Davos 2009: ‘The Vampires’ Ball’ – Les Dernieres Nouvelles d’Alscace of France

It probably won’t surprise Moderate Voice readers that this year’s World Economic Summit in Davos is being written of with some derision by the world’s columnists, the chief target of the flying tomatoes being the United States.

This editorial from Les Dernieres Nouvelles d’Alsace of northwestern France tackles the 2009 ‘festivities’ with great French panache.

The editorial says in part:

“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. … 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. … 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.

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