Geneva DACH

Documentary Movie Night: By The People: The Election of Barack Obama

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:39:00 +0000

Documentary Movie Night: By The People: The Election of Barack Obama

WHEN: Sunday March 14th, 6:00pm-9:00 pm
WHERE: 21 avenue des Tilleuls, St. Jean/Charmilles area, 1203 Geneva
Space is limited. Please RSVP: events@democrats.ch

Event is free (though donations to DA are always welcome!) Discussion and drinks to follow. Bring drink or snack to share.

We are in an election year again! This wonderful film is a great way to find our election passion again and put our voter registration machine into gear to keep the Congress BLUE!

Running Time: 116 minutes

Movie description: Millions saw history made as Barack Obama took the podium on election night. But few witnessed his unguarded moments in the hours and days before he greeted the nation … until now. Meet the man who would be president and the dedicated campaign workers who helped get him there in this unprecedented documentary trailing their history-making odyssey to the White House. Witness never before seen footage of Obama behind the scenes, as well as interviews and candid moments with family, senior campaign staff, volunteers, reporters, supporters and even opponents.

DA Event: Climate Change and the Future of US Energy Policy

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:10:00 +0000

Join Democrats Abroad Switzerland for a Global Issues Evening on Tuesday, March 2nd, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm as we discuss Climate Change and the Future of US Energy Policy.
Panelists:
-James Leape, Director General of the WWF International
-Lisa Brodey, Environment, Science and Technology Officer of the US Mission to the UN
-Mary Jean Buerer, Scientific Officer, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
-Howard Klee, World Business Council for Sustainable Development

Each of the evening’s speakers has actively participated in the COP 15 process and will share their impressions of what future climate negotiations will bring in the international arena. Ramifications for US and global climate and energy policy will also be addressed. DA member Gregg Robins will moderate.

When: Tuesday March 2nd, 2010
6:30 pm: Welcome drinks – cash bar

7:00 - 8:30 pm: Presentations and discussion

Open to public. Admission fee: 10 CHF

Where: Centre de l'Espérance,
rue de la Chapelle, 8
Eaux-Vives, Geneva
Tram 12/16/17 Terrassière

Please RSVP to: events@democrats.ch

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:43:00 +0000

After the successful launch of our new monthly drinks meet up (Drinking for Progressives), We'd like to announce our next get together.

It will be held on Wednesday March 3rd at Soleil Rouge. We'll be in the back of the bar at the round table from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

This new event has replaced our usual gathering on Thursdays. So mark it in your calendars!

From now on the 1st Wednesday of every month will be our monthly get together.
We look forward to seeing you all there.

Progressive Drinking 2010 - launch night

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 23:14:00 +0000

Progressive Drinking 2010- First Wednesday of each month - launch event 3 Feb!

WHEN: Wednesday, February 3, 2010

TIME: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

WHERE: Soleil Rouge, 32 Bd Helvétique, Geneva

Democrats Abroad in Geneva launches Progressive Drinking 2010, monthly gathering of Dems to meet up, talk politics, and have drinks!

Join us for this inaugural gathering. Find out about our plans to "Adopt a Candidate". Have a favorite you want us to highlight, come tell us about her or him!

Look for Progressive Drinkers at the back of the Soleil Rouge bar.

Special Event with Tim Kaine, DNC Chairman

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:14:00 +0000

Democrats Abroad Switzerland

Has the great pleasure of inviting our members to a special meet-and-greet event with

GOVERNOR TIM KAINE

Chairman of the Democratic Party

Friday, February 12, 2010

at 5:00PM sharp

At the home of

Anne-Shelton Aaron near Geneva Old Town

(Address provided upon RSVP).

RSVP is mandatory by Tuesday 2nd of February 2010 by email to: events@democrats.ch.

Please include the following information in your RSVP:

1. Your Full Name

2. US passport number

3. Voting State

4. Your Question for Governor Kaine

STATE OF THE UNION 2010 SCREENING EVENT

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:57:00 +0000

Come join other politically engaged Geneva Dems for a screening and discussion of President Obama's 2010 STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

When: Sunday January 31st at 6:00 pm
Where: Home of Maya Samara, Chair of DA Switzerland.

RSVP for door code!!!
RSVP: chair@democrats.ch
Snacks will be provided. Please bring a beverage to share!

