david koeppen says the whole incident sets a terrible example. but it's not setting a good example to the people in a time of the american show me going to have a good laugh about it you know the hypocrisy of it all but it is serious and as much as that people do what we set an example like that it is a goal if they're out there politicians are having a tremendous party while the rest of us are having to isolate i mean look at my hair how to lie and use me i never had hail as long as i was a student i was you know bob i'm in mt so you know i try to be in the rules and set an example as it goes a little bit away and by you know i think it's better people obey the rules overseas best not to to do the opposite to what you're you're selling to the public . with less than a month to go until christmas eve states are responding to mass and to knock down outrage by easing restrictions but need to fear the festive gatherings could spark a fresh wave of outbreaks our europe correspondent peter all of us has the story. european leaders are facing a balanci