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Well, from what I read, not really, they are just addressing the issue, Bolkestein and such, while the main parties happily jump to paint them as xenophobic. But they walk a thin line. (Lafontaine said that they want to draw away voters from the far-right ratcatchers by talking seriously about issues the main parties won't address and the far-right uses for demonisation.)

*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.
by DoDo on Wed Jul 20th, 2005 at 07:06:05 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I add: the CDU's categorical rejection of Turkey's EU membership, and the sinister half-said-half-thought arguments behind, is the most significant fuel on the fire of xenophobia in my eyes.

*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.
by DoDo on Wed Jul 20th, 2005 at 07:08:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I don't pretend to have much knowledge, in general, about German politics...or specifically, about the CDU...trying to upgrade here, but I have similar foreboding feelings about the CDU. When a party is about to take over and won't say exactly where they stand on issues, it is all too reminiscent of Bush Republican-ism, and we all see where that has gotten us.

Jerome has had a different take on the CDU, that they will be moderate but will stay "European", which has been somewhat reassuring...but I'm a bit paranoid...

"Once in awhile we get shown the light, in the strangest of places, if we look at it right" - Hunter/Garcia

by whataboutbob on Wed Jul 20th, 2005 at 07:38:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Stay "European" the Sarkozy and Bliar way, I suspect...

What the CDU already says about its standing on issues is bad enough: back to nuckear, categoric no to Turkey, business-friendly (even if not explained in detail) reform, some more police state measures.

Now I don't think they will rush off like the Bushies, I just don't see them that ideological. They seem more impressed by the methods of neocon power than neocon goals, if they go along (and how far they go along) it's more of a serving of big business than revolutionary zeal. (For example, recently they reneged previous pleas to discontinue the environmental tax, citing budget crisis as reason.) But what they'll do will be significant damage anyway, I fear.

*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.

by DoDo on Wed Jul 20th, 2005 at 08:07:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

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