I read a lot of stories on the internet. As a blogger, I spend a lot of time online and so it pretty much comes with the job. And through my blogging years, I’ve read a lot of cool stories. But I think I’ve found one of my very favorites!
All Italians celebrating their 18th birthday between November 3rd, 2016 and December 31, 2017 {for now, although the program could be extended!} will now be gifted 500 euros to spend on cultural items like books, concert tickets, theater tickets, cinema tickets, museum visits, trips to national parks and more, as part of an initiative by the Italian government to enrich the lives of its citizens.
“The initiative sends a clear message to youngsters….it reminds them how important cultural consumption is, both for enriching yourself as a person and strengthening the fabric of our society,” says parliamentary undersecretary Tommaso Nannicini.
Um, AWESOME! Seriously, how cool is that. I love everything about this and I so wish we’d adopt something like that here in the states! So now the question is, if you were gifted that with those requirements, what would you buy? Let’s say you could only spend it on books, what books would you buy? What are your very favorites through the years? And do you think this program is as awesome as I do?
Who wants to head up this movement here? Any takers?
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Deb K says
Government gets money from taxpayers. Are you and your husband willing to increase the taxes you pay to pay for other peoples books?
Deb K says
Government only gets money from taxpayers. Are you and your husband ok with paying more taxes to give other people free books, theater tickets, cinema tickets, etc.?
Deb K says
sorry, thought the first comment didn’t go through!
Audrey says
Nope.
I’m already forced to pay for PBS, NEA (National Endowment for the Arts, and who knows what other government programs through my taxes.
I’m pretty sure we don’t need to adopt programs from Socialist European countries.
Lisa MTB says
I think it’s an awesome idea and am encouraged that some governments invest in their citizens this way. If those younger people remain in Italy, they will contribute LOTS of taxes over their lifetimes as workers, so it really is an investment (and some of those young people may be tempted by opportunities overseas, so that could be a practical concern). Also, even if it’s not a government initiative in the U.S., it’s a great idea to keep in mind as a way to gift family members and others in your life (I think it unlikely that Americans at-large will make this a government priority any time soon, but you can always personally enrich those you love with books, theater tickets, etc.). We’re lucky to have generous citizens in our area who help fund education and the arts and this makes MANY lives better.
Deb K says
I totally agree that individuals and families giving those items (and many others) to people, or donating money or goods to organizations that do the same is generous. And lots of us are generous and do give but we are doing that voluntarily. Anything coming from the government is not generosity because it uses money taken from people, not freely given. Two different things.
Heather says
And that is why Italy’s economy is in the toilet…
Vy says
BOOOOOKS! I try to read 100 books a year, which means there is no way I can afford my reading habit, so the vast majority is borrowing from the library or trading with friends. I would totally go through my Goodreads shelf and buy a bunch of the ones I loved the best. Then share them out to my friends!
Erin says
We kind of already have a way to get books into people’s hands, and it’s free. They’re called libraries? And anyway, how are they guaranteeing these kids use the money the way they want?
SandyF says
I am saddened by the comments today, I do respect the views of others. But as a Mother of two sons that are artists, and earning a living as artists-one graphic designer for NBC and another for a nonprofit arts center, and graduates of a Public High School of the Arts, I guess I look at this topic with different eyes. My sister works in the movie industry-as an artist.
I worked in a bakery-as an artist. My kids and myself are avid readers.
The arts are a vital part of our lives. Besides the value of art as therapy, the arts enhance children’s ability to learn, imagine, build confidence -so many positive things. Keeping kids safe, decreasing drug & alcohol abuse…on and on.
I donate to PBS-gladly. We support college loans with taxes, many in the arts, we pay taxes for so many things that I don’t agree with-but if they make the country a better place-I am happy to give. I guess I have always felt like if I have a roof over my head and food on the table-I have enough. I have family in Canada-they pay much higher taxes than we do-but enjoy so many rewards. They are a pretty happy country. I was lucky enough to spend time in Italy-and will never forget the sounds of children choirs coming from schools. http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/the-importance-of-art-in-child-development/
Erin says
What has “saddened” you? Some of us are enthusiastic about it and others are questioning the wisdom of handing young people a wad of cash provided by taxpayers and expecting them to use it as expected. No one is saying art, literature and culture are not valuable.
Carol says
A much better use for tax money than wars.
Deb K says
Erin,
great point!!
Marie says
I think it’s a great idea. As a taxpayer I don’t mind if my money is spent on something important like thé education of young people. But then again,I’m from Canada, which I guess according to some is probably considered as a “socialist country”.
Barbara says
I think it’s a terrific idea :)! it will never fly here because everyone is terrified of anything that might work for the greater good of the citizenry, but the concept is terrific and does speak to the efforts of a government interested in encouraging curiosity and cultural experiences for all of their people.
I personally would make a point of getting to more of the national parks, historical and art museums, and musical concerts. And as a young person I would LOVE to be able to begin building a great library of my favorite books :).
And yes, I would be willing to invest in such a program for our youth.
Sara says
I love the idea! I think things like this improve our society and I would love for my taxes to go to it.
Sharon says
100 percent in agreement with you. Libraries are great, but there’s a whole different feeling when you actually own a book. And educating young people to understand concepts that exceed 140 characters in length is extremely important at this moment in time
Dianah says
Having lived and worked in this country(Italy) for a time, I can say it is a great idea!
Here is why. Italy as a whole is experiencing a huge decline in artisians and craftsmen. Many of the very things that this country is known for are now dying arts. They struggle to fill positions in maintaining museums, taking care of artifacts and producing what some consider their gross national products. This is because the younger generations are either gravitating towards high paying jobs in the tech industry, towards crime (think maffia) or towards total dependence on the government through unemployment type programs. If you can catch them at this age, and inspire them, there is hope that their culture, their economy and their general way of life can live on. They are not only sowing seeds of knowledge, but of hope and passion.
http://www.dw.com/en/made-in-italy-not-for-much-longer-as-artisans-and-skills-disappear/a-16887589