If ever there was a symbolic sign of the times for American travelers, it was the cardboard notice that appeared this April on the front door of Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy.

“In an effort to make the American victims of subprime loans happier,” declared the sign, “Harry's Bar of Venice has decided to give them a special 20 percent discount on all items on the menu."

Harry’s Bar, a Venice institution once frequented by Ernest Hemingway and other members of the Lost Generation who came to Europe between the wars to take advantage of the dominant dollar, was now offering tourist food-stamps to Americans.