm and happy. Love always triumphs over hate and envy.
(Berlusconi from his hospital bed)
Hail Silvio!
NOTE: If the party-crashing Salahis were not enough to put President Obama’s security detail on high(er) alert, this attack on Berlusconi most certainly will.
Related commentaries:
Silvio, PM of Italy … again
Salahis expose Obama’s vulnerability…
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