Wounded Warriors Project

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:36:00 +0000

On Tuesday 8 December DA members from Geneva and as far as Montreux spent the evening wrapping gifts donated to the Wounded Warriors Project. We wrapped hundreds of bars of Swiss chocolate, dozens of pairs of boxer shorts, chap stick, hoodies and sweat pants. Check out the photos of the wrapping crew!

With all the donations collected in Geneva, we filled one of the 3 car's going up to Landstuhl this weekend. The other 2 cars are saving space for donated gifts collected in Zurich last night and for those collected in Bern on Friday. A huge thank you to all those who send money, bought gifts, joined the wrapping party and wrote cards! We're starting to feel like we'll be Santa Claus bringing hundreds of gifts to our wounded Soldiers recovering in Landstuhl hospital!

Check back next week for reports on our trip.

Maya

DA November meet-up

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:56:00 +0000

Join us at the Brasserie des Halles de l'Ile for inexpensive drinks and rich conversation... Bring new friends, meet old ones, and, of course, talk politics!!

WHEN: Thursday, November 19 - 7 p.m.
WHERE: Brasserie des Halles de l'Ile
1 Place de l'Ile
1204 Geneva, Switzerland

Look for us in the bar area!

How to get there?
Bus / Tram stops "STAND" on Quai de la Poste and take the small foot bridge. Or Pl. de l'Ile can be reached from Bel Aire, by weeding your way through the road works mess.

This venue is non-smoking, has a very spacious bar with inexpensive drinks..the perfect place for a relaxing political get-together.

Hope to see you on the 19th!

November 4th Event: WE ARE THE CHANGE

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:26:00 +0000

What: WE ARE THE CHANGE! Election Anniversary and Call To Action Event

When: Wednesday November 4, 6pm-9pm

Where: Capocaccia Wine Bar, private room upstairs, Confederation Centre 2^nd floor,   rue de la Confederation 8, 1204 Geneva

Directions: Google Map

Democrats Abroad Geneva will come together on November 4th, 2009 in the same spirit of hope and change that brought hundreds together one year ago to witness the historic election of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

Join us one year later to toast that great moment. We hope you will come out in numbers as we renew our commitment to continue to bring the change we voted for to Washington.

We've learned that change doesn't stop with an election. Change began with voting for President Obama. In his words: "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."

The Television Suisse Romande (TSR) followed us through the campaign, the election and the inauguration events here in Geneva. This November 4th, they will be back to see what Democrats Abroad is doing one year after our victory. Let's be sure the TSR reports who we are today: a bigger, more vibrant, and proud group of Americans living in Switzerland. As we look towards 2010, we will work just as hard as we did in 2008 to make sure all Americans around the world register to vote. Let's renew our efforts – to bring the votes we need to maintain the Democrat's majority in Congress and ensure that the change we all voted for will happen. Come find out what we have planned and how you can get involved!

WE ARE THE CHANGE!!

P.S. – for planning purposes, it would be great if you could drop us an email to let us know you will be there. Thanks! Maya

October after work meet up on 22nd

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:52:00 +0000

Join us at the Brasserie des Halles de l'Ile for inexpensive drinks and rich conversation... Bring new friends, meet old ones, and, of course, talk politics!!

DA-Geneva Meet-Ups usually take place every third Thursday of each month at Brasserie des Halles de l'Ile. This month we've pushed it back one week due to the big 45th Anniversary of Dems Abroad fundraising cocktail party that took place on October 14th.

WHEN: Thursday, October 22 - 7 p.m.
WHERE: Brasserie des Halles de l'Ile
1 Place de l'Ile
1204 Geneva, Switzerland

Look for us in the bar area!

*NOTE* Geneva group leadership will meet from 6-7 pm at the Brasserie just before the official meet-up begins. Interested members are more than welcome to join this discussion and get involved. We are working on several interesting projects - come volunteer to help: November 4th celebration of 1 year anniversary of Barack Obama's election; and Americans in Switzerland social service project to help wounded soldiers at Landstuhl hospital in Germany through care package donations for holiday gifts and visit on weekend of 12 Decmeber.

How to get there?
Bus / Tram stops "STAND" on Quai de la Poste and take the small foot bridge. Or Pl. de l'Ile can be reached from Bel Aire, by weeding your way through the road works mess.

This venue is non-smoking, has a very spacious bar with inexpensive drinks..the perfect place for a relaxing political get-together.

Hope to see you on the 22th!

