Please god, don't let it be.

Please god, don’t let it be. Silvio Berlusconi becoming Italy’s prime minister for the fourth time. It’s looking more like a possibility every day. With the Italian parliamentary election less than a month away.  Berlusconi was ousted a couple years ago. And it looked like his political career was over. But now he’s trying for a comeback. And he’s picking up increasing amounts of support. Though it’s no sure thing that he can pull it off. Italian politics are in a volatile state of disarray.    Anything is possible. Even the election of the secretary of the communist party as the next prime minister. That’s my choice. Though I’m not an Italian. And therefore have no say. On the world stage, Berlusconi is seen as a clown. A buffoon. Some would say he’s been popular for that very reason. He’s high entertainment. And money ain’t a problem in his political campaigns. He’s a billionaire several times over.  And he also owns much of the Italian news media. TV and newspapers. He’s quite a character. Maybe that’s why he has support with Italians. Especially conservatives. Italians like characters. Don’t mind that he’s a laughing stock all over the world. He brings attention to Italy. And he cavorts with beautiful women. Even teen-agers. Doesn’t act his age. He’s 75. Probably has had plastic surgery. And his grease-downed black hair may be a toupee, or hair transplants. Maybe all this will keep Berlusconi fashionable until he’s 100. Don’t count it out. Berlusconi has his share of detractors. Including me, of course. And my true love. But even I have to admire his resiliency. He keeps going and going and going. Maybe there’s another comeback in the making. All I can say again and again, please god, don’t let it be. –Jim Broede