The Magic Mountain

"Ladies and gentlemen. Very Well. Very well indeed. Very. Settled. But will you keep in mind... but no more. On this point not another word... Let us drop the subject. I feel we understand each other, and now --- to the point!"  -- Mynheer Peeperkorn 

The above quote comes from a character in Thomas Mann's novel, The Magic Mountain published in 1924. It seems relevant this week as bigwigs from around the world gather in Davos, Switzerland to discuss our world's economic progress. 

The World Economic Forum is an annual get-together in the beautiful Swiss Alps and this year all ears will be listening attentively to President of the United States Donald J. Trump's key address on Wednesday.

Davos happens to be the setting for Mann's classic philosophical tale. Mynheer Peeperkorn, a retired Dutch colonial businessman is described in the story as a loud, vacuous bag of wind. His character was compared to President Trump by conservative columnist Bret Stephens, then with The Wall Street Journal, during Trumps's first term.

The world has changed considerably since then. Trump has been impeached twice and reelected -- an astounding accomplishment in itself -- as if the majority of our country consists of masochists. Or has simply not paid attention. We're a busy nation buying stuff on Amazon and watching football games which makes it difficult to concentrate on the news. And of course the president has his own social media network and cheer leaders on FOX News. His bases are covered.

But Peeperkorn? Some things don't change.

President Trump 2.0 is currently on a roll, with his international tariffs run amuck and imperialist ventures in Venezuela with warnings that Greenland will be next. He wants to own the island that belongs to Denmark. I'm sure he has designs on changing its name as well. How does Trumpland sound? A big neon sign, or humgongous letter "T" shining brightly over the North Atlantic.

Perhaps a gilded casino/golf course indoor-outdoor complex with a retractable roof.

"Some people think we're in a transition," says Mirk Dusek, managing director in charge of programming the affair in Davos. "Some people think we've already entered a new era. But I think it's undeniable that you are seeing a more competitive, more contested landscape." 

The elite Davos attendees range from world leaders to celebrities -- 850 CEOs and chairs of global companies -- who want to partake in the high-altitude fun. Former British soccer star David Beckham showed up on the "white carpet" on Tuesday carrying his own intra-familial baggage, being chased by the local paparazzi. It's a scene.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, arguably the world's most important tech leader (producer of the most sophisticated AI chip] will be making his debut appearance at the Alpine confab. 

Influential Public relations firm Edelman issued its annual "trust barometer" after surveying 34,000 people in 28 countries, finding that recession fears have climbed to an all-time high, optimism is falling in "especially developed countries."

"People are retreating from dialogue and compromise," according to CEO Richard Edelman. His survey found, "We favor nationalism over global connection and individual gain over joint progress. Our mentality has shifted from we to me."

World hunger advocacy group Oxfam issued a report showing that "billionaire wealth rose by more than 16-percent last year, three times faster than the past five-year-average, to more than $18 trillion... The $2.5 trillion rise in the wealth of billionaires last year would be enough to eradicate extreme poverty 26 times over," according to Oxfam.

The group pointed out that the Trump administration has led a "pro-billionaire agenda" by slashing taxes for the wealthiest and fostering growth of AI-related stocks for investors. He's purchasing part ownerships in private companies, begging the question is he president or CEO of the United States of America?

So the money is there. It's just not reaching the empty hands.

Maybe these big cheeses can figure things out for the better, for the greater good. Or will they not have a clue to reality while they wine and dine and talk story in the Swiss Alps.

In The Magic Mountain, the characters are retreating and recovering at a sanitarium in the chilly mountain air, occasionally warmed by swaths of high-altitude sunshine. The main character, Hans Castorp, is so comfortable, and enjoys the intellectual stimulation so much, that he stays for seven years. They discuss our world's problems during the build-up to World War I, with philosophical ruminations. The atmosphere invites high-minded thinking. Maybe... perhaps... something good and beneficial will come from Davos this year.

In Mann's novel, protagonist Castorp prepares to leave Davos for the "European dance of death" (World War I). Peeperkorn, following scenes of nonsensical outbursts and preening among the varied guests, drives himself to suicide.

Final Note: President Donald Trump dominated The World Economic Forum in Davos last week with his typically long-winded, self-centered rambling threats, back-tracks and insults, mostly related to the free world's role of NATO, how they owe America a great debt and will pay. He emphasized his imperialistic notions toward ownership of Greenland. He accomplished very little, although he was instrumental in affecting Canada's stated intention to turn trade relationships away from the United States and toward China and Qatar. Trump proved beyond a doubt that he runs America, with similar designs of ruling the world, like a mafioso bully. He turned the World Economic Forum into his familiar political theater, naming enemies and avoiding details toward world peace and prosperity for all. Back home, his Homeland Security henchmen executed a second US citizen on the streets of Minneapolis.

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