I swear I am developping an ulcer
My entire week has been devoted to organising the G8 summit. What is there to organise, do you ask, aren't the topics pre-selected months in advance?
Why, yes, but that doesn't mean that my own constituents are happy with it. As I speak they are organising huge protests in and around Heiligendamm. I can't approve of them, I can't disapprove, and of course I can't send in the army to disperse them if - when - they start to become violent. Do you see my dilemma?
I hope this broadcast will cool things down. Note how I underline the humanistic goals of our little reunions, the debate over global warming, over the environment, over Africa - we even invited a few heads of state from that continent to show just how benevolent we really are - and of course about how to implement a more social globalisation, with better living conditions for all. Then I went on to say that I like protests - no, no, really, I do, especially in other countries - but that violence was no means to achieve a political goal.
I hope they listen.
Reckless optimism, I know, I know.
I'd give several years of my life just for this summit to be over peacefully and without harm. As it is, several years of my political life are probably at stake already. My God, please send me strength, and please, please cool down the head of these protesters.
Why, yes, but that doesn't mean that my own constituents are happy with it. As I speak they are organising huge protests in and around Heiligendamm. I can't approve of them, I can't disapprove, and of course I can't send in the army to disperse them if - when - they start to become violent. Do you see my dilemma?
I hope this broadcast will cool things down. Note how I underline the humanistic goals of our little reunions, the debate over global warming, over the environment, over Africa - we even invited a few heads of state from that continent to show just how benevolent we really are - and of course about how to implement a more social globalisation, with better living conditions for all. Then I went on to say that I like protests - no, no, really, I do, especially in other countries - but that violence was no means to achieve a political goal.
I hope they listen.
Reckless optimism, I know, I know.
I'd give several years of my life just for this summit to be over peacefully and without harm. As it is, several years of my political life are probably at stake already. My God, please send me strength, and please, please cool down the head of these protesters.