160. G8 Summit: A New System

Posted by Eva Ulian July 12, 2009

160. G8 Summit: A New System

This photo of the handshake between the U.S. President and the African Dictator at the dinner given by the President of Italy is an historical one. My hope is that this handshake is genuine, after all, it is us the tax-payer who is footing the bill for the dinner... just saying...

The arrival of George Cloony in the company of left-wing leader Walter Veltroni was in aid of whose sense of protagonism? Still it brought a cheery moment especially for the President of the L’Aquila Region who was very happy to be kissed by such creatures.

The U.S. President, the day before, also managed a detour back into the streets to kiss the said lady.

There was also another illustrious visitor who contrary to popular belief her hide-and-seek act was not because she wanted to be in the limelight, but to be out of it as much as possible- and for a good reason.

Some believed the Italian national wife of the French President was best to avoid the Italian public in case some remembered her comments on Berlusconi’s inappropriate, but without malice, remarks on Obama’s colour of skin. On that occasion Carla said she was ashamed of being Italian- as many interpret it- one can be vehemently opposed to someone without repudiating one’s nationality, unless one has it in mind anyway to do it.

A serious tone to the congenial atmosphere was added when the bell tolled a one minute silence in commemoration for the victims of the earthquake...

But there were also other victims in mind....

Then it was back at the round table and talks. Something quite unusual came out of this summit- the need to look at all the issues, which have been thrown around the table summit after summit, with a new outlook.

A NEW SYSTEM TO LOOK AT

HUNGER

THE ECONOMY

WATER

CLIMATE

FUNDS TO THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

TOXIC EMMISSIONS

NUCLEAR WEAPONS

BUT ABOVE ALL THIS SUMMIT WAS ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS- IF WE CAN SHAKE EACH OTHER’S HANDS AND TALK AS FRIENDS, THERE’S A CHANCE THE ABOVE ITEMS MAY BE OVERCOME IN TIME.

One tangible event, something that could be seen and touched, right there at that moment was that the feared “No –Global” protestors were hardly heard or seen.

Yes, they were there, but few and more decorous, if it is possible for protestors to be, than ever they had been. Perhaps this too is the beginning of the end of “No-Global” violence and even protestors are considering a NEW SYSTEM.

In the meantime, most of the first ladies were engaged with the Wold Food Program each holding a red cup and eating porridge as a symbol that even just a cup of porridge will keep a child alive.

The President of the organization holding the original red cup given to her by a Rwanda girl when she said the United Nations came to provide food... But then we know the rest...