Itali’s Trevi Fountain (Trevi crumbles) and many other historic sites are in bad repair. The Italians blame a “freak” snow storm never mind that snow happens, and next they’ll blame George Bush.

But, in the meantime one would think that in a country with an ample supply of unemployed stone masons  would consider that in exchange for welfare checks, the state could make a modest demand: Work to save our historic sites that bring dopey tourists who overindulge to our advantage.

Alas,  with Italy adult unemployment hovering at 10% and under 25 unemployment at 35.90%, the government can’t ask for even modest work for welfare. Sadly, like in the United States, that would diminish their dignity.