Posted on 07/16/2015 8:10:50 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
No Roman Holiday – the Eternal City is in chronic decline as a result of a toxic mix of corruption, debt, poor administration, and shabby infrastructure
It may boast the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the glories that were ancient Rome, but the city is now in chronic decline, its business leaders and inhabitants have warned.
The Eternal City is facing crisis, with its administration engulfed in corruption scandals and debt, its roads scarred by potholes, the main airport partially closed, and a growing immigration crisis.
For generations the Italian capital has rested on past glories rather than built on them, but now its multiple problems have come to a head.
Drivers on the metro system are on a go-slow in a protest over pay and conditions, hundreds of flights into Fiumicino, the main airport, have been canceled because of a fire that broke out in a terminal back in May, and temperatures have soared this week to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 Celsius), making daily life even more hellish than normal.
"Rome is on the verge of collapse," Giancarlo Cremonesi, the president of the Rome Chamber of Commerce, told Reuters.
"It is unacceptable that a major city which calls itself developed can find itself in such a state of decay."
A survey by the European Commission two years ago placed Rome last out of 28 European Union capitals in a ranking for the efficiency of city services.
(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...
Went to Rome a few years ago, was not impressed.
To think, Rome and Greece were once the center of the Universe.
To think, Rome and Greece were once the center of the Universe.
Been there...done that....toga’s in the wash.
Is there a conservative anywhere in sight?
I didn’t think so.
I made a two-day stopover in Rome and came to three conclusions:
1. Crime (mostly by pickpockets or snatch-and-grab) is a big deal, and you have to think about what’s going on around you at all times.
2. The city is loaded with scenes from the ancient period. It’s also loaded with street hustlers, boozers, and heron addicts.
3. Great food is in abundance and you can’t lose weight while visiting the city.
I would go back again, but I would be very picky about what I see and how I do it. This is not a place for the accidental tourist.
"....and that is why America needs Amnesty for Illegals."
Landed at Fiumicino airport in 1968. Our sponsor pointed to the statue of Leonardo da Vinci and said, “That’s the spirit of Italy - everybody has their hand out!”
;^)
We were there 7 years ago. Road the local transit trains once. Observed a pickpocket attempt while riding, it only stopped when the pickpocket saw me watching. I was going to grab his wrist if he got the guys wallet out; wallet owner never knew what was going on.
Had fun in Rome, but enjoyed villa in rural Tuscany much more.
[ To think, Rome and Greece were once the center of the Universe. ]
And people used to wipe their butts with rocks too....
[ Went to Rome a few years ago, was not impressed. ]
I’ve heard people describe it as being smelly, crowded, and unsanitary.
Verge of collapse? Rome collapsed 1700 years ago.
Then again, we are going to be in similar circumstances if we don't make drastic changes soon.
At least the Christians aren’t demanding the Colisseum be torn down for past atrocities ...
Agreed on all counts.
The irony is thick. Italy is absolutely awash in illegals from North Africa. Rome is teeming with them.
Been the a couple of times. In a classless move they built a walkway in and over the fountain.
A cabbie with a degree told me they tax his pay 40%.
He says they suffer the communists, socialists, unions, government workers and the Catholic Church.
He tried to come legally to America but no luck. I told him to never mention his education, paint himself brown and to then illegally cross at the Mexican border like everyone else!
The Eternal City is facing crisis, with its administration engulfed in corruption scandals and debt, its roads scarred by potholes, the main airport partially closed, and a growing immigration crisis.
...
Corrupt politicians love their illegal aliens, not just in America.
I am surprised that Italy is in such shape. Not a hint of corruption or other criminal activity there before..... bada bing. They could raise some money by having pay per view gladiator fights.
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