It’s a clear rule of thumb: If you don’t want anyone to find out, DON’T DO IT! Don’t say it, don’t write it, and just to be safe from Big Brother, you might not even want to think it.
In a time where information can spread to millions in just seconds with the click of a mouse, it is hard to be elusive once an action has taken place. And if you’re a public official, it’s virtually impossible.
Recently, Itlaian Prime Minsiter Silvio Berlusconi was busted as several publications, including Spain’s daily newspaper, El Pais, printed photos of Berlusconi’s private party at his villa on the island of Sardinia. The photos featured a naked man, who later identified himself as Mirek Topolanek, a former Czech Prime Minister, and Berlusconi surrounded by at least five young, scantily clad or topless women beside a whirlpool jacuzzi. Berlusconi was infuriated and is taking legal action against El Pais to prevent further photos from being pulished. The photos were taken by a paparrazi photographer, Antonella Zappadu. According to The Times Online (The London Times), the newspaper insisted that Berlusconi’s behavior was “not only a subject for concern for Italians but for all Europeans.” And I agree.
Sure, Berlusconi is an adult. And since the party was on his property, he had every right to prance around with half-naked women and old chums. But he is a billionaire media and real estate tycoon and a politician, so he’s not an idiot. He was fresh off a divorce threat tabloid frenzy from his wife, still in the midst of speculation about his relationship with a minor (whose 18th birthday he attended, fueling his wife’s claims), and just ahead of Italian Parliament elections this week. He should have known better.
I’m not saying people in high places shouldn’t enjoy themselves. Have a ball. But when such a position as prime minister or president (which is more symbolic) is hanging in the balance, they should have fun responsibly. By running for president to avoid being prosecuted for his actions (the top four offices cannot be punished), Berlusconi is taking the easy way out. It’s not favorable among many liberal Italians and I can see why they’d be upset about such behavior from a man who is supposed to represent their country. Berlusconi should accept his consequences and do what’s right for the citizens that he has said he cares so much about.
Besides, billionaires usually have this tricky way of making their court sentences disappear.
Ciao,
Ang.
Sources: www.nytimes.com, www.msnbc.com, www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30546907/
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/04/world/europe/04italy.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=berlusconi&st=cse
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article6440499.ece
You are so right! If more than one person knows it, it’s not a secret.
There is another tricky way Berlusconi pioneered to avoid court sentences… You simply become Prime Minister and sign bills that say the 4 top offices (i.e. yourself) are not punishable.
isn’t that sad?