Thursday, November 10, 2016

Merkel's Message to Trump

At some point yesterday (Wednesday)....a carefully crafted message was delivered to President-elect Trump, from Germany's Chancellor Merkel.  There were a number of lines in the message to convey positive sentiments about the future relationship.  But at some point, there was this one odd paragraph:

“Germany’s ties with the United States of America are deeper than with any country outside of the European Union. Germany and America are bound by common values — democracy, freedom, as well as respect for the rule of law and the dignity of each and every person, regardless of their origin, skin color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or political views. It is based on these values that I wish to offer close cooperation, both with me personally and between our countries’ governments.”

In a way, Merkel is staking out some territory to help her and the CDU in January as things progress.  Let us not forget that three state elections in Germany occur in the Spring, and the national election in October of 2017.

Trump will likely just let the message go, and not say much.

The other side of this coin?  Respect for rule of law and political views is something that evolves into a Pandora's box for most Germans.  As long as your political views are agreeable with the general state-run news media....things are fine.  You got a political view which isn't in our sphere of thinking....well, that just won't be acceptable.

Trump might decide to send a carefully crafted message back....discussing the fine relationship of the United States with Germany, and that he hopes respect for economic freedoms, creative talents, commerce, and neighbors of Germany are part of the deal.  He might hint that he expects several government changeovers in Europe this next year...all leaning further right.

The footnote here?  Well....the SPD folks are likely sitting in a conference room and almost giggling in delight that they will have only two serious topics on their 2017 political agenda...anti-Trump/anti-US.  By harping on those weekly....the SPD hopes to take down the CDU easily.  Chat over immigration, refugees, and integration?  Forget about it.....it won't happen.

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