Current Event 4/28/12

The Hanover Trade Fair this year will see some of the world's finest in trade and industry come together to see the situation of global finance and progress. At the forefront of progress are Germany and China, although the two nations are doing very different things. Because China is Germany's biggest export nation, positive relations between the countries are a priority. Germany also supplies China with machines and technology that are essential to China's continued growth. This growth, however, has caused China to begin producing its own machines--something that could narrow Germany's edge on the Chinese markets. The Trade Fair is an opportunity for Germany to see if China's machinery can compete with German  products, and although German companies have respect for Chinese industry, windmill producer Joachim Fuhrlander says they are not afraid. He says partnership and sharing are not going to break the bank for German companies.
Other German machinery on display at the Fair includes hydropower and power-amplifying robot hands for tricky and risky jobs.
The global economic presence of Germany is evidenced by their confidence and willingness to trade with China. Germany's strong industrial market's unwillingness to be fazed by "new talent" further demonstrates this confidence, and with confidence comes the assurance that the German economy is growing and changing while remaining stable and secure.

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15904520,00.html

Current Event 4/21/12

Germany, the EU's biggest and most powerful economy and the fourth-largest economy in the world, has experienced difficulties lately with the international recession and the EU debt crisis. However, recent data shows that the economy is changing--for the better. Although Germany's status as the largest exporter of goods in the world has changed because of the success of the US and China, the growth of Asian economies also benefits Germany. There is a very large market for German-manufactured goods in countries such as China. Anton Börner, the president of the German Foreign Trade Association, thinks that at the current economic rates, Asian and European markets for German goods will be roughly the same by about 2040. The Federal Statistics Office reports that exports are up 8.6%, and worth about 91.3 billion euros. In Europe, German exports have dropped six points, to only 59% percent in EU countries. The figures in Italy and Greece are even lower.
But the German economy will also benefit from services provided, says Börner. Engineering is currently big, with health and care services also projected to grow.
The loss of market for German goods in Europe reflects the current situation of the EU, which is unstable and unwilling to take large economic risks such as investing in a market for German goods. However, the global economic situation virtually nullifies the European economic weakness and disinterest in German goods. Rising standards of living and economic stability in Asian countries like China mean that Germany has a promising economic future if China continues to grow. This is a positive thing for Germany, and means that the powerful nation can continue its projects of growth and development, while helping out the EU in its crisis, without too much fear of losing its market for goods produced in Germany.

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15869427,00.html

Current Event 4/14/12

On June 3, Berlin's Brandenburg Airport will open, and with it will come new opportunities, luxuries and issues specific to the 21st century. The issues, in fact, have already begun. Tegel, the current and popular airport in Berlin, will close when Brandenburg Airport opens. Although Tegel has many issues, as it was designed in 1965 and convenience was the primary concern. The "drive to your gate" design and priority of speed and practicality has become obsolete, and Brandenburg Airport will be more a place to spend time and shop, while travelers wait to depart. Although many fliers say that Tegel is easy to reach and navigate, others recognize that the current situation is not sufficient for the number of planes or for modern concerns such as airplane hijacking and more advanced security. Although many Berliners are sad to see their trusted and convenient airport become obsolete, many recognize the need for new space and design.
Airports are an important part of a city's culture, and Tegel is no exception. Commercialism will be the byword of Brandenburg Airport, which also shows a change in the mindset of Berlin's economy. Niklas Maak, of the Frankfurter Allegemeine Zeitung, says that the creation of the new airport is also "one of a series of misguided attempts to make Berlin more like other capitals." This could cause a drop in visitors if Berlin loses its charming persona. However, others believe that increased flights could bolster the economy, which would be excellent for Germany. Although Brandenburg Airport is important to Germany's reconstruction, Tegel's place in the hearts of Berliners must not be overlooked. The acceptance of progress is promising for Germany's future and economy, but attachment to the old and charming is also clear evidence that Germany's history and culture remain a strong and positive part of the country's national identity.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/04/world/europe/berlin-is-getting-a-new-airport-but-many-prefer-the-old.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=germany

Current Event 4/7/12

Thomas de Maiziere, the German defense minister, has suggested a Veterans' Day for Germany to honor past and present soldiers of the Republic. Germany's first international military mission since WWII was in the 1991 Gulf War, and since then troops have been active in locations such as Afghanistan and Kosovo. There have been German fatalities in these conflicts. De Maiziere says that the time is ripe for a reconsideration of Germany's policies regarding veterans.
This issue is controversial, though, for several reasons. Some politicians worry that honoring of veterans could be a poor choice considering Germany's previously bloody military past, while others in the Christian Democratic Party and the German army believe that a holiday honoring veterans would be a positive addition to the German calendar. Another obstacle is the choice of a date for the holiday; some believe that the date should be April 2, while others advocate for a holiday on May 22, the date the German army or Bundeswehr was founded.
The debate over who is a veteran is another problem in the formation of this holiday, and De Maiziere has conceded that the term needs firmer definition. Although Germany does not honor its soldiers fallen in WWI and WWII, many current soldiers returning from Afghanistan have adopted the term "veteran" for themselves. There is currently discussion among the Bundeswehr regarding the definition of a veteran.
The shift in Germany's opinion of its veterans and of the honoring of them is a noticeable change in the collective German military mindset. This could mean that German military actions will be done with more enthusiasm and national pride, or could become more widespread, but I think it is more likely that the German military will become a more integral and accepted part of German culture, and that veterans past and present will find a place in the hearts of many German citizens.

