Paratroopers respond to Littizzetto's words: 'Do we shit? Here's what he doesn't know about us'

Luciana Littizzetto's recent statements during Time That Goes By have unleashed a wave of controversy. The comedian from Turin, speaking about the European defence plan, joked about Italy's military capacity, stating that "we italians are not capable of war. We are shit at it'. A joke that, although in a satirical context, appeared offensive to many, especially to those who have worn and wear the uniform with honour and sacrifice.

Parachutists' response: honour and sacrifice are no laughing matter

Responding firmly was the General Marco Bertolini, former commander of the Folgore Parachute Brigade, who described Littizzetto's exit as 'tasteless and far from spontaneous'. According to Bertolini, it was not an improvised joke, but a conscious choice to get easy applause: "Luciana Littizzetto knows very well that a swear word uttered by a woman always triggers a smug reaction from the public. But this isn't satire: it's the usual anti-Italian rhetoric that paints our soldier as waffling and incompetent. An old and false cliché'.

Per il Generale, questa narrazione torna utile a chi oggi spinge per un esercito europeo che ridimensioni le forze armate nazionali, bollate come “troppo asservite” agli interessi dei singoli Stati.

Bertolini's words were joined by Lieutenant Colonel Gianfranco Paglia, Parachutist and Gold Medal for Military Valour. Paglia fought with the legendary 15th Company 'Black Devils of 186th Parachute Regiment Folgore at 1993 Battle of Mogadishuwhere he was hit by three bullets, losing the use of his legs. His response to Littizzetto is direct and full of dignity: "I respect Ms Littizzetto as a woman and as an artist, but there is a limit. In front of men and women who wear the uniform with honour, one should only bow'..

Paglia recalled that the Italian Armed Forces enjoy international respect, thanks to the valour demonstrated in the field by our soldiers, often on difficult and dangerous missions. "You can lose a battle - he added - but our soldiers have always done it with honour, as at El Alamein, where we received the honour of arms from our adversaries'..
According to Paglia, Littizzetto's words did not raise a smile, but only annoyance, because "in those camouflages is our history, made of sacrifice and dedication".. The colonel's invitation is clear: "Not so much for us, who continue to serve the Republic, but out of respect for the fallen, it would be right to apologise"..

Italy: a history of defeats? A partial and wrong narrative

Contrary to Littizzetto's suggestion, Italy does not have a military history only of defeats. The victory at Italo-Turkish War (1912)in the World War I (1918)in the Ethiopian War (1936) e in the Spanish War (1939) are proof of this. Caporetto was a bitter defeat, it is true, but the conflict ended with the Italian victory at Vittorio Veneto. And the numbers quoted by the comedian are also incorrect: the Italian casualties in World War II were approximately 330,000 military personnel and 85,000 civilians, not over 600,000 as claimed.

Italian Constitution: between disinformation and truth

Luciana Littizzetto also inaccurately quoted the Italian Constitution, stating that Italy repudiates war. This is true, but needs to be explained correctly. L'Article 11 of the Constitution states that "Italy repudiates war as an instrument of offence against the freedom of other peoples and as a means of settling international disputes".but allows "on an equal footing with other States, to such limitations of sovereignty as may be necessary for an orderly arrangement to secure peace and justice among Nations".

In other words, Italy does not give up defending its sovereignty or participating, when necessary, in international peacekeeping and security missions.

But above all, it is theArticle 52 of our Charter a reminder that "defence of the homeland is the sacred duty of the citizen".. A principle that binds every Italian to the responsibility of defending their country and to respect those who do so in the front line. Our Army is the People's Army and those who serve it wear a uniform that represents the identity and honour of the nation. Every attack aimed at our military affects not only them, but the entire national community.

Beyond satire: respect for those who serve the country

The Italian Armed Forces are today recognised worldwide for their valour and professionalism. They operate in peace missions, in humanitarian operations, in emergency contexts and in security interventions on national territory. From the Sicilian Vespers to the earthquake in Abruzzo, from the Balkans to Afghanistan, our soldiers have always acted with honour and dedication, earning international respect in the field.

Satire has the right to be irreverent, but it must never turn into disinformation or disrespect those who risk their lives to defend the Republic. To offend the Armed Forces is to strike a fundamental piece of national identity. Perhaps it would be appropriate for Luciana Littizzetto, in addition to seeking easy applause, to better document herself and reflect on the weight of her words. Behind every uniform is a person who has sworn allegiance to the Republic, ready to sacrifice everything for the common good. And this, even before being a subject for satire, should be a reason for respect.

L’eredità della Folgore: il sacrificio inciso nella storia

Anyone who really wants to understand the valour of Italian soldiers, and in particular the Paratroopers of the Folgore, should read the words carved on the El Alamein memorial, written by Lieutenant Colonel Parachutist Alberto Bechi Luserna, Gold Medal for Military Valourfallen for the fatherland. A testament of courage, dedication and love for Italy that still resonates strongly today:

“Fra sabbie non più deserte sono qui di presidio per l’eternità i ragazzi della Folgore, fior fiore di un popolo e di un esercito in armi. Caduti per un’idea, senza rimpianti, onorati dal ricordo dello stesso nemico. Essi additano agli italiani, nella buona e nell’avversa fortuna, il cammino dell’onore e della gloria. Viandante, arrestati e riverisci. Dio degli eserciti, accogli gli spiriti di questi ragazzi in quell’angolo del cielo che riservi ai martiri e agli eroi.”

Source: https://www.ilgiornale.it/news/nazionale/lezione-generale-littizzetto-facciamo-cagarissimo-ecco-cosa-2450618.html#google_vignette