[Marc]

I rather liked this response to one of the very many negative comments about Italy in the Comments section

In reply to Chris J's quote below:

"Italy is the sick man of Europe. How it's still part of the G8, i have no idea"

Chris if you keep believing what the Economist writes on Italy it is a natural consquence that you ask how can Italy be in the G8? Well Chris J, Italy is in the G8 because it is the 6th largest economy in the world. Italy is the 6th largest contributor to the United Nations and pays their bill, unlike some countries such as the US. Italy is one of the countries with the most number of military men involvolved in international peace keeping in Afganistan, Beirut, Kosovo, and Africa and other parts of the world. Italy provides to the world, the greatest number of designer goods than anyone else. Italy provides the world with sophisticated production machinery for the making of furniture, farm machinery, construction machinery, the most sophisticated and fastest sport cars (including, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Bugatti), the most powerful and fastest motorcycles (Ducati, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, MV Augusta). Italy is building the new fleet of 26 helicopters for the US President and the White House. Italy provides military equipment and sophisticated Electronic Warfare Systems to NATO and other parts of world including the US (76 mm Oto Melara Guns for US ships, Beretta 9 mm handgun to US armed forces. Italy builds the greatest number and the most sophistaicated and largest cruise ships in the world. In addition Italy, provides the world with assortments of food products of the highest quality and taste. Italy provides the most expensive and most beautiful Gold jewelry.

Italy is very successful and carries world esteem for their sporting involvements, like winning the Soccer World Cup 4 times. Only exceeded by Brazil, which has won it 5 times. Italy builds cars that win world chanpionships repeatedly, like Ferrari. Italy has been in the finals of Americas Cup yact race several times. Italy's motorcycle have won world championships numerousa time. Italy usually comes out in the order 5th or 6th in Olympic Medal counts consistently. It has done much better in Winter olympics.

Italy is one of 5 countries that founded the European Union by the Treaty of Rome in 1959. Italy is one of the largest and one of larger contributor to NATO.

You will find the center of Christianity in Rome.

If you need more reasons why Italy is in the G8, I can provide them to you. But keep in mind that the Economist is merely a reflection of the Anglo-Saxon Italy hating phobia, so it is unable to report fairly on Italy, its government and its leaders.