As a German, I have seen a whole lot of things. In foreign policy, she embraces the smaller states in the EU, she isn´t talking of a Franco-German axis. She doesn´t call Putin a friend or a clean democrat like Schröder did. She expressed understanding for Poland´s concerns and has granted them 100 million Euros from the EU on our costs more than expected. Merkel has solved the budget crisis of the EU during her first meeting with the 24 others heads of governments and earned respect for that. She speaks a clear language, addresses differences (Gitmo) and common interests (WOT). Merkel will promise to do more for Iraq´s stabilization tonorrow as a "gift" for your President. What else do you need during her first 7 weeks?
As a gift for our President? Oh brother.
I note that she is concerned with reviving the EU constitution and disagrees with the French (read: Chirac's) idea of picking individual pieces out of it. Do you get the sense that the German electorate agrees with her on that?
BTW, are you still flying?
All I have to say to that is that actions speak louder than words. Like I said -- it's much easier to criticize perceived shortfalls than it is to do the work. Germany has had the luxury of sitting back and complaining about how things are done BEACUSE of the U.S. -- out presence in that country ensures, to a certain degree, it's safety. And yet all we here is bitching and moaning about it. So I turn the tables -- what is it YOU want? If your country is to be a true friend of the US, it needs to be prepared to shoulder it's portion of the burden.