DA at Expat Expo Geneva October 11th

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:27:00 +0000

Democrats Abroad Geneva will be at Expat Expo this Sunday 11 October from 11am-5pm. Come stop by and say hi! Tell your friends.

Expat Expo is Geneva's largest annual fair showcasing all the clubs, schools, companies, services.... for expats in the area!

Where: Palexpo - Hall 7. We'll be at Table O3

Bus 5 from cornavin - stop Palexpo

The fair is free and fun to bring your kids to. See you there!

More info at www.expat-expo.info

Democrats Abroad Geneva 45th Anniversary Fundraising Cocktail Event

noreply@blogger.com (Kelsey Hood) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:41:00 +0000

What: Democrats Abroad Geneva 45th Anniversary Fundraising Cocktail
When: Wednesday 14 October, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Where: Private residence near Old Town Geneva.
Contribution: $65 per person or $125 per couple (includes chance to win one of several fabulous gift basket!)

RSVP by contributing $65 to DA online at www.democratsabroad.org/contribute. (Select “Geneva 45th Celebration” from drop down menu). Please also send us an email to chair@democrats.ch to confirm your participation. We will email you the address of the event.

Democrats Abroad is celebrating its 45th Anniversary this October! Chapters from around the world will be hosting festivities to commemorate the organization and its beginnings dating back to 1964 in London and Paris. Today, DA's country committees can be found throughout the globe, in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas and Asia!

Democrats Abroad Switzerland was formed in 1976 and ever since, we have had a rich history of dedicated and active members. With 8 of our 9 former Chairs still living in the country, we have some great stories to tell: such as the visits of President Carter in 1976 and former Vice-President Al Gore in 2002 to the exciting election of President Barack Obama through the mobilization of the hundreds of DACH volunteers and supporters who helped get him elected.

As we gear up for the 2010 Congressional Elections, we have a lot of work ahead of us. Please join us to celebrate our rich history and those who made DA the vibrant organization it is today in Geneva and support Democrats Abroad in helping Democrats win races next year!

Results from Town Hall on US Taxes for Americans Abroad

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:17:00 +0000

News Update: IRS extends the voluntary disclosure deadline to 15 October 2009 from 23 September 2009

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 Democrats Abroad in Geneva teamed up with American Citizens Abroad and Republicans Abroad Switzerland to co-host another meeting on "US Taxes and Banking in Switzerland" at Webster University in Bellevue (GE). Our 4 guest speakers covered the most important tax and banking issues for Americans living abroad. These included

· The banking issue, including a summary of the UBS-U.S. tax evasion scandal and its unintended consequences to law-abiding US citizens living in Switzerland.

· Options for Non-Compliant US Taxpayers

· The Current Voluntary Disclosure Program (see link below for copy of this presentation).

· Tax preparation and filing for normal returns and for the Voluntary Disclosure Program.

Our guest speakers were:

Charles C. Adams, Jr., Managing Partner, Hogan & Hartson

Geoffrey DeHaven, Enrolled Agent & US Certified Financial Planner (TM), US Tax Abroad

Milan Patel, Senior Associate, Withers LLP

Roy F. Ryan, Partner, Schellenberg Wittmer

Milan Patel gave an interesting presentation on the Voluntary Disclosure Program and has allowed us to publish a copy of his slides from the meeting. Click on the below image to download the presentation.

We concluded the rather depressing meeting with information on how to take action and raise the level of awareness of the unfair US tax policies and penalties Americans abroad face.

ACA has sent letters to President Obama and Secretary Timothy Geithner which can serve as good models for writing your own letter. You will find copies of these letters at: http://www.aca.ch/joomla/images/pdfs/geithner.pdf and http://www.aca.ch/joomla/images/pdfs/obama.pdf.

ACA also prepared a useful document with instructions on How to write to Congress:

http://www.aca.ch/joomla/images/pdfs/obama.pdf

Town Hall on US Taxes and Banking in Switzerland - 2 September

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:11:00 +0000

Americans Abroad Town Hall on US Taxes and Banking in Switzerland

When: Wednesday 2 September 2009. Doors open at 6:30pm, meeting starts at 7pm

Where: LLC Room at Webster University, Route de Collex 15, 1293 Bellevue (see below for directions)

Guest speakers:

Charles C. Adams, Jr., Managing Partner, Hogan & Hartson

Geoffrey DeHaven, Enrolled Agent & US Certified Financial Planner (TM), US Tax Abroad

