Welcome, Mr. President!
By Wolfram Weimer
Die Welt, May 22, 2002
welt.de
["Die Welt" publishes an article in English, very unusual.]
Dear Mr. President,
so here you are in the land of poets and philosophers, the country of contentious thinkers. One of these dangerous minds, Friedrich Nietzsche, famously said, „He who bestows a great gift must not expect any thanks; for the recipient is already burdened by the weight of the gift.“
Perhaps Nietzsche’s words will come back to you when you hear about today’s demonstrations and protests against the USA. Germany has indeed received great gifts from America: the twofold liberation from Nazi and Communist dictatorship, a generous helping hand and protection in days of darkness, the reunification of our country. And not only this, but an infectious attitude of liberalism and tolerance, can-do optimism and joie de vivre. Gifts that will command our gratitude for decades to come. Gifts so great that small minds can be overwhelmed by them. But let this be quite clear: The great majority of our people are definitely not on the side of the protesters. On the contrary: We are with you in the sober realization that it is our duty to combat tyranny and terrorism with courage and clarity of purpose. Even though this is no easy task.
German anti-interventionism is an heirloom from our past, a reminder of our uncomfortable relationship with military might and political power. America combines democratically legitimized power with responsibility and humanitarianism. The great majority of the German people are perfectly aware of this and stand side by side with America as the last best hope of mankind in the struggle for freedom and security and our common values worldwide.
The free city of Berlin knows full well what it owes America. This is where Transatlantic friendship began with Frederick the Great of Prussia; this is where the USA extended the hand of friendship to the discredited Germans after World War II; this is where humanity triumphed in the days of the Berlin Blockade. In Berlin, America drew a clear line between the Free World and Communist tyranny. In Berlin, the Cold War was finally won in the name of freedom. A divided people was able to unite in peace, proof positive that America not only demands freedom but grants it as well. The American ideal of liberty is engraved in our hearts. Mr. President, you are most heartily welcome here. |
