Brian Beutler September 1, 2011, 5:16 PM

Three years ago the United States endured a fake controversy centered on then-candidate Barack Obama, whose then-friend and mentor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright had years earlier boomed “GOD DAMN AMERICA!” during a crowded sermon at his influential Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. The imbroglio dominated campaign coverage for days, and presaged a public rift between the two men, and Obama’s memorable Philadelphia speech on race.

Imagine for a moment that Obama, not Wright, had uttered those words, during his presidency, not his campaign, and you’ll have a sense for what Italy’s dealing with right now.

Here’s a report from The Guardian:

In a sign of his frustration at the investigations into his alleged crimes and misdemeanours, Silvio Berlusconi vowed in July to leave Italy, which he described as a “shitty country” that “sickened” him.

The Italian prime minister’s astonishing remarks are contained in the transcript of a telephone conversation secretly recorded by police investigating claims he was being blackmailed about his sex life…..

“They can put listening devices where they like. They can tap my telephone calls. I don’t give a fuck. I … In a few months, I’m getting out to mind my own fucking business, from somewhere else, and so I’m leaving this shitty country of which I’m sickened.”

Ok, maybe it’s a terrible analogy, but a good rule of thumb for any national leader is don’t call the country you rule a bad word, and threaten to abandon it as soon as possible.

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Barack Obama, Jeremiah Wright, Silvio Berlusconi