GN Commentary: December 16, 2009 - Silvio Berlusconi Attacked

Events like this bring to mind a passage in the New Testament—a troubling description of social trends in the last days.

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Video Transcript

A political leader assaulted while signing autographs in his own country?  Last Sunday, December 13, that's exactly what happened to Italian politician Silvio Berlusconi in the city of Milan. As he mingled with the crowd and signed autographs, an enraged assailant threw a heavy object that hit him full in the face.  Press reports later showed a bloodied Mr. Berlusconi being driven to a nearby hospital. He reportedly suffered a broken nose, cuts, and two broken teeth.

The attacker, described as a "mad person," reportedly had lain in wait for the prime minister, armed with the object—an alabaster model of a Milan cathedral—as well as pepper spray, and a resin crucifix. According to press reports, he had been "developing a rage" against Mr. Berlusconi for some time.

Since the incident, social networking web sites have seen thousands of messages praising the attacker. Meanwhile, Italian politicians of the left and right began to exchange accusations of responsibility for creating an environment in which this kind of attack could take place. 

So since when does political debate in a democratic nation come to this? Surely there are better, non-violent methods of expressing one's dissent. And what does this say about people's respect for national leaders, and their ability to discuss differences in a civilized manner?

Events like this bring to mind a passage in the New Testament—a troubling description of social trends in the last days.  In 2 Timothy chapter three, verses one to five, the apostle Paul described the way human beings would become. "In the last days perilous times will come," he wrote. Listen to some of the adjectives he used to describe these days: "Men will be… unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal…"

That sounds like the incident in Italy, doesn't it? And the world scene presents us with many other examples. The world has become a brutal, violent place.

Thankfully, there are those who still follow the words of Jesus Christ, who declared "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall see God." In the midst of this brutal and violent world maybe it's time to take a new look at the words of the Savior. And to put them into action.

For GN Magazine, I'm Ralph Levy.