First Brexit, then Trump, now Italy faces its political shockwave

[TomSea]

First Brexit, then Trump, now Italy faces its political shockwave
CNN Digital Rebranding 2015 Ben Wedeman Photo: Jeremy Freeman
By Ben Wedeman, CNN Senior International Corres

Rome (CNN)The world as we know it could come to an end this Sunday. Or it could be just another day. It depends on whom you talk to.

This weekend, Italians go to the polls to vote in a referendum on whether or not the country should amend its 1948 constitution.

The referendum is the brainchild of Matteo Renzi, Italy's energetic, 41-year-old Prime Minister. His intention is to defang the upper house of the Italian Parliament, the Senato, by cutting its numbers from 315 to 100, thus reducing its powers dramatically, making it more of a consultative assembly.

Yes, if you read to the end of the previous paragraph, you'll probably agree it sounds dull as dust. But, in the eyes of some, the consequences of a "No" vote could be catastrophic.

Continued: http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/02/opinions/italy-referendum-preview/index.html

[geronl]

Brexit was a good thing, Trump was not.

[truth_seeker]

For historical reference, the EU operated for many years with strong borders between countries, and without the Euro common currency.

IOW it stuck to the original goal, of eliminating trade barriers between countries, for mutual benefit.

All of the other crap came later, with adding poor countries, climate control, common currency, etc.

Sticking to the knitting of economic betterment, and no more, would be the preferred outcome.

People should not need rules and permission from Brussels to change their toilets or tires.