Italy sends soldiers to Milan, but they can’t carry pepper spray
A military response that’s more symbolic than practical.
The story
Protests across Europe under the 'Oct. 17 Movement' involve diverse issues, with Italy deploying soldiers and boarding up stores, while other cities see similar unrest over pensions, housing, and anti-war concerns.
Source: fortune.com
Our reading
The Italian government has deployed 500 soldiers to Milan, but they can’t carry pepper spray or tasers. It’s like sending a group of polite librarians to a rock concert—well-meaning, but utterly unprepared for the chaos. The soldiers are only allowed to use plastic restraints near train stations, which is like giving a lifeguard a rubber chicken. The real problem isn’t the lack of tools, it’s the fact that the people in charge think a few extra uniforms will fix a society that’s been quietly unraveling for years. The soldiers are there to support 5,000 police, but the real question is: who’s going to support the kids who feel excluded and desperate enough to smash store windows?
