[International Herald Tribune, France]

 

 

Les Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace, France

Davos 2009: 'The Vampires' Ball'

 

"There was at least one (slight) optimist at Davos: former American President Bill Clinton, a habitual guest of generously remunerated conferences. He launched out to great applause a 'Don't give up. Don't bet against yourself. Don't bet against your country. This is still a good time to be alive.' What a relief!"

 

EDITORIAL

 

Translated By L. McKenzie Zeiss

 

February 2, 2009

 

France - Les Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace - Home Page (French)

How cruel the crisis is for the planet's ruling class! The meeting that just ended in Davos was practically a soup kitchen. Thus, a hotel manager at a very chic establishment at the Swiss ski resort observed with dismay that this year, at multiple receptions, he had served more white wine than champagne and more dried beef canapés than toasts with caviar … It's a sign of the times.

 

Anecdotes aside, the summit at Davos - which was described by polemicist Jean Ziegler  as a “vampires' ball” because it reunited all the leaders responsible for the economic crisis - was truly disappointing. Even disturbing.

 

First of all, many of the invited VIPs didn't even attend. With due regard to the current situation, their work in government or business was more urgent than their participation in this high society politico-economic event. Besides, there's nothing more to celebrate at Davos, and certainly not the triumphant liberalism that for years was extolled to the heavens. Only Vladimir Putin still dared to play that worn-out tune, singing the praises of dynamism and free enterprise … which is puzzling to say the least.

 

[La Prensa, Honduras]

 

Now, Davos 2009 is characterized by a voluminous collection of All we need to do and We must repeated throughout the 200 conferences and "seminars." Certainly, to note that we must restore confidence, find global solutions and combat deficits is important, even essential. Unfortunately, no plan of action for these was proposed. This may also be because not everyone is capable of burning today what one adored yesterday.

 

Yet in the past, in congratulating such and such head of government for his courage as a reformer (for example, former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder) or such and such financier for his miraculous exposition, Davos encouraged imitators that have led to the fleeting fireworks that today have fizzled out due to recession. But for getting out of the current crisis, there isn't the least solution in sight. 

 

Finally, meetings of this type are no longer of any use, least of all for crafting economic and political plans. The only people who have yet to understand this are the demonstrators who clashed with Geneva police on Saturday. 

Posted by WORLDMEETS.US

 

Bill Clinton tells world financial elite not to fear

the future. Jan. 28, 00:28:59, WATCH

 

But let's be fair. There was at least one (slight) optimist at Davos: former American President Bill Clinton, a habitual guest of generously remunerated conferences. He launched out to great applause a “Don't give up. Don't bet against yourself. Don't bet against your country. This is still a good time to be alive.”

 

What a relief!

 

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[Posted by WORLDMEETS.US February 2, 5:07pm]