BS: Germany's new foreign minister

Subject: BS: Germany's new foreign minister
From: Wolfgang
Date: 28 Sep 09 - 01:31 PM

Westerwelle talking English

The only thing I like about him is that he is gay. I wonder if he will take his partner with him on his first visit to Saudi Arabia.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Germany's new foreign minister
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Sep 09 - 01:40 PM

LOL! Maybe not...

Subject: RE: BS: Germany's new foreign minister
From: Riginslinger
Date: 28 Sep 09 - 04:26 PM

He could go to Iran. There aren't any gays in Iran--he'd and his friend would be the only ones.

Subject: RE: BS: Germany's new foreign minister
From: DougR
Date: 28 Sep 09 - 07:33 PM

I believe the voters in Germany should be congratulated for re-electing the country's Chancellor.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Germany's new foreign minister
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 28 Sep 09 - 08:10 PM

Angela Merkel seems to pursue balanced, middle-of-the-road policies, avoiding the leftist pitfalls that would stall development. I agree, she is an excellent Chancellor.

Subject: RE: BS: Germany's new foreign minister
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 28 Sep 09 - 09:00 PM

Until now I think Merkel's skills have been as mediator rather than decisionmaker, and her few ventures into tough talk have been unwise - for example describing Brown's largely successful steps against recession as being kneejerk Keyesianism.

Now, it seems, one of the first things her "pro-business" new coalition colleagues want to do is to start dismantling the German labour-protection laws that were long seen as an integral part of the Wirtschaftswunde. Unions have started shaping up for the fight. That combination could lead Germany into a winter of discontent.

Their prerogative, of course, but it would be damaging to the European recovery.

Also, if she now bows to banking pressure to take a softer line over the bonus culture, she could be the recipient of transferred consumer wrath.

Subject: RE: BS: Germany's new foreign minister
From: eddie1
Date: 29 Sep 09 - 02:22 AM

Hi Wolfgang
I've read many of your posts and admire your ability to wrtite so well in a foreign language with colloqialisms. If only I had the same ability in Deutsch.

I know nothing about this man so can't comment on him but I wonder how many UK MPs could do as well in German?
The English (and I say this deliberately, being Scottish) have this fixed belief that if they talk English LOUDLY and s - l - o - w - l - y enough, then these stupid foreigners must understand them!

When I'm in Germany, and I get there quite often, and I'm talking with friends we quite often switch between the two languages to ensure we get the correct meaning over. I've recently been exposed to Plattdeutsch and feel I don't know any German at all!

On the "English For Runaways" front, at least he didn't hit the "How many clocks goes it loose?" or "You can say you to me." level.

At least he's trying not to have to rely on a translator! Good luck to him!

Eddie