Just always remember-
Those who were against the war in Iraq referred to everyone backing an ally (US) as "Trash nations" (German media and political response in 2003 when confronted with the detail that over 27 nations are backing the US after they claimed it to be unilateral)
People will quickly forget the help they received in the past. Germany, a nation that fat cated off of US troops and defense spending, a nation protected by NATO and US troops who even spilled their blood in the Cold War, quickly pulled the plug and even sabotaged US efforts in Iraq for -NOTHING MORE- than a cheap shot at a reelection bid of Schroeder in 2002. They sold out an ally and directly put American lives at risk for internal political games from which they themselves in the long run did not even benefit!
A nation such as Poland which had to struggle to achieve freedom, vs. Germany which had it handed to them on a silver platter, has a different understanding of the price required to be free. A nation with a rich and powerful religious tradition probably brings these values into politics as well. Rumsfeld’s speech of “old Europe” pretty much defined what was already happening. It’s not a path the US is pushing. No, rather it is the consequence of old, decedent, eroding, socialist, states that are declining while in the former East you have nations like Hungry and Poland that are on a steep growth curve in political influence, economic power, and cultural self awareness. Poland will not be a lesser influence in 10 years. They will have MORE influence!
Respect, as trust, one earns through “actions”, not polemics. When Schroeder made deals with Russia in reference to gas pipelines and dependence which will affect the whole region, he did so without consultation with those states that would be affected. This from the “multilateral” thinker Schroeder is more than Ironic isn’t it? The real disappointment in the last few is the German people. They defend Schroeder! They in some new found German national pride feel compelled to defend his actions. They think they are “tough” because they showed the US that they are real men by saying “Nein” to helping them after they were attacked repeatedly. They actually define their backstabbing and cowardice as strength; after all, they stood up to the US and told them “We are not helping you!” Today the Germans are still somewhat leading the pact. Although the French are rapidly gaining an upper hand in EU foreign policy even over Germany through their predominance in security matters. Take a look at how they are handling Iran! It’s pathetic! After they fail, they just get quiet. They sit there today and would rather not even mention the word “Iran”. Maybe they need to add “Iran” to their EU list of banned inflammatory remarks towards Muslims?
As a German speaker, with German ancestry, growing up there and still having may ties to Germany; I must say that what Germany has become is sad. The home of Luther today embraces Nietzsche and Marx. The nation of stoic militarism has become a pansy state that appeases and panders. Hell, they even pay ransom often. The nation that once freed hostages in Mogadishu with its GSG9 where Helmut Schmidt said ‘Der Staat ist unerpressbar” today pays money to terrorists. Sad-sad situation.
I'll second that motion.
L
I think Germans are still heroic in spite of a black eye. Every nation has it's own shameful history. America had centuries of slavery (and we're still paying for that sin).
God must have had something very special planned for both Poland and Germany. And now I know it's true. Two great Popes bless the world. The devil didn't know who these young men were because the devil can't see such greatness. So, Satan attacked the whole continent instead and tried to kill entire nations to stop the work of a handful of spiritual super heroes. Not just two men, but men and women spiritually courageous to lead a world of souls back to Jesus by example of His Divine Mercy.