Davos Dilemma

   "America First" nationalism is a direct clash with the stated goals of the World Economic Forum, which will meet in Davos, Switzerland, beginning January 20.
   The meeting is a gathering of major international business executives and government officials, and is dedicated to lowering trade barriers between countries.
   Yet the "America First" sales pitch is what the U.S. president plans to make at the Davos gathering when he attends the meeting. Unless, of course, he changes his mind.
   The Davos folk traditionally work to tear down trade obstacles. But the current isolationist movement in America, led by the president, is intent on erecting higher trade walls -- and an actual physical wall on America's southern border.
   So does Donald Trump hope to persuade the rest of the world to abide by his rules and his alone, and forget the decades of work Davos delegates have expended removing trade restrictions?
   Apparently so.
   The World's Greatest Salesman may want to talk the rest of the world into doing things his way. But will they listen? That's another issue. And if they don't, what recourse does he have?
   Or will he abandon his repeated promises to put America First and go along with the Big Business tradition of putting profit first and the Davos goal of lowering international trade restrictions?
   If past behavior is any guide, Trump may unilaterally declare victory, and blame others for failing to perceive the wisdom of his ways. Also, he may resort to name-calling and insult to the Davos world business leaders as he has in the past against other national leaders when they don't jump to his whistle.
   Conversely, he may change course and move on to a new project, making believe any failure at Davos did not exist.
   Not knowing what this guy will say or do next is the challenge facing journalism these days. But reporting on what he says and does, and outlining the dangers of these words and actions to the safety of society is also part of the challenge to journalism.
   And as long as the rights of free speech and a free press remain in place, this is what journalists will do.