Milan Patel, Senior Associate, Withers LLP

Roy F. Ryan, Partner, Schellenberg Wittmer

RSVP: Please sign up at events@democrats.ch

American Citizens Abroad, Democrats Abroad and Republicans Abroad are holding a Town Hall meeting for Americans living or working in Switzerland on the issues of U.S. taxes and banking in Switzerland. We've invited a panel of experts to speak about the U.S. Treasury's proposed modified Qualified Intermediary Regulations set to become effective January 1, 2010 and to new FBAR filing requirements for foreign bank accounts and what effect they have on U.S. citizens. They will also explain the current voluntary compliance initiative that is in place at the moment but set to expire on 23 September 2009. The panel will cover these issues as well as take questions about filing the FBAR, U.S. taxes and more.

The purpose of the meeting in to offer guidance and clarity on these complex issues and provide a service to our members. At the meeting, we will have volunteers on hand to assist anyone who wishes to send a letter to their U.S. Representative to raise their awareness on the concerns of Americans living abroad.

This event is open to all American citizens. Please RSVP to events@democrats.ch quoting ''Geneva Town Hall'' in the subject line. For directions, please visit Webster University

Directions:

By Train

From Geneva Main Station (Cornavin):  Take the regional train (usually leaves from Track 1 or 2) and exit at the fourth stop, Genthod-Bellevue.  The campus is located to your left across the tracks. (Take the underpass to cross the tracks). There are 2 trains an hour, leaving at .03 and .33 past the hour.

By Car

Highway from Geneva: Route de Lac from Geneva: Follow the lake route out of Geneva direction Lausanne. Pass through the village of Bellevue and take the first large roundabout to the left after the village. You will drive under the train tracks. You must stop at a crossroads and will see the Webster University sign indicating to turn left. Turn left and drive up the road. The Webster University entrance sign will be slightly up the hill on the left. Ample parking is available.

For directions from Lausanne or by bus, please visit Webster University

Please note, Democrats Abroad Vaud is holding a similar meeting on US Taxes on Monday August 31st in Lully (near Morges). For more details, go to Vaud DACH page

DA Geneva August After Work Cocktails

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Democrats escape the heat in Geneva with a little after work refreshment at Brasserie des Halles de l'Ile Thursday night. There was much talk about health care, the hopeful signs in the economy, and of course the UBS banking case. Great ideas were also exchanged for the big DA 45th anniversary parties we are planning in October!

Democrats Abroad Geneva members keep an eye out for an email with details on the next after work meet up on September 17th - hope to see you all there!

August 20 : After-work Drinks Meet-Up - 7pm

noreply@blogger.com (Niki Borofsky) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:16:00 +0000

Come celebrate summer with friends from DA-Geneva!

Join us at the Brasserie des Halles for inexpensive drinks and rich conversation... Bring new friends, meet old ones, and, of course, talk politics!!

After the wild success of our second meet up in July (with over 40 members turning out!), DA-Geneva Meet-Ups can now be part of your regular social calendar, with gatherings now scheduled the third Thursday of every month at Brasserie des Halles de l'Ile.

*NOTE* Geneva group leadership will meet from 6-7 pm at the Brasserie just before the official meet-up begins. Interested members are more than welcome to join this discussion and get involved...or just swing by and get caught up on the highlights while sipping an ice cold beverage.

WHEN: Thursday, August 20 - 7 p.m.
WHERE: Brasserie des Halles
1 Place de l'Ile
1204 Geneva, Switzerland

Weather permitting, we'll be by the black tables and benches area outside the wine bar. If it's raining, you'll find us inside at the bar!

How to get there?
Bus / Tram stops "STAND" on Quai de la Poste and take the small foot bridge. Or Pl. de l'Ile can be reached from Bel Aire, by weeding your way through the road works mess.

This venue is non-smoking, has a very spacious bar with inexpensive drinks and a large outside courtyard..the perfect place for a relaxing political get-together.

Hope to see you on the 20th!

US Mission hosts Americans for 1st "Town Hall" meeting.

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Copping) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:03:00 +0000

More than 60 Americans (nearly half of which were Democrats Abroad members!) from 5 major American citizen clubs/organizations met at the US Mission in Geneva Thursday night for the first of what we hope will be a regular series of "Town Hall" type meetings. Key mission staff including the Chargé D'Affairs, Marc Storella, were on hand to explain the Mission's mission here in Geneva dealing with the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and the Commission for Disarmament. Once the introductions were over, Michael Parmly, Consular chief of communications and acting Emcee for the evening moderated a lively question and answer session in which participants were invited to voice their opinions.

