G8 is one big PR-show
Scheinheiligendamm. This is what German media call the G8-summit in Heiligendamm, the White City at the Sea. It’s a show and everybody is a part of it. I am, as well as you are.
The circus of the richest industrial countries has brought thousands of diplomats to a village of 250 souls. Costs 120 million euros, paid by the German taxpayer. So the politicians do everything to give a good performance. Bush grabbed an African delegation-member at the shoulders to show he’s caring about the HIV-problem.
But not only our democratic elected leaders are overstressing their own importance, also the police force of 16,000 men does, as well as ten thousands of Block G8-people, followed by 5,000 international journalists, and hundred of ngo’s.
Imagine it’s G8, and everybody stays home.
Or just takes a break at the beach.
But no, the show must go on. The fight for the most impressive images of Thursday, 8th June, was won by Greenpeace. Their speedboats were crossing the forbidden zone around Heiligendamm to give Merkel a petition about saving the planet.
The campaigners chose the best moment to start their action. A perfect blue sky, noon, and no interviews with Angie, Vladi or Tony. But a much bigger marine boat of the German coastguard was immediately on the spot to arrest the Green Peace-people. An absurd race and chase began. James Bond at the Baltic Coast.
It were dramatic scenes for the eye of world. Broadcasting companies immediately send their helicopters. But the ecological activists were thrown over board because the navy boat crushed the Greenpeace-vehicle. Not very sensible. In the water the demonstrators managed to show their slogan ,,G8 ACT NOW!”
More gentle was the shooting with eight look-a-likes of the G8-leaders. All of them wore swimming clothes. We saw Prodi’s breast hear, Merkels legs, and Poetins muscles. They were relaxing in the sand, played with sand and castles. Merkel flirted with both of them in bikini.
With this action, the activists of Oxfam made fun of the traditional family photo, where politicians always show their fairy tale relations. It suited well to the permanent compliments Merkel makes about ,,the good atmosphere” between the world leaders.
ROB SAVELBERG
