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Do the American people get what they deserve when it comes to political leadership?

Now that I am back in Pizzaonia permanently, I feel I will have a better perspective of my recent travels through the United States.  For me, it was often a conflicting experience.  I have my internal beliefs of the greatness and purpose of my native country, and at the same time, I was forced to deal with the reality of how that is playing out historically. 

 It is hard to explain the feeling that comes over you when you watch this current political campaign for the presidency evolve.  Somewhere along the way, the need to satisfy the American people's insatiable need for quick solutions, we (they) temporally have become a nation of imbeciles being patronized by candidates who do not seem much smarter than the people they claim to want to serve.

We live in dangerous and changing times requiring courage in leadership that has been absent for many years.  The world is shifting and churning into a new time that demands vision and integrity from our leaders. 

The irony is for that quality of leadership and integrity to appear in our leaders “we the people" must demand it.  For this to happen the people must stand up and be counted, and show courage the likes of which have not been seen since World War 2. 

When one considers the birth of the United States, it becomes clear that a process of liberty and individual freedom under law began - a long and evolving process that has seen slow, but steady progress toward a more perfect union.  Many have sacrificed and paid dearly for the foundation that we now have so we may continue the journey.  The question is what now? 

We could and do argue ad infinitum over the virtues of our political leadership the last few years – an argument that is unlikely to be resolved. What seems clear when viewed from an objective distance is the unwillingness of the American people to sacrifice during a time that can only be resolved when the people stand up and say “enough.” 

Saying “enough” has a price – a price that demands shared sacrifice from all so we again can move forward on the journey of evolving toward a perfect union. 

We can criticize our leaders all we want, but the ultimate responsibility rests with us.  Each time is asked to pay the price for freedom.  Are we up to the task?  Only time will tell.  Our ancestors who paid such a dear price to get us this far are waiting for our answer.

 

Until next time....  Brother Giovanni, commenting from Pizzaonia

Seven quotes to contemplate on a Christmas Afternoon --

“Doing your best is not enough. You must summon the courage to do your best at what needs to be done – or go to a movie instead.” Brother Giovanni 

 

“Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious.”  Peter Ustinov 

 

“There is a difference between imitating a good person and counterfeiting one.”  Benjamin Franklin 

 

“History teaches us that people and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.”  Abba Eban 

 

“Being a political junkie isn’t much fun anymore now that we have more junk than fun.”  Pizzaonian spelunker 

 

“Two people can form a community by excluding a third.”  Jean Paul Sartre 

 

On coping:  “Sometimes you just have to pee in the sink.”  Charles Bukowski

Sister Veronica, Brother Franco, Brother Giovanni and all of the staff of Pizza conglomerate, Pizza digogo DiVinci wishes you and your loved ones a joyous Christmas, and regardless of our individual faiths or beliefs, may we join in mutual respect and extend the intended good will of this season into our New Year.

Pizzaonian Institute on Worldonian (aka United States) affairs will address issues from the perspective of portalized Pizzaonians.

Sister Veronica announced today a new seminar series on Worldonian affairs to inform Pizzaonians of the increasing influence of Worldonia on Pizzaonian lifestyles.

"Since we exist in a beta-world country that survives without government or wars we feel it is important to keep Pizzaonians informed on developments in Worldonia, especially from the perspective of the differences in our two cultures," said Supreme Pizzaonian, Sister Veronica

Increased portalization has become an issue with many Pizzaonians who feel that Worldonian influences are seriously eroding Pizzaonian culture.  This tension is new to Pizzaonia, a culture famous for its inclusiveness of all ethnicities and religions. Pizzaonian Monasteries are well known for their diversity and includes atheist monks among its many members.

The series will include a number of editorials from former Supreme Pizzaonian, Brother Giovanni, Head master of all Monasteries, Brother Franco, Monk Giorgio DiAugustino, Head of Bakery Operations and representative of pizza conglomerate, Pizza digogo DiVinci, and Sister Veronica, Supreme Pizzaonian.

“Many of our subjects will be considered controversial and could cause concern in both worlds; however, each contributor is free to write on any subject they choose, and we look forward to their comments," concluded Sister Veronica.

 

Submitted by Pizzaonian New Network, PNN

PNS NEWS ALERT- Pizzaonia ratifies same sex marriage – worst fears of religious right come true. For more ..

 Reprinted for our Californian edition as timely information.

 
 
PIZZAONIAN NEWS SERVICE ALERT -  Pizzaonia ratifies same sex marriage.

 

Yesterday Pizzaonia became the first beta-world country to sanction and ratify same sex marriage.  Now for the first time conventional man and woman marriages share equality with same sex couples. 

Unfortunately, the worst fears of the conservative religious right of Pizzaonia became a reality.  The nightmare that ensued is ongoing and shows no signs of letting up. 

Immediately after the announcement it is estimated that 40,000 or more heterosexual married men gathered at the main capital’s municipal soccer stadium and began a wild and drunken, sexual orgy that shows no sign of ending. 

