America’s Awareness Increasing—But Not As Fast As Italy’s By Brenda Walker

Italy's government instituted a major crackdown on foreign criminals last week, as political leaders sought to respond to public fury.

The immediate reason for bulldozing shantytowns near Rome and deporting some Romanians: the shocking murder of Giovanna Reggiani, the 47-year-old wife of a naval officer. On November 2, as she was walking home, she was beaten until she was unrecognizable and left for dead in a ditch by a 24-year-old Romanian gypsy. She later died in hospital.

In a remarkable gesture, Premier Romano Prodi sent a condolence message to the husband, saying the murder "had wounded the soul of all Italians."

He additionally empowered police to expel European Union citizens "for reasons of public safety."

Can you imagine President Bush taking similar actions after an immigrant crime against an American?

America’s Awareness Increasing—But Not As Fast As Italy’s ...

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