In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
It is possible to leave messages of support for the campaign.
[url=http://www.addiopizzo.org/english.asp]Addiopizzo - english[/url]
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
I've just signed up, maybe you all will too.........
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
but what do people here think of the chances of this either succeeding or provoking horrendous reprisals?
I love the idea of hitting the mafia in their pocket book with people power ... but (I'd imagine) they are bankrolled more via drugs, people smuggling etc. these days than simply by taxing Sicilian restaurants.
I suppose if enough people actively got behind this initiative and effective policing was in place to support it, then the mafia may just retreat quietly from an area that becomes too hard and too highly visible for an easy profit ... but are any of those likely scenarios (active participation; effective policing; quiet retreat?)
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[quote=pigro;90749]but what do people here think of the chances of this either succeeding or provoking horrendous reprisals?[/quote]
Nun sacciu, nun vidi, nun ceru e si ceru durmiv
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
what, you were in bed with the three wise monkeys the whole time? that's some alibi.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Change is slow but it is happening in Sicily - it is not simple, there is still a lot to resolve but it is happening. What amounts to the Sicilian Chamber of Commerce is banning any members who are paying protection money and this alongside shops displaying addio pizzo signs and now tourism-related businesses taking actions are all steps in the right direction.
Most of the change is not government-driven but individual initiative driven. While it is dissapointing that the government is still showing itself to be too weak it also means that there is a fundamental cultural change going on that is the kind of change that has the strength to be long lasting.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[quote=ronald;90792]What amounts to the Sicilian Chamber of Commerce is banning any members who are paying protection money [/quote]
Dumb question maybe ... but how do they know that someone is paying protection if the member doesn't admit it - I'm presuming he's unlikely to volunteer the info in these circumstances?
Thats a very brave stance from the businesses concerned. They are going beyond an (already diffficult) refusal to pay protection money, to a positive act of defiance. I wonder how many tourists will be willing to exhibit the same level of bravery and vote with their feet to support the initiative. I'd love to say that I'd be that brave ... but If I'm honest I'd definitely think twice:The mafia would only need to 'make an example' of one place on the list and the whole list (and it's potential clients) would be left looking over their shoulders in perpetuity. Anyway, they get lots of respect and best wishes.