Jessica in Rome

We decided to check out the Feste De L’Unità near Circo Massimo. I had a really good time. Not only did I eyewitness a transvestite brawling with some guy, I also found a hacky sack and a moo can toy that works by turning it upside down then right side up again. The moo sound is very realistic. I had one of these as a kid and it was my favorite toy. I literally made it moo so much the mechanism turned into a MMMHAAOO noise until it finally went silent forever. I was devastated.

Walking around the festival I saw cardboard boxes with slits cut in the top that advertised: “Tell your party what you think! Ideas, suggestions and comments.” That got me thinking. What is this Olive Tree Party all about anyways? Even though I am a ways off from citizenship (still waiting on that permesso…fingers crossed November) it never hurts to get acquainted. And I owe them for bringing together me and my moo toy and possibly olives which I also enjoy.

I’ve heard the party described as socialistic and communistic, but what is their platform and how does it affect me?

I decided to check out their official webpage and peep in on what their manifesto was all about.

Some things I like about the party is their stance on Italy in the global world. While they mention that Italy is a place of “rich humanity, history, art and culture, splendid cities of magnificent natural atmospheres and landscapes” and it’s citizens have a “deep sense of hospitality and solidarity…attention to quality of life, and their extraordinary ability to produce things that bring pleasure to the world”, they are also critical of the country and believe it is both blocked and not reaching it’s full prosperity and potential. The party fears that Italy is at risk to decline even more.

Another good point they bring up is that women are underrepresented in the government. “The ruling class is terribly aged and nearly exclusively male.” They also describe the want for a better work environment. All too often in Italy job advancement is based not on your work ethic or abilities but on who you know. The Olive Tree Party says: “We democrats want an equal Italy that gives every person an opportunity to assert their own abilities, creativity, and merit on the job.”

This part made me chuckle a bit. Anyone who has ever dealt with the public sector would know the following statement is a LOFTY goal: “We democrats are convinced that Italy is in need of an extraordinary cure for competition in the markets and efficiency in the public sector.” Well, unless the Olive Tree Party can create miracles (come Gesu’, we’ll see.

And what of us Immigrants? “We clearly say that the alien who shares the values of our Constitution, that (if) he is inserted in our country and contributes to our social life, he must have the possibility, if (he) wishes it, to become Italian.” So, how’s that efficiency in the public sector coming along?

Everyday I am here I am motivated to get to know this country for all it’s good and bad (though, for the most part tutto bene!) The more I know, the more I grow as an Italian/American. I have a lot of work on the Italian part to go but I am enjoying this challenge.

What do you know of Italian politics? Or do you have a opinion? For anyone who is a citizen, have you voted here?

*all quotes are from the website of L’Ulivo. I translated from it myself (and with the help of Daniele) and apologize for any unforeseen errors.