Mani Pulite

By luigi_pagano

Thu, 11 Jun 2015
  • 1641 reads
6 comments
 

In the 1990s the whole Italian nation

was  involved in political corruption

and subject to a judicial investigation.

More than half of parliamentarians

were at some point under indictment

and their greed wasn’t just sectarian;

all parties had their snout in the trough.

Many were accused of taking bribes,

some were convicted, others got off.

The dishonesty spread to every side.

A few culprits, Socialists or Democrats,

when discovered, committed suicide.

It was vital to apportion the blame

so a cleansing operation was begun:

Mani pulite, Clean Hands, was its name.

It all happened several years ago.

Was the rottenness got rid once for all?

One can only hope that it was so.

 

© Luigi Pagano 2015

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Comments

Submitted by Deliberately Ev... on

I like this poem but I doubt very much that corruption has been cleansed. Perhaps hidden a bit better.

The beat of your heart is the mellifluent rhythm to my soul.

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

You may be right, Holly. The scams seem to be more sophisticated and the conmen even more devious. It's easy to become cynical.

Best, Luigi

 

Submitted by Bee on

Cleverly done with much thought, Luigi.

Bee

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Just a snippet of history, Bee. The corruption was on such a scale that it changed the political structure of that country. Whether it has been irrevocably eradicated is debatable. Even if the politicians have now 'clean' hands', one can always rely on the Mafia to carry on the tradition.
Mind you, the problem of corruption seems to be endemic all over the world, judging by the current FIFA scandal.

Best wishes, Luigi x

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Well recounted again, Luigi. If 'everyone's doing it' people are weak and feel they can't break the pattern. As you indicate there is always the temptation, but to try to hide it well. Can't bring peace though. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Absolutely, Rhiannon. Such a behaviour is morally wrong, thoroughly objectionable and the cause of endless misery for the victims of fraud. I doubt that the perpretators give too much consideration to this.

Grateful for your feedback, as always.

Luigi x