Elections

(picture source: https://www.tagesschau.de/wahl/archiv/2021-09-26-BT-DE/index.shtml)

 

 Today, Germans have been headed to the polls to cast one of the most impactful votes of the past 16 years. For the first time since 2005, there will be a new leader in government. Merkel is stepping down—the first chancellor to do so voluntarily after such a long period in office.

On my way to church today, the radio informed me that there are 47 parties that Germans have to choose from, and I was a bit jealous. Now, you might stop me and say that there is no way that there are 47 VIABLE options, and you would be right. But there are at least six. So, much better than the two where I come from.

And, even though this is a bit of a “grass is greener” perspective, and things aren’t perfect in German politics… I can’t help but wish that things were different in the USA. You see, when there are only two options for as long as anyone can remember, it has a damaging affect. The side you are on starts to take on a “good” feel—like they can do no wrong. Meanwhile, the side that you are against begins to feel evil, and everything they do is automatically suspect without any thought given to the whole process.

By contrast, over here, tonight will issue in a process of indeterminate duration, where the elected parties and representatives will negotiate to form a government built on dialogue and compromise. And you might say something like, “Compromise is bad!” But the alternative in the States is not a “winner takes all” government, but rather a stalemate. So, no side wins. And the only currency in government is holding on to power. Accomplishments and decisions are avoided. Representative don’t represent anything. Their only goal is to stay in power.

Meanwhile, tonight we will begin to wonder—possibly for weeks or even months—what “color-combination” of coalition the next German government will have…