Guess who’s coming to my town.

From the CLSA
press release:
CLSA Chairman and CEO Jonathan Slone said: “As the first female governor of Alaska and the youngest person ever elected governor of that state, Palin has broken new ground in US politics and we are delighted that she will make her first visit to Asia to present at the CLSA Investors’ Forum.”
“CLSA consistently sets the benchmark for original and thought-provoking content, and aims to present global political and industry leaders whose policies and platforms have influenced global markets.”
The jokes write themselves, as usual. In fact, some business writers seem convinced it’s CLSA’s idea of a
practical joke. Or possibly wishful thinking, as Palin has a history of
not showing up at speaking gigs with the excuse that no one ever confirmed it. (CLSA has
told reporters it’s for real, and a Palin spokesperson
assures Fox News she's confirmed.)
Still, it’s not like Sarah doesn’t have her fans in HK. She’s very
big with furniture companies, for one. And of course everyone enjoyed her Tina Fey impressions on SNL. And considering that CLSA's previous events on international financial investment and economic policy featured
speakers that eventually gave you the current economic meltdown, one could argue expertise is overrated.
Sadly (if predictably), while the Investors Forum is open to accredited media, Palin’s speech is not. So my journalism credentials won’t get me a seat. Otherwise, I’d be tempted to go, if only so I could ask her a question about
mooseburger recipes her opinion on opportunities for US telecommunications investment in Asia, whether foreign ownership caps should be lifted on both sides of the Pacific, and the potential impact on rural telecoms services and GDP growth in emerging markets. Just to see what she says.
Then I’d post the MP3 here. Hilarity would presumably ensue.
So much for that.
Still, who knows? Maybe I’ll spot her shopping for overpriced
cheongsams in
Shanghai Tang. They know me there. Sure.
Merrymaking at my place,
This is dF