[canuck_conservative]

Russia is not a great nation any more than say Mexico or Italy

Russia and Mexico no, I agree with you

but I'll make an exception for Italy

besides being the home of Rome - which has lasting influences on our Western architecture, legal systems, political systems, etc., Italy was also the place where the Renaissance started, the basis of our modern tolerant/scientifically curious civilization

plus they make damn good food

maybe I'm just biased here, but Italy for me is always the summit of "joie de vivre" ... and I'm not even Italian!!

[JerseyDvl]

Apparently. You use the French language to make your point.

[bert]

Rome was.

Athens was.

It must be noted however that Italian company Fiat is now Jeep

[katana]

I think "Dolce Vita" might be the correct term. Italy is full of so many contradictions. Incredibly, frustratingly, disorganized with public sector strikes timed to the hour. About which nobody seems to care, they just shrug and get on with the "Sweet Life".

Superb engineering and craftsmanship a'la Ferrari and Lamborghini vs. FIAT (Fabrica Italiana Automobile Torino ... or Fix It Again Tony ... you choose). And a thousand local cuisines and foods to die for. Love it and hate it. But mostly love.

[TheConservativeTejano]

plus they make damn good food maybe I'm just biased here, but Italy for me is always the summit of "joie de vivre" ... and I'm not even Italian!!

Italian food is the most popular food in the U.S.

[ought-six]

I agree with you. Historically, Italy has been VERY influential.