Do you remember Sonic Youth’s song “Youth against fascism” from their 1992 album, “Dirty”? Great album, great grunge sounds (and lyrics). And great roaring, raw guitars.

For those who have followed the recent developments in Italy, and those who haven’t, a few pictures which do not need comments - taken here in Rome last week and this weekend by StripedCat.

“Gelmini ti combatteremo con cuore di Bambini” - Gelmini (dis-education minister) we will fight you with our children hearts.

“Con un popolo ignorante e’ piu’ facile comandare” – it is easier to rule over an ignorant population.

The same cute kids on the left-hand side of the picture…

A parent or a teacher (or both?) asking: Wouldn’t have been better to pay the ICI tax? (Grundsteuer). The government cancelled the tax on the property but is now slashing financial resources for schools and universities to make up with the shortfall.

Universita’ della Sapienza: “L’onda vi travolgera’ “ – “The Wave (student movement) will submerge you”.

How can I translate the word “precario“? It means “on the edge” and describes job contracts with a very short duration and almost no social benefits. Universita’ La Sapienza, Facolta’ di Fisica.

Last but not least, yesterday’s New York Times editorial “Barack Obama for President”.

Tonight I am zapping.

On one side, the historian Mario Isnenghi lesson on 1915’s Italy at war, because today is November 4th and the government has decided to put in a good share of rhetorics and celebrate with its own recognizable and unique style the “armed forces day”. So it’s good to look back and remember those who were playing spinning doctors in 1914-1915.

On the other hand, today is November 4th and I’m eagerly waiting together with a good % of other humans on this polluted blue ball lost in space, the first polls results of the US elections…Obama for President (now leading with 52%…touch wood). This blog started with Obama’s visit to Berlin, after all!

But Angela is the key to the Europe I would like to see, whoever the winner in the US. Less useless ego-driven declarations, more carefully prepared decisions leading to facts. Less Materazzi-Zidane style testosterone confrontation, more feminine (that means FIRM) diplomacy. A little less conversation and more action.