The most frequent questions and opinions centered on taxation issues - many feel that US citizens living abroad are subject to "taxation without representation" and that the recent US treasury department actions in the world banking sector have made it very difficult for average law abiding citizens to manage their banking affairs while living abroad. One example is that foreign banks are hesitant to open accounts or are closing accounts for American citizens.

Another example is the IRS requirement that any account(s) in the name of a US citizen that has or has ever had over $10,000, including those accounts for which the person is simply a signatory must be reported and is subject to audit. For participants with specific tax questions, the US Mission announced its intention of reaching out to the IRS european office as well as the US Embassy in Bern to organize a meeting or forum where personal tax related questions can be raised.

All the ideas expressed during the meeting will be assembled into a report which will be submitted to the US Department of State in Washington. The consensus at the end of the evening was that these types of meetings should continue and the US Mission has agreed to help facilitate these meetings on a regular basis throughout the year.

After work fun for Dems Abroad in Geneva

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Copping) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:38:00 +0000

Democrats Abroad members in Geneva enjoy after work refreshments on the terrace of the new Brasserie des Halles de L'Ile in Geneva. The event was the first of what we hope will become a monthly tradition. Meet us there again on July 16th from 6pm for the next after work drinks get together!

US Mission in Geneva Town Hall Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:28:00 +0000

On June 25^th, at 6pm, the US Mission to the UN, WTO, and the Organization for Disarmament, located in Geneva, is hosting its first ever “town hall” meeting, open to all American’s living in Switzerland. The Chief of Communication Officer for the U.S. Mission, Michael Parmly, has reached out to all of the local American citizen groups, clubs, and organizations in hopes of increasing dialog with Americans living in Switzerland. The goal of the first town hall is to introduce key mission staff and explain the purpose and activities of the U.S. Mission. Subsequent meetings will focus on other topics of interest to us.

Space is limited, so please RSVP to events@democrats.ch if you would like to attend. Please reference “town hall” in the subject line of your RSVP so that we do not confuse it with another event.

DA Geneva After Work Cocktails

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000

All work and no play . . .

Is no fun at all. Join fellow democrats, once per month, in a more relaxed after work atmosphere, for cocktails and conversation. In June we’ll kick off this tradition in Geneva at Brasserie Des Halles de l’Ile, on Tuesday, June 16^th from 6pm to 8pm. This is a great chance to introduce new members to Democrats Abroad and meet new people in the Geneva community, so be sure to bring your friends. Members of our executive committee will be on hand to discuss upcoming events and ways that you can get involved.

How to get there - Bus / Tram stops "STAND" on Quai de la Poste and take the small foot bridge. (When crossing the bridge, Pont de la Coulouvreniere is to your left and Bel Aire to your right.) Or Place de l'Ile can be reached from Bel Aire, by weeding your way through the road works mess and walking past Banque Safdie.

US Ambassador and Dems Abroad discuss Trade Policy in this global economic crisis

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:52:00 +0000

US Ambassador to WTO talks trade

H.E. Peter Allgeier, U.S Ambassador to WTO, speaks on The Obama Administration Trade Policy in the Global Economic Crisis

Intercontinental Hotel, Geneva

On May 27th, DACH launched its Global Issues Forum series in Geneva with U.S. Ambassador to the World Trade Organization, Peter Allgeier, for a discussion on trade and the state of the world economy. Ambassador Allgeier provided an engaging tour d’horizon concerning U.S. interests and policy with respect to international trade negotiations. The Ambassador noted that garnering public support for trade policy is the #1 priority for the Obama Administration. In order to bolster public support, the Administration must 1) reassure the public that Americans are competitive in the global economy, 2) reinforce the safety net for workers dislocated by international trade and competitiveness adjustments, and 3) ensure that trade agreements are commercially significant and socially responsible.

Ambassador Allgeier expressed confidence that the current round of WTO negotiations, called the “Doha Development Agenda” can be successfully concluded. This would provide an important signal by WTO Members against protectionism, and would provide a shot in the arm for our ailing global economy. Ambassador Allgeier underlined that while U.S. economic interests in the “Doha Round” are clear, the Administration needs to work hard to explain the benefits and mitigate the costs for U.S. workers.

