Germany sleepwalking to stagnation (JUST DESSERTS ALERT)

The Times ^ | September 19, 2002 | Anatole Kaletsky

[MadIvan]

Maybe we won't have to fight another war with the Germans, since they're doing such a sterling job of committing suicide.

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[Arkinsaw]

They ask if France, Britain, etc. are ready to start making the big decisions. Well...France has always been ready to make the big decisions. Good luck Europe.

[Arkinsaw]

They ask if France, Britain, etc. are ready to start making the big decisions. Well...France has always been ready to make the big decisions. Good luck Europe.

[Jean S]

I didn't realize Germany was in such economic trouble.
If it weren't for your posts I wouldn't have a clue about what was going on in Europe. The U.S. media is useless when it comes to reporting this information.

[patriciaruth]

Interesting, but I'd really like to see an article discussing how the absorption of East Germany changed West Germany as they became one country again.

Please ping me if you ever see one. Thanks!

[Mo1]

After all, Germany’s economic performance and its global influence have deteriorated dramatically during Gerhard Schröder’s time, especially in comparison with France

That bad huh??

[MadIvan]

That bad huh??

Truly that bad. ;)

Regards, Ivan

[ComputationalComplexity]

Its their social security net, its too deep. Some on welfare in germany gets about 900 Marks or $1400 a month, and welfare never ends.

[Southack]

There are no "Marks", only Euros.

[MJY1288]

It's just a matter of time before the Europeans wake up and see that Socialism is not the answer, IT'S the PROBLEM, The bleeding heart liberals will never get it. The entire world must understand that the redistribution of wealth is a recipe for disaster -- via -- Taxing productivity in order to subsidize the unproductive has never worked in the past and it isn't going to now. All it does is reward mediocrity and punish the achievers.

The day we stop rewarding excellence is the day we stop progress. What will it take for these appeasing limp wristed liberals to understand these simple principles?

[Maitre_Z]

900 Marks or $1400 a month

Correction: 900 DM used to be about $450

[kstewskis]

Das ist schade!

[Cacique]

It can't happen soon enough. I propose that all the muslims throughout the rest of Europe be deported to Germany so they can marry nice fat german girls. Can't forget that Mohamed Atta and a few of his co-conspirators lived and studied in germany.

The krauts still need to pay the price for sacking Rome and plunging Europe into the Dark Ages.

[PoisedWoman]

but I'd really like to see an article discussing how the absorption of East Germany changed West Germany as they became one country again.

Yes, a huge issue. I have no article to offer, but my aging German friend is absolutely furious with her old friends in East Germany, well-educated professionals, who expect to continue to live on government stipends ala communism rather than putting in an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. She says they don't understand capitalism, hate it, resist it. I'm talking about dentists, doctors, other professionals with high earning power sitting on their well-padded tushes, going to work only ten, fifteen hours per week and collecting substantial government checks. Multiply by a few million and you understand one huge drag on the German economy. Many in West Germany now privately admit that they regret the wall ever came down.

[MadIvan]

He may mean 900 Euros. I will check.

Regards, Ivan

[LenS]

The krauts still need to pay the price for sacking Rome and plunging Europe into the Dark Ages.

LOL. Now that's what I call holding a grudge. Heck, even Muslims have some centuries to go before their grudges are that old.

[Born on the Storm King]

I propose that all the muslims throughout the rest of Europe be deported to Germany so they can marry nice fat german girls.

Most of the Moslems in Germany are Turkish guest workers. Germany has always been good friends with the Turks because the Turks have a knack for kicking Russia's butt! (Note, this smarmy article was written by a Russian.)

[MadIvan]

Note, this smarmy article was written by a Russian

Doesn't make it any less true. Germany is economically stagnant.

Regards, Ivan

[Born on the Storm King]

Since I got out of the Army 12 years ago, for the most part I've lived here in the State of Washington. In that time, I've met two Germans here. I've never met an Englishman or an Irishman here.

But I see Russians and Ukrainians every day. I mean every single day, they're skads of them! Many are older people who come here and collect big fat welfare checks for their "disability" of being unable to speak English. I speak Russian, and I "ambush" them every once in a while with a tirade of Russian. I am fortunate I speak Russian because all the locals around here hate them!