LETTERS TO FRANCO
July 2014
Dear Franco,
Since my last note, I portalized* back to the United States. I am sorry I did not have time to see you, but I seem addicted to American politics, especially presidential elections.
How lucky we are to live in Pizzaonia. If you have any doubt, just spend some time in the world's western democracies. Don’t get me wrong, there is much good here, but you can see in the evolution of American politics, especially American presidential elections, the beginning of serious decline.
My compulsion to watch and report on the political events here is like being at a NASCAR race anticipating the crash, or watching a runaway train heading for the end of the track - morbid, yes, but still fascinating.
It is clear the United States has very smart people for politicians, but what they are smart at is getting elected and not governing. This is so prevalent it no longer seems to concern the people. Campaigning for political office rather than governing is so ubiquitous and pervasive here it has become the overriding concern of the electorate.
What they no longer do here is get anything done – hard to believe from the “can do" country. Since there is so much creativity and innovation here, you have to ask, “What is the problem?” Why can’t this creativity be active in the political arena?
Eventually, someone is going to have to question the system itself as the potential villain, a very taboo subject here. Politics and business are now mired in a marketing and bumper sticker mentality. Democracy has become an event like the “Super Bowl” rather than a process. We can explore this further in my next letter.
I have to run now. Give my best to Sister Veronica and thank her for her ongoing support. It is appreciated.
Your friend and Pizzaonian brother,
Giovanni
Giovanni and Franco also recommends: http://pizzaonian.com