Back to reality

I have returned from Trinidad.
It was an interesting conference. Unions trying to establish "a world union" to counterbalance globalization. A 19th century institution trying to find a place in the 21st. It was interesting to hear a debate between a Pfizer Vice President and , mostly European union members. The corporate giant was talking about the future, research, exciting perspectives to cure diseases.They have just announced the firing of 5,000 vendors worldwide, anticipating the democratic Congress'limitation of pharmaceutical prices.
I then flew back home by way of Miami. I know , y'all envy me: Trinidad, Miami, Washington etc.. In reality, it now means an average of two to three hours of different lines, body and luggage searches, and frantic races to overbooked airplanes full to the galleys. My three hours layover in Miami was entirely dedicated to these various pleasures. The few who have any time to spare can buy smelly and soggy foods to eat on the ,now, foodless flights.

Back in DC also means catching up with politics. And what a change in a few weeks. What I had predicted at the outset is alas true. The war is unwinnable. And while the bickering is about the least humiliating retreat, kids keep on dying, just as it happened with Vietnam. I plan on visiting section 60 of Arlington cemetery where a lot of them now rest.