Andrea, I can do nothing but agree with you. I know you have visited both Canada and the US. Therefore, you understand the insular mentality of many Canadian and American citizens (I hasten to add that I have found many more Americans!).

I have only found one country that exhibits the same mentalty, but to a much more extreme degree. I will let you guess, but give you a hint: it is somewhat smaller than Canada and the US, and, sometimes, disappears from maps.

I will relay your and Leo’s comments to my friends.

Harry, I think your American and Canadian friends should add a bit of research to their ‘perception’. Perception without basic knowledge can be dangerous. And I am not defending Mutti and her ludicrous lap dog Westerwelle here as you already know how much I disdain them.

Thank you for that, Leo.

@ Harry Purdie

I have of course read your message to Andrea and I wish to quote you as follows:

“I was attempting to imply how the German situation is ‘perceived’ from outside”.

That, is indeed what is troubling many in Germany because of the actions/stands taken by their elected federal government.

Harry, please be assured that Merkel’s and Westerwelle’s decisions are extensively, and strongly, criticised in Germany. The criticism comes from all public angles and from all political corners.

Corinne, that deserves a big smiley. Unfortunately, Daphne frowns upon smileys.

I have said many times, you gotta love the rock, a laugh a day.

Mr. Said, thank you for those links. I was made aware of the additional German assets being sent to Afghanistan earlier. Commendable. However I stand by my original comment. Also, please read my post to Andrea.

Andrea, I think we are violently agreeing. I completely understand, that as a German national, you are much more ‘au courant’ than I in domestic affairs.

I was attempting to imply how the German situation is ‘perceived’ from outside. As an example, when talking late last night to Canadian and American friends, their ‘perception’ was that (this is a quote): ‘I think the Germans have changed places with the French–from cheese-eating surrender monkeys to bratwurst-eating surrender monkeys’.

I know, highly unfair, however, perception counts when situations are highly uncertain and volatile.

Herr Ripard möchte uns seine Austrian Kenntnisse demonstrieren.