Squeezed Melons

 I am in Rome enjoying a few days of sightseeing. Last weekend, though, there was a national referendum on the technical subject of judicial careers, with implications for the constitution. Exciting, eh? But in fact it was more of a public vote about the right-wing government of Mrs Meloni and the government lost. What's more, the turnout for such a dry subject was huge (60%). So this makes several changes in the direction of the wind. Moves like this referendum, which was partly intended to reduce judicial checks on the executive, are typical of more extreme parties but people can see the current effects of the executive abusing the judiciary in places like the USA. 

Truth be told, although Mrs Meloni's government is nominally anti-trans, anti-gay, etc., as you would expect, she has been quite pragmatic and has let minor issues like trans bashing largely alone in the face of bigger global problems. 

By the way, Meloni means "melons", and this is a source of much hilarity in lesbian circles. Although, to her credit, Mrs Meloni knows how to run with this gag. 

 

My sick relative in Milan is doing OK, although after his lengthy hospital ordeal last year he is still recuperating and the district nurse still visits three times a week. I was pleased that I was able to persuade him to come out with me to vote. He'd rather given up on democracy as he says, on a material level, one government is very like another these days. That does seem to be the impression of many, hence ever lower turnouts at recent elections and other votes. I'm glad this one bucked the trend.

Anyway, I'm enjoying sightseeing in and around Rome and exploring the local food culture. Don't worry, I won't be boring you with pictures of the Colosseum as I'm exploring lesser known nooks and corners. More on gorgeous ancient jewellery, my trip to the Underworld, talking statues, border disputes, local humour, Frankenstein and other amusing monsters with an LGBT twist when I'm back home. All I can say is that I'm glad I saw the main sights of Europe in the '80s and '90s, when tourism was important but not overwhelming, because the crowds and the queues here are unbelievable. 

Sue x