Ah, Davos.
The ultra-exclusive gathering of the world’s great movers, shakers, and decision makers, where the world’s problems are discussed and solutions proposed. The CEOs and heads of international bodies are bundled up in their winter gear, and the security is top-notch—like a real-life “For Your Eyes Only.”
Cynics and detractors will say that Davos is irrelevant, an empty show of largesse and a whole bunch of talk and little to no action taken. I’m sure the masked protestors ringing the place would agree on some level. “You can’t have a democracy without dialogue,” one attendee offers.
It got me to thinking, “If I was there, what would I want to talk about?”
After rising early, having a large breakfast, and going for an invigorating winter’s hike around the grounds, I’d probably start thinking about who I wanted to talk to.
I’d be most interested to talk to Christine Lagarde, and I’d definitely grill her on the IMF’s plans for the default of a major industrialized power. What does she think the likelihood of that is?
I’d also be intrigued to hear what she really thinks about moral hazard and how big the IMF’s role in it is. All of these questions would be asked off camera of course, so she can be candid.
After lunch I’d track down our good pal Lloyd Blankfein and let him know how deeply saddened I am by how badly he got screwed during this past bonus season.
Then I’d venture outside and join the protesters for a few rounds of drinks. The conversation would turn to why the Swiss feel so compelled to have such an “egalitarian” society. Not real egalitarianism, mind you—I mean “egalitarianism” as they mean it; that is, “everybody needs to be the same.” After they say their bit, I’d probably cut in and ask them why their fellow countryman Roger Federer is exempt from the ire they direct towards everyone at the conference in Davos.
I would then flee for my life to the nearest Swiss underground heavy metal show (hopefully Samael or Tryptikon is playing), rip off my suit and tie to reveal a Celtic Frost shirt underneath, and yell, “The solution to the world’s problem is…more metal!” And it will be magnificent.
Who would you talk to at Davos if you were invited? What would you talk about? How much time would you spend skiing? Or would you just abstain, believing it to be a total waste of time?
I would attempt to organize a pick-up hockey game between industry vs. academia/public sector and instigate as many fights as possible
Nude skiing. No German chancellors allowed.
I'd probably get blasted with Erik Prince and reminisce about the good old days
We have to talk about how to bring back the middle class in the west. The middle-class forms the backbone of democracy and ultimately the backbone of civil liberties in society.
While I agree that the backbone of democracy/society is the middle-class, there are too many people we are living in those conditions and losing jobs b/c of lack of knowledge/skill sets. Many people in the US that are the unemployed are either working with skill-sets and subsequently looking for jobs that fit the 1950's industrial world or they have given up completely. To bring back the middle class we need education and job skills applicable to this economy but that wont happen...
While I'll agree we need job skills applicable to our economy, it doesn't seem our poor recovery has much to do with a lack of education, but more so a lack of appropriate education.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/29/underemployed-overeducated_n_2…
Regards
I agree completely and that was what I was trying to say..couldn't agree more
Alright, good topic of choice. Is it through state-mandated social engineering? Or is it through the relatively-free reign of the private sector?
I agree with the economists that trade is beneficial for countries overall, but I disagree when it comes down to the median market participant/voter in a developed economy. The problem is that the developed economy has a comparative advantage on capital while the developing economy has a comparative advantage on labor. Therefore, labor in the developed economy suffers at the hands of labor's comparative advantage in the developing economy.
We could allow trade with developing economies and merely redistribute the gains and losses in wealth that occur within the country. But that is politically untenable. It also isn't good for workers- people want to work; they enjoy the dignity of work.
So the next best solution is that resource-rich developed countries only trade with other resource-rich developed countries, and developing countries only trade with other developing countries.
We still get most of the advantages of trade without needing wealth redistribution to make up for it.
I would go with Alex Jones.
All I'd want to do is get drunk with Bill Clinton and chase tail
+1... there have to be a lot of hot, frustrated women there. Slick Willy is probably the absolute best at pulling tail and I'd be honored to be his wingman
Same here
I'd take a "protest dump" in a bag then light it on fire.
second on the clinton one...
After dinner with Mr. Blankfein, I'll take care of those crazy topless Ukrainian protesters and get it on with them (if they're worth it). I think the reason they run around topless is 'cause they don't get laid enough. Female psychology is another name for BS.
I fail to see what "Balance Sheets" in particular, and Financial Accounting in general, have to do with female psychology. Please elucidate.
BS or bs is bullshit. Didn't know I had to spell it out.
+1
As horrible as this was I enjoyed it
Although she makes $450,000 a year as Managing Director of the IMF, I wonder how frustrated Christine Lagard might be. I mean her predecessor, Mr. Strauss-Kahn was a straight shooter.
I get a feeling she might even pay for some action. I would go up to the best hotel wine bar there, introduce myself to her, and "Buy me a drink, will you, honey" Let me see if you can ride my American tail-risk, you old French hag".
Getting shitty with President Clinton and chasing Swedish blondes would definitely take precedence over everything. After that I'd probably leave to track down In Flames. To be honest I probably wouldn't even go to a single conference.
I shouldn't be trusted in Sweden.
Neither should I.
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