DACH Switzerland is grateful to Ambassador Allgeier for sharing his insight and for engaging with the audience in an interesting question and answer exchange. After the event we were able to record several of Ambassador Allgeier's answers on video. We invite you to view these questions and his responses here below.

How can trade and labor interact in the 21st century to make the global economy stronger, more open, and more just?

Please tell us about the climate-trade interface.

See the Q&A video exchange between Bill White and Peter Allgeier here.

Please feel welcome to post your comments or questions to continue this interesting dialogue!

Additional questions and comments to consider:

From Christopher Hill - "With regards to GM and Apple, Apple is an american company that produces the majority of its products in China. So it imports its products into the US for sale. GM having received government money will file for bankruptcy, yet GM Asia (which is independent of GM US) is thriving and will start to export cars from Asia to the US. Does that mean that the US is going from being dependent on foreign oil to being dependent on foreign factories to produce so called american products?"

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:58:00 +0000

We are pleased to present

The Global Issues Forum on The Global Economy

with special guest: Ambassador Peter F. Allgeier,

U.S. Ambassador to the World Trade Organization

WHEN: Wednesday, 27 May 2009,
18:30 Registration & welcome drink,
19:00 Lecture followed by Q&A
WHERE: Intercontinental Hotel, Geneva
7-9 Chemin du Petit-Saconnex, 1209 Geneva
COST: Registration fee: CHF 25 / Students & unemployed CHF 15
Please register at events@democrats.ch by 25 May 2009.

Speaker Ambassador Peter F. Allgeier serves as Deputy US Trade Representative and U.S. Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO), and is the recipient of the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award, the highest performance honor bestowed on career federal officials.

For further information, contact: events@democrats.ch

About Global Issues Forum

The 21st Century world is a vast interconnected landscape where remote, local issues translate into global challenges. The Global Issues Forum is a new event organized by Democrats Abroad (DA), that aims to engage the community at large in Switzerland on some key modern challenges, and present viable options for future policy. Each event features a guest speaker who will discuss a topic followed by a question and answer session with the audience. Instead of quick sound bites and limited context, Global Issues will offer a platform to attain deeper understanding of complex issues such as: domestic/global economy, the changing energy landscape, transnational terrorism and conflict, and climate change. DA has launched The Global Issues Forum as an opportunity to become informed on some of today’s most pressing issues with the view of broadening engagement.

Geneva Economy Event - May 13 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Maya Samara) — Fri, 15 May 2009 21:46:00 +0000

Democrats Abroad Switzerland – Inside the Meltdown Event Recap

Democrats Abroad members Karen and Gregg opened their home to those interested in viewing the PBS FRONTLINE program entitled Inside the Meltdown, which recounted the events leading up to the unprecedented government bail out of the US financial system.

17 people attended the event. Our hosts provided refreshments and snacks and moderated the discussion following the program. Gregg had sent out a brief survey or “straw poll” to get participants opinions of the state of the US economy, the outlook for recovery, and the government response. He compiled and read the results of the survey prior to the program, which gave participants a chance to compare their impressions before and after viewing the film.

After the film, we went around the room and each person gave their impressions of what they saw. Some people were clearly very angry at the banking system in general, and there was across the board agreement that the former administration’s policy of deregulation and free markets was at the very heart of the problems our economy now faces. Most participants also agreed that President Obama has helped the economic situation, both from his administration’s decisive actions and through the organized and calm way he has taken control of the situation.

Issues of concern from those who participated in the discussions:

1. Why was the cost of war not taken into account as part of this economic failure?

2. Concern that in Treasury department, all senior staff are cronies. The Treasury is filled with the same people who got us into this mess.

3. Americans have lived way beyond their means since WWII. The world has foot the bill for America’s lavish lifestyle and excessive consumerism.

4. Poorly run Wall Street and Treasury department are to blame for the crisis.

5. The media is also to blame. Media companies are owned by corporate interests and investors.

6. Banks are more concerned with making money nowadays than offering the service that they were originally meant to provide. Banks should be a service of loans and savings for consumers. The regulatory agencies are to blame for not correcting the directions banks have taken these past years.

7. Markets cannot self regulate.

8. Conflict of interest of rating agencies. We propose that the government audits their ratings and in turn “rates” them.

Obama Bridge Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Tristan Zand) — Sun, 10 May 2009 08:30:00 +0000