On The Newsstand: A Comedian's War on Crooked Politics

Popular Italian comedian Beppe Grillo combines Michael Moore and Stephen Colbert, Italian style. The latest issue of The New Yorker chronicles Grillo's quest to cure the Italian government of epidemic corruption. At massive rallies, Grillo calls out the 29 convicted criminals currently serving in the Italian Parliament or representing Italy in the European Parliament. Past crimes range from aiding and abetting murder to perjury and tax evasion. These leaders have approved an annual budget for Italy's symbolic presidency four times that of Buckingham palace. And legislators recently voted on their own perks such limousine chauffeurs, free air travel and haircuts, and generous pensions.

Grillo has galvanized Italians with his irreverence. By simply talking about the corruption, he has the potential to change popular attitudes. Mainstream Italian press is controlled or owned outright by political parties, and journalists constantly face libel suits. As a result, Grillo uses his blog, beppegrillo.it, to communicate with his followers.

Referring to the latest parliamentary crisis, Grillo told the magazine:

"I was watching on television, and I saw legislatures spitting at each other. [...] Then I turned to 'The Simpsons,' and it seemed like a real parliament. It's surreal. We've gone beyond all decency."

For more of Beppe's insight, read the article. Do you you think combining outrage with humor can mobilize enough people to bring real change?

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