[mimaw]

I've spent a great deal of time in Italy and there will be hell to pay if any of their bennies are touched. The north supports the south and to balance their mess it will mean substantial cuts or enormous tax increases on the only productive area of Italy. Watch the streets filled with red shirted commies if this is undertaken.

[familyop]

George Washington:

"Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor or caprice?"

"Nothing is more essential, than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular Nations, and passionate attachments for others, should be excluded...The Nation, which indulges towards another an habitual hatred, or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest."