Replies

"Sure it is OK with me :)

Welcome to Free Republic."

Thanks... and sorry - that came off a bit rude, that wasn't my intention. One get's just a bit overly defensive as a German these days with that wacko government of ours (which, hopefully, will soon be an aberration of history).

It's just that I don't see the french "No" as a reason for triumphalism, as the EU won't go away. Plus: I don't see how "weakening" Europe would be in the interest of the United States, as Europe and the US IMHO are natural allies (And, despite all the bullshit from Mr. Schroeder and Mr. Chirac, a strong, democratic Europe is a far more reliable partner than say Pakistan or Saudi Arabia).

IMHO a strong atlanticist axis should be the goal of a conservative government (like it was the case with Adenauer, Thatcher or Bush sr.).

Genau.

Wolf, I may have been the American kid you saw living on the other side of the fence of the US military installation near your house in Germany. I still have very fond memories of living in Germany and she will always have a special place in my heart.

I'm in Germany 3-4 times a year on business/pleasure and I cringe when I see the media there (my spoken German is rusty, but I can still read/understand everything)since it almost universally anti-US. I wish guys like you and the folks over at Davids Medienkritik/Medienkritik Online had more exposure. I truly think you guys are the silent majority in Germany.

Do you think that Frau Merkel is going to pull it off this September?

(BTW, her last name is a big part of my maternal family tree...hmmmm, I wonder if I can claim her as a distant cousin..)