01.19.06
How to create jobs in Italy
Today in class Heidi asked a question that we’ve yet to really get an answer to. There’s all kinds of police here in Italy. There’s the Caribineri, who wear outfits designed by Armani. Then there’s the Polizia, who wear outfits designed by some other famous designer. Then we have the Guardia di Finanzia, who don’t appear to have much to do but drive around. Then there are the local police, the traffic police, and the parking lot police.
So Heidi asks, “If someone is breaking into my house, who do I call? What is the difference between all of these officials.” But get this … our teacher, a native Italian, had no idea. So she brings in two of the other teachers. They tell us that the Caribineri is a military organization, and the Polizia is a federal organization. OK, makes sense, but how do their jobs differ? Who does what? “They have the same job. I have no idea why they are different”
Heidi was clearly not satisfied with the answer. How can two organizations have the same job, the same jurisdiction? His answer, “Maybe to create new jobs?”
April Houk said,
01.19.06 at 5:55 pm
In my English Curriculum, tonight we read that if you have car problems you should ask a policeman to help you. My adult students started laughing hysterically and asked, “Why would the police help you?”
Ryan Nelson said,
01.20.06 at 5:46 pm
Very interesting. Both your comments and April’s. I love the efficiency of many governments. May the church never be as ineffective as these stories.