I didn't know that the Italian government was so far gone until I read about Prodi's resignation! I didn't know you could move any further to the left! I think many European countries made a fatal error when they chose "cradle to grave" socialism. I think some of the governments are just plain broke. The don't have the money to send troops and they cover up by saying that America is Bad. It is hard to stop a landslide (socialism) when it starts and it is hard to stop a bureauacracy that is entrenched.
You are so right on every point. We saw what happened in France when they tried to take some security in jobs to a bunch of young kids. They went nuts. lol. I hope our country does not get that bad. You should see how much vacation time they receive. They don't work from 1-4 everyday because of "siesta" time. It is really a good deal if you have a job.....and that is a big if. It would never work for the U.S. Can you imagine everything closing from 1-4???? Americans would have a corinary. lol. There work hours are from 9-1 and 4-8. They can't work over 40 hours and if there is a holiday, they automatically get the next day off for rest day. Maternity leave is six months. Vacation time is six weeks a year. That is one area where I wish America would do is give a bit more vacation time. But other than that I don't think anything else would work for us.