Over the past few days, the world was regaled with the spectacle of $165-million bonuses being paid to AIG executives.
US President Barack Obama, like a school headmaster, publicly spanked these executives.
In addition, the CEO of General Motors has been sacked from his job for receiving federal aid but not presenting a solid recovery plan.
And now, we get the news that Obama has flown to London for the G-20 summit with 500 people accompanying him, including 200 security personnel; 35 vehicles, including his personal Cadillac. His driver was flown to London a week before this, to practice driving the car in London!
How can Obama carry credibility with such ridiculous and nonsensical extravaganza in these days of pain, poverty and unemployment? Why 500 people? A few advisors and the ministers concerned, totalling 50, would have been enough. Why 35 cars? Perhaps only the President’s car would have been enough; the other cars could have been borrowed from the British police/security.
The President’s office should remember that the G-20 visit is to resolve a serious economic crisis, it is not a wedding or a carnival! It will also be useful to remember that the US has about $13 trillion in debt, a substantial part of which is owed to countries like China and Japan.
Some frugality and sensitivity to commiserate with the suffering, would have been a good idea. One wonders whether these leaders are really serious about solving our problems?
Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai
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