[alexander_busek]

Though he was part of the SPD, he was a patriotic leader who put country before political agenda.

Conservative-minded Germans were wont to remark, "Der ist ein guter Mann - leider ist er in der falschen Partei" - i.e.: "He is a good guy, but in the wrong party."

He had class, and refused to apologize for being an inveterate smoker.

Regards,

[ScottinVA]

And I remember his interviews with his fluent English and confident countenance. The guy exuded coolness.