This action seems to confirm the religious right’s worst fears that ordinary, married heterosexual men would disregard their tradition and opt for the homosexual lifestyle if allowed to do so. 

“For years we have lived the lie that being married and heterosexual was normal.  Now are shackles are off and we are doing are thing,” one man was reported to have said. 

As the orgy continued and spilled into the streets police and local militia were called to restore peace only to find out that they were participating in the orgy as well.  We understand that police dogs also were involved. 

“Law and order have broken down!” yelled one man as he ran to join the revelers at the stadium. 

Professor Peppi Doughi, dean of the Pizza Institute, said “once we entered into the agreement of Pizza and Faith with pizza conglomerate, Pizza digogo DiVinci, it was the beginning of the end of our culture as we knew it.  Once Pizzaonia became a Pizza imperialistic power there was no turning back.  We are now seeing the effects of this merger.”  

Other Pizzaonian sociologists blame the breakdown on the open portalization policy that allowed thousands of pizza bakery workers to come to Pizzaonia. “We could not assimilate that many people into our beta-world traditions” said one expert who asked to remain anonymous. 

As of now there is no comment from Sister Veronica, Supreme Pizzaonian.  The Pizzaonian Monasteries are a powerful political force here and they will no doubt be involved in the resolution of this crisis. 

More as it develops........   

 

Contact: Publicio Relationio at Pizzaonian@yahoo.com

 

Brother Franco to rededicate the Miracle Margarita Pizza to all Pizzaonians: First letter to the Pizzaonians

Storm clouds on the Pizzaonian horizon .......

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FROM:  MONASTERY PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE

Contact:  Publicio Relationio at the Monastery office of Public Relations at Pizzaonian@yahoo.com

SUBJECT: Brother Franco to rededicate the Miracle Margarita Pizza to all Pizzaonians:   Anniversary of First Letter to the Pizzaonians 

My fellow and beloved Pizzaonians, 

I am proud and honored to rededicate myself as headmaster.  I am pledged to serve you and never to lose sight of the Pizzaonian mission to discover our humanity in the creative symbol of Pizza. 

To that end, I ask you to stand firm in your faith.  We live in a perilous time and find ourselves challenged to defend our moral and spiritual principles. As our beta-world becomes more connected to the real world, we face the ultimate test of our faith. 

I am convinced that large scale portalization is inevitable. Our challenge is to be true to our ecumenical concepts despite the pervasive influence of the narrow and myopic views of our real world neighbors. 

To that end, we must simplify our beliefs so that we can be more persuasive in our example of holy and humanistic life styles. To accomplish this I will continue to focus our attention and energy on the production of the most simple and elegant pizza of them all, the Margarita. 

Our Miracle Margarita is an inspired food handed to us by our Creator.  In our alliance with Pizza digogo DiVinci and the continued inspirational direction of our advertising agency, John Frank Associates, I know we are moving with the hand of Providence on the tiller. 

We are blessed by the support of our sister monk and Supreme Pizzaonian, Sister Veronica.  We pray that our Creator will continue to bless her inspired leadership. 

The road ahead will be hard and I ask again  for continued sacrifice from all Pizzaonians including myself.  However, never forget, we are blessed with the presence of our Miracle Pizzas as a reminder of our providential mission. 

My blessing upon all Pizzaonians everywhere. 

Brother Franco

Reduced cattle flatulence secret to Pizza digogo DiVinci's Miracle Mozzarella Pizza!

Monastery gardens adjacent to diary pastures 

Released as a public service to all Pizza lovers everywhere

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FROM:  MONASTERY PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE

Contact:  Publicio Relationio. PR Director, Pizzaonian News Network, Pizzaonian@yahoo.com 

Pizzaonians to market Pizzaonian Miracle Margarita Pizza as the purest, organic pizza produced.

Former Pizzaonian Bakery Chief, Sister Veronica,(now Supreme Pizzaonian) who rose to fame with her discovering of the Brother Timothy miracle pizza apparitions, claimed today the mozzarella cheese now being produced from the monastery dairy herds is the richest and creamiest mozzarella ever made. 

She attributes this to the reduced cattle flatulence produced by the herds when the monastery decided to apply for the coveted “es” designation administered by the ICPM.  In order to be awarded this rare designation, the monastery had to cut in half all ammonia and nitrogen emissions released by their cows.  After a long and persistent effort, this was successfully accomplished at the end of last year.

“There is no doubt about it, our cheese is the creamiest mozzarella ever made. Our new Pizzaonian Margarita Pizza is the purest organic pizza produced in the beta-world,” said Sister Veronica.

She also added a very pleasant side benefit is the reduced aroma now coming from the monastery cattle pastures.

 

Pizzaonian News Network Alert: Herman Cain to endorse rival - campaigns scramble to make sure Cain support goes to someone else.

Pizzaonian News Service semi exclusive*

Herman Cain, ex candidate for the Republican nomination for president, is reportedly going to endorse a former rival. 

This news has created a flurry of activity among the remaining candidates.  One insider reported to our correspondent that it would be a real coup if they could influence Cain to endorse one of their rivals. 

