Transcontinental

Travelling down an itinerary which already feels as if it belongs to another time. One more hour to go until UA 145 lands at the shores of the Pacific. Reading The Economist which of course comes with an extensive coverage of the primaries. It is sad to see how both Hillary and Obama have taken on the murky rhetoric of protectionism instead of being courageous enough to tell Americans how much they overall have gained from globalization. And more importantly, how much the world needs American leadership in the ongoing multilateral negotiations of the Doha Development Round. Given their mutual fascination with “change” it should be easy for both to see the possibility of striking that grand bargain in which progressive taxation of the rich (who in the last decades have gained the most from globalization) is used to give a second chance to those adversely affected by the same processes. Clearly, this can be done in a non-paternalistic manner through for instance universal health care, more generous study financing or labour-intensive investments in energy efficiency. “-Ladies and gentlemen, we have now started our descent into San Francisco International Airport, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartments. Please turn off all electronic devices until we are safely parked at the gate."