THE G20 IN ROME

The G20 of the old days is no longer. The accepted world view then felt like a  necessary recipe to overcome the many discrepeancies which set the "have lots" apart from the the "have nots". The format worked for a while but when the tensions and opposite interests started to supercede modest common goals, the G20 lost both appeal and relevance.

Like-minded countries rebelled, major players stayed home and invited guests became bystanders for a pathetic photo-op. The UK is at loggerheads with France, which is still sulking after what it perceives as the American treason...and one can go on. India, Indonesia and even the Saudis ask themselves what they are still doing there, other than tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain. This sad cortege is now on its way to Glasgow for another climate Utopia.

True, the G20 was almost DOA after it was upset by Trump who hated gatherings where he was supposed to act considered. It is clear that the bona fide members might think that the Biden presidency will not stem or correct the tide of evil that is drowning America in some form of civil war, with unpredictable circumstances. The world might be relieved that a relative calm has returned, but doubts its sustainability. 

Biden has a grandfatherly problem which unfairly overshadows the better ideas he brings to the forefront. Leaders have faith in him (despite the French pique) but  they worry about investing capital in promises that might become obsolete in 2024. In any event, they might have to come to terms with their own home-grown demons in the very near future. The democracies which did shine in the early days of the G20 are ailing now.  Where lies the credibility of a promise if China is no party to it?

So the Rome show was stolen by the Pope, Prince Charles and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, who spoke out as only the free, unhindered by a perverse calculus, can. It is ironic that the representatives of a bygone world were the ones who dared to unmask the reigning algorithm .