… from the fact that austerity isn’t working.
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/05/28/northern_irelan...
Northern Ireland town turns into virtual Potemkin village ahead of G8
More than $78 million expected to be spent on security for G8 summit in Northern Ireland next month.Enniskillen may not have a $2 million Muskoka-inspired fake lake exhibit, but it does have giant stickers plastered on abandoned storefronts to make it look like business is booming and shelves are fully stocked.
The Northern Irish town and surrounding area is getting a $460,000 fluff-up in advance of next month’s G8 summit. Gum is being scraped off sidewalks. Roads will be freshly paved to ensure a smooth ride for convoys of world leaders. Virtual Potemkin villages are springing up on the road to the Lough Erne Resort, where heads of state will gather to discuss tax evasion and reforms, food security, trade deals and the crisis in Syria.
Potemkinization seems to be all the rage nowadays.
http://www.jimhightower.com/node/8052#.Ubu13BYgIqY
Recently, this surrealistic phenomenon of unreal “thereness” appeared in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. This shore town had been devastated by Hurricane Sandy last October, shutting down its boardwalk shops and rides. But in mid-May, England’s Prince Harry came to Jersey for a royal visit, and Gov. Chris Christie led him to the town’s boardwalk to highlight the people’s resilient spirit and determination to rebuild.
The shops and rides remained closed, yet, bizarrely, the prince saw bustling enterprises and kids having fun. Did his royal eyes deceive him? No, Christie did. The governor staged a business-as-usual visual for the visitor. Spiffed-up clam bars and hot dog stands were staffed with people who appeared to be preparing and serving food, but nothing was actually being cooked. Also, children were brought in to play darts, whiffle-ball, and other games at booths that had been opened, staffed, and stocked with prizes – just for the brief time of Harry’s pass-through.