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15862988,00.html

Current Event 3/31/12

Berlin has confirmed its support for Palestine as of March 29, 2012. For the second time, the German-Palestinian council met to confirm strategies and positive relations. Included in these talks was an agreement to provide Palestine with 70 million euros, 40 million to be used for development. This intention was announced by German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle, who also said that Germany supports the creation of a Palestinian state. Founded in 2010, the German-Palestinian council has intentions to further the agenda of the Palestinian people, and this support is gratefully received by Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad, who also praised the unification of the EU on this issue. Despite reports of Chancellor Angela Merkel's annoyance with the policy, the government maintains it is united on the Palestinian issue.
The German position on the highly controversial Palestine issue is yet another mark of an increasingly progressie government. Westerwelle, the Bundestag and Bundesrat, and Merkel have had to cooperate both among each other and with the public to form the German-Palestinian council. Their views may yet prove hazardous in relations with the US or Israel, but as it stands now Germany is a leader in yet another area of international affairs, showing strength and consistency much desired from European nations. The cooperation of the EU in this issue is also a key point, showing common EU goals and interests that transcend the debt crisis and make Europe and Germany key players in the rebuilding of the Middle East.
http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15845497,00.html

Me, Part I

Well. Now that everyone's feeling a little more at ease with these blog shenanigans, it's time to do some talking. First up, a little about Rotary Youth Exchange and how we became friends.
Rotary International is a really fantastic organization (read more about its projects and mission here), and one of their many programs that benefits youth and sends messages of world peace and service is their Exchange Program. I know many youth who have benefited from this program in the past or are on exchange right now. For several years, I have been interested in going on a high school exchange, and during the fall of this year Rotary interviews were conducted and forms filled out for those wishing to go on exchange in 2012-2013. I jumped at the opportunity, not really knowing what I was getting myself into. The process was long: first a preliminary interview was conducted in the school district with interested students, and then I and another student were selected as the scholarship recipients. We two "outbounds" were instructed to receive immunizations, fill out forms, and write letters to our prospective host clubs. A second interview followed, and after selecting our top three countries the forms were sent to the district exchange coordinator. Several months later, our country assignments came.
The process continues: Visa forms are coming soon, and eventually I will be assigned my host district, and then the town where I will live.
In the meantime, the outbound students are meeting monthly to discuss culture, public speaking, and all the nitty-gritty of exchange. We all eagerly await our district assignments, but while we wait we have language learning to occupy our time. Learning as much language as possible is very important so it will be easier to acclimatize when in our new homes. In addition to language learning, I post a current event from Germany each week, to keep in touch with what is going on.
Hopefully I will be able to share more news soon, but meanwhile stay tuned for more current events and more about my life in the States.

Current Event 3/24/12

Joachim Gauck, a civil rights activist and former pastor, was inaugurated as Germany's president on March 23, 2012. Gauck had already begun work as president after his election, but was officially sworn in before the Bundestag and Bundesrat houses of Parliament on Friday. His inauguration speech encouraged freedom, justice and participation. He remarked that although Germany's democracy was an excellent trait of the nation, faith in the system appears to be declining. Decreasing voter turnout was a special consideration, he remarked. Gauck also vowed to continue work against far-right extremists, which was a concern of his predecessor Christian Wulff. Of extremism, Gauck said, "To those who despise democracy we say: Your hate is our incentive."
Gauck is the first East German president of the country, signifying unity and progression of the nation. Like Chancellor Angela Merkel, he is an East German Protestant. Although famous for speaking his mind, the president has no official party affiliation. Concerned with democracy and civil rights, the president is also concerned with Germany's relationship with Poland, and will pay Warsaw a visit soon. The president, at age 72, is the oldest president Germany has had. He and his partner, the journalist Daniela Schadt, are installed at the presidential residence of Bellevue Palace. Although the president is technically head of the state, the post has mainly ceremonial duties.
The election of an activist from East Germany shows progressiveness and openness that is encouraging in the field of German politics. Describing himself as a "conservative from the liberal left," Gauck bridges the gap between liberal and conservative and will hopefully be able to moderate disagreements between the two factions. As a strong advocate of democracy, Gauck will be a stabilizing force in the German parliament, and hopefully throughout the nation as well. His election is promising for Germany's continuing stability, democracy, and progressiveness.

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15828372,00.html