Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi is currently serving his third stint in power. Berlusconi is a fitting example of the problem with this so-called gerontocracy, rule by the elderly, particularly in Italy, where corruption and cronyism are almost as widespread as pizza and pasta. A recent article in Time reports on proposed changes to the Italian criminal justice system that if made into law would alleviate Berlusconi from current charges of tax-fraud and corruption. Reporter Stephan Faris writes, “the country’s crop of political players hasn’t been updated since the early 1990s, when a series of corruption and Mafia scandals upended the electoral landscape.”

Italy’s parliament is currently reviewing a bill that, if signed into law, would fine journalists and bloggers up to €25,000 for publishing “incorrect facts”; taking a 1948 rectification obligation, requiring newspapers to print corrections, into the information age. The proposed bill, known as the “gag-law”, would give writers and editors of online publications 48 hours [...]

  Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) proposed Wednesday that the federal government dole out $23 billion in order to “bail out” America’s schools. This request comes at a time when Americans are starting to get a little fed up that our government seems to be pulling money out of nowhere to curb the destruction of our [...]

British psychiatrist Dr. Dennis Friedman is sparking controversy with his new claim that boys who are cared for by nannies are more likely to become adulterers as grown men. Freidman claims that when women work and leave their boys with nannies, boys rely on several women to meet their needs, and will expect the same [...]

President Obama was praised by many during his campaign in his desire to change America’s schools. His vision for a change was two-fold – it would hold both teachers and parents accountable for a child’s education.  As the events in Central Falls, Rhode Island unfolded last week, causing all teachers and administrators at Central Falls [...]

If you’ve ever stared blankly at your “status update” window, wondering what you could possibly write that would be both clever and appropriate for all of your 267 friends, including Mom, you are not alone. Many sites, like Facebook, which began as a way for college-age kids to keep in touch and post photos of [...]

A new Washington, DC initiative sponsored by DC Public Libraries aims to foster awareness between teens and the homeless community of DC. Crime against homeless people is a serious issue, and one that has sparked many states to call such offenses hate crimes. In 2008, 106 violent crimes were committed against homeless people by “housed” [...]

Last week Mexico City took progressive action, legalizing same sex marriage and adoption.  Our southern neighbor’s controversial ruling is giving new fuel to both sides in the debate over same-sex rights in the U.S.  In many states, same-sex marriage advocates hit a roadblock in changing the rhetoric that defines marriage as a union between a [...]

I have to admit, No Child Left Behind (NCLB) has its moments. Setting a nationwide standard for students at every age and holding teachers and schools accountable for student progress are sensible foundations on which to build our school reform. Giving students and families more rights to choose the best school for them is also an [...]