London calling

The G20 rolled into London and boy were they just getting started. It seems there are two approaches to the current crisis: more regulation vs more spending. In the regulation corner are the French and Germans. In the spending corner are the Brits and Americans. While French president has threatened to throw a hissy fit if an agreement isn't reached, everyone may actually be close to one, in which case Nicolas Sarkozy will throw a hissy fit anyway simply because he can. President Obama, for his part, acknowledged America's part for creating the fine mess the world is in and then followed up by telling the world that America can't be the world's sole shopper anymore. But Obama had other fish to fry for Lent. He was also busy making nice with Vladmir Putin's netting doll Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The two issued a joint statement that they'll soon start talking about reducing their nuclear arsenals. You remember those right? In the meantime, populist rage over many forgotten topics exploded on the streets of London as protesters went several rounds with police. Which topics? Take your pick as it didn't matter overmuch. And this is just the beginning.