by whataboutbob
Wed Sep 21st, 2005 at 01:01:43 PM EST
I've been surfing around and reading what various news services, commentators and politicians are saying about the German elections. You see statements like: "They still must reform". "Germany is the engine of Europe, if it fails, so will Europe". "Germany is entering a period of inward looking, which will hurt the European economy". It seems quite over the top and reactive to me. Not unlike the kind of press that occurred after the Dutch and French "no" votes on the constitution.
Why all the doom and gloom? Is this just another excuse to say that Europe is all screwed up? Seems like it to me. Hey, Germany is still the biggest exporter in the world, it has been slowly improving economically, and there have been more jobs being created (and unemployment going down). If you want to make a good investment, Germany is a great bet, as it has shown again and again to be a super productive society.
Am I missing something, or what about the fact that this IS democracy? The people did not want what Merkel had to offer...the CDU did not make the sale. And though they weren't entirely happy with Schroeder, overall the election showed a move to the Left. Hey, maybe the German people do want better economy, AND keep a good social support system AND a clean environment. What's wrong with that?
I say bravo to the German people, and boo to the naysayers and handwringers.