It is estimated that a Cain endorsement could be worth a minimum of a five-point loss in the polls.  As one insider said, “This is too good to pass up.”

 

*semi exclusive - could have been reported by someone else first. (Maybe – but we do not think so.)

February 20, 1839 should be marked as a day of infamy in American history. Congress banned the practice of dueling in the District of Columbia.

 

 

February 20, 1839 should be marked as a day of infamy in American history.  On that historic and infamous day, Congress banned the practice of dueling in the District of Columbia. 

With that historic vote, we ended the one purifying element in the U.S. electoral system.  As a result, we have the well established, bought and paid for Congress that exists today 

Just imagine if duels had been allowed to remain legal.  How many entrenched congressional representatives and senators would have been eliminated?  Seniority would no longer be an issue. 

Since refusing a duel was considered cowardly, our congressional representatives could not decline to duel since it would doom their chances for reelection. In addition, no elected official would want to stay around too long since age would slow them down and make them easy targets. 

Just imagine in your mind's eye if dueling were made legal, the majority and minority leaders of the House and Senate facing off at 12 paces early one morning in D.C. - it boggles the mind. (It would also be great television.)

No one would want to be committee chairpersons since younger, newly elected representatives and senators would be challenging them to duels all the time.  Entrenched seniority would be meaningless. 

Just think about it – this would be better than term limits! No one would be willing to bankroll an election.  Their investment could be lost very quickly with a well-placed shot from a dueling pistol.  Imagine a Congress constantly purifying itself with new blood - the electorate would have their legislature back.  

One valid criticism is that no elected representative would do anything for fear of becoming controversial and ending up in a duel.  It seems to me that would be a lot better than what we have now. 

I would hope that a group of patriotic American citizens would form a committee for the restoration of legalized dueling in D.C.  It could be the beginning of the saving of the U.S. democracy. 

Brother Giovanni for Pizzaonian News Network

On This Day: Dueling Outlawed in DC 

http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/Feb/On-this-Day--Dueling-is-Outlawed-in-D-C---.html

Editor's note:  Brother Giovanni has returned to Pizzaonia and his new assignment as public relations director for Pizzaonian conglomerate, Pizza digogo DiVinci.  This editorial is his last assignment for the Worldonian Bureau, Pizzaonian News Network. 

Abe Surdity, Bureau Chief for Pizzaonian News Network, Worldonia

Brother Giovanni named public relations director for Pizzaonian Pizza conglomerate, Pizza digogo DiVinci- returns to Pizzaonia permanently.

It is with mixed emotions that I must say goodbye to my friends in Worldonia (aka United States) and return to Pizzaonia permanently.

I have been appointed the public relations director for Pizzaonian pizza conglomerate, Pizza digogo DiVinci.  This appointment should help relations between the monasteries and the pizza conglomerate, which can at times be tense. 

Since I am a former Supreme Pizzaonian, I retain some credibility with all points of view.  Brother Franco convinced me my return would be good for all of us. 

Actually, I am looking forward to it. I must confess I miss Pizzaonia.  I miss the tranquility of a beta-world country. There is no way to explain this unless you have been there. 

Therefore, with regret, I say goodbye to Worldonia and my friends here.  You will still here from me in my new position since I will be very active in Pizzaonian affairs.  One of our major undertakings will be to market Pizza digogo DiVinci’s miracle mozzarella pizza in the United States and China.

So until we meet again -- thank you for everything.

Brother Giovanni

P.S. I thought I would share with you a note I received from one of our monks who recently portalized to the United States from Pizzaonia.  I have softened his language where appropriate. It easy to imagine what words he actually used. 

Reflections on my life since portalizing to Worldonia. (aka Untied States)

Brother Giovanni, 

I am sure like most people in Worldonia you have read all the things you should be doing to lead a fuller, more satisfying life.  Strange, before I decided to start reading and hearing about this stuff, I thought I was leading a full and satisfying life.  Boy was I wrong! 

Even though I thought I was relatively happy, I soon learned I was miserable because I was not trying to fulfill some destiny. I lived most of my life believing that destiny did not give a tinker’s dam about anything I did.  Little did I know? 

Apparently, one of the things I missed out on was being creative. The various TV, gurus, sundry book writers and motivational speakers convinced me that my delusional happy and satisfying existence was the result of casual indifference to the real problems of life.  All of my contentment was misguided, because if I were truly aware, my lifestyle should be making me miserable. 

As you can imagine, it did not take too long for me to be convinced that I was miserable. This meant one thing.  I would have to be creative. I would stand up and be the man I was meant to be. 

Well, I am in the first week of my newfound adventure of finding my creative self.  In five short days, I went from being a relatively well liked, ordinary person to a first class jerk.  This creativity stuff is very powerful. 

I am now attempting to do a quick reverse and become my old self again.  Most of my new friends still run from me when they see me coming, but there is some hope.  My newly adopted cat is sitting on my lap again and looking reasonably content.  Destiny is just going to have to go on without me. 

Sincerely in solidarity, your brother, Dimitri