Getting the equality thing right.

I'm seeing lots of walls in Carbonia. In residential neighborhoods, kilometers and kilometers of walls, in the Sardinian city. Mostly made of stone and concrete. Many topped by metal fences. They run along the streets, just back of the sidewalks. I assume they were built for pirvacy. And maybe to keep out traffic noise. I like 'em. Aesthetically. I see walls in lots of European cities. Many more than in the U.S. We Americans like fences instead. In Sardinia, there's lots of stone to be had. Much prettier than concrete, much of it blemished by graffiti. I can see over some of the walls. Catching a peek of small, but well-manicured yards. With palm trees and cacti and green bushes. Many of the homes look like they belong to rich people. But the surprising thing, I surmise I'm seeing rich and not-so-rich living virtually next to each other. Unlike in the U.S. Give Italy credit. For the mix. Albeit, you'll find exclusive neighborhoods, too. My guess: Italy has a smaller gap between the rich and the poor. Maybe Italy is getting the equality thing right. --Jim Broede