My optimism bests her pessimism.

Italians are worried about the future. No doubt about it. Maybe more so than Americans. Yes, the bad economic conditions are worldwide. Maybe a sign that modern-day capitalism ain't working. Period. As a nation, Italy is in danger of going bankrupt. My Itailan true love is worried. That she may lose her teaching job. Or her pension. Or both. She imagines a bleak future. I'm more optimistic. Not about the state of capitalism. But the fact that something has to give. A new way of living. A new way of governing. A change in the world politic. More in tune with the common good. Rather than in the good of the filthy rich, as we have it now. There has to be an uprising amongst the so-called common folk. A better distribution and sharing of the wealth. The wealth is there. The only problem is that it's mostly in the hands of a few. The elite capitalists have become greedy. They want more and more of the wealth. They have an insatiable appetite. For piles and piles of money. Far more than they need. Better that the excess be put to use in the making of a better society. Meanwhile, I tell my true love, don't fret. Everything will work out. If she loses her job and her pension, we can still pool our resources, and make for the good life. La doce vita. Maybe half of the year in Sardinia and half in Minnesota. My optimism trumps her pessimism. --Jim Broede