Chancellor Merkel to Visit USA Jan. 11, 2006

I was hoping to report about a meeting that had taken place but, alas, it is not so. It will not happen until January 11 of next year. I am very excited. I do believe and hope this is a step in the right direction toward strengthening the ties between our two countries. This could only be a good thing.

Why, some may ask? It is always better to have an ally than an enemy, and because I like her. Silly reason to desire stronger ties? Maybe. It is how I feel, however. Maybe she could stop the behavior of German companies which are doing business in the Sudan...

Here is a report I found on the White House website.

The President will welcome German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the White House on January 11, 2006. This visit will be Angela Merkel's first visit to Washington since becoming Chancellor on November 22. The two leaders look forward to discussing how the United States and Germany can intensify our partnership, strengthen transatlantic ties, and work together to advance freedom and prosperity around the world. Germany is a strong ally of the United States and a critical partner in advancing U.S.-European efforts to promote democracy in Eastern Europe, Afghanistan and the broader Middle East; strengthen the NATO Alliance; and foster global economic growth.

As our countries grow closer together, I pray we, as peoples from across the watery divide, may bury any hatchets that may have shown it's ugly face. Can we please be friends again?

I would like to invite all of you to visit Atlantic Review. It is a very well written press digest on transatlantic affairs edited by three German Fulbright Alumni. They are starting a carnival to see if we strengthen our friendship with each other.

It has been said that Germany feels shame for what has occurred in the past. I would just like to say, please do not. You did nothing wrong. It was not you. I hold nothing against you. I am just so very happy to see that wall torn down! I pray for your success as a unified Germany. You should be proud that you were able to endure.

Editor's Note: The offensive picture (cartoon) which I referenced earlier in a comment at Atlantic Review may be found at this article by me, and this article by David Medienkritik. There is also an article in the Opinion Journal. This would be that article which made many of us angry. (That was then...)