Hard Core American Propaganda in the overseas press, get it whileit's hot!

[Syncronaut Seven]

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,1564,1701390,00.html


Germany's Enviromental Minister, Jürgen Trittin claimed in a speech that Hurricane Katrina might be an effect of US policy toward global warming. DW-World readers responded to his comments.


I find Trittin's comments pompous and offensive! I do not believe he speaks for all Germans--thank goodness. My husband and I have served five tours of duty in Germany starting in 1979 and ending in 1997. We both have a great love for this "adopted" country of ours and have many good friends there. It pains me to think that anti-American sentiment runs so deep that someone would insinuate that we "deserve" this tragedy! Trittin should be reprimanded for his insensitive comments and also be reminded of the sacrifices many Americans have made on behalf of his country. The citizens of Germany are probably as upset by his callousness as many Americans are and they should speak up -- I'm confident these wonderful, friends of Americans will do just that. -- Cecelia Abrams

It is pretty much accepted that Germans have a real problem with Americans--such a strange way to repay an old friend. But that's ok, now we all know where we stand. -- Jerald Ronish

I agree that Mr. Trittin's remarks were ill-timed, inopportune and to some degree, inhumane. As a German who has lived and worked in the US, I am well aware of the difference in communication styles between Americans and Germans. Some Germans tend to be overly direct and provocative, which is often perceived as rude. Even here in Germany, Mr. Trittin (a member of the Green Party) has a history of being rather outspoken, even "arrogant". For my part, I feel Trittin is simply trying to preserve an already heavily damaged world environment. In doing this he is stepping on too many toes, nationally as well as internationally. My heart goes out to those stranded in New Orleans. -- Antonia Stokely, Germany

I am an American college student in Birmingham, Alabama. After reading the comments posted by Americans I was taken aback. How can Americans or Germans make a judgment on what one person says (i.e. Trittin). Maybe Trittin is correct in theorizing that pollution is a cause to global warming and this is his way of criticizing the Bush Administration for not signing the Kyoto agreement. His comments do not reflect the feelings of all Germans and vice versa. It is this process of stereotyping that turns one country against another. -- Scott Hughe, Birmingham, Alabama

Sad that this individual has completely failed to verify his facts before pointing fingers and spewing politically motivated bunk. In every country there are those who believe anything they are told and those who take the time to look up the facts for themselves. This is true in in both Germany and the US. The historical facts indicate there was a lull in hurricane activity in the last decade and we are now simply returning to normal activity levels. Unfortunately, people were lulled into thinking it was OK to build up areas that never should have been built up. But what's done is done? Let's all pull together and stop this useless finger pointing. -- Peggy Ives

Oh.... There's more. :puke:

[Kellanved]

1. not that I am especially fond of Trittin, but he apologized

He made those statements before the levees broke.

As to the American reaction: similar letters were sent to almost all English-lanuage German publications (Spiegel international,...).

[Syncronaut Seven]

3. That's what I'm saying

It looks like an organized propaganda effort.

Notice the feigned affront, the dodging of the actual issue, to wit: Tritten was most likely correct.

I've always appreciated those Germans I've had the pleasure of working with. Blunt? Yes. Informed? Yes. Fun? Once you get them to loosen up a bit. :toast:

[sakabatou]

2. Hey Peggy, why don't you check your facts....