Today, Americans are remembering Christopher Columbus for sailing the ocean blue in 1492 and landing in the New World on October 12th. He soon discovered that this New World offered incredible opportunities for those adventurous enough to get here.

Fast forward 520 years, what would Christopher Columbus think of this New World today? And, what would he think of Italy, his birthplace, the land he left behind?

Thanks to a geography report I did this weekend, I know what the economic landscape of Italy is today, and let’s just say it’s not the pretty picture Italian painters are famous for. Today, more than 10% of Italy’s population is unemployed. The country has a “negative growth” rate, the south is welfare dependent, and the Mafia controls some of the industries. And then there’s the financial crisis that’s hitting Europe pretty hard right now. 

Christopher Columbus did have the right idea. The New World is a land of opportunity for anybody fortunate enough to be here. Let’s hope it stays that way.

Peace Love Profits,

Blake

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