Bring this up in class. Should be good for a laugh.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/08/AR2005050800676.html
"Many German lawmakers have expressed concern about a limited but noticeable increase in the number of neo-Nazi sympathizers in the country."

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/world/11598759.html
"Despite Koehler's statements, the National Democratic Party of Germany and other parties commonly associated with the neo-Nazi movement are gaining support in his country. In the state parliament of Saxony, voters recently elected 12 NPD. More than 300 local German politicians today are from nationalist parties. In February in Dresden, 5,000 neo-Nazis marched during ceremonies for the 60th anniversary of the allied bombing of that city."

That news is pretty freaky. A few weeks ago, while waiting for a tram, a big shaved-head punk started screaming at a Jewish man and even though I don't understand German it was very clear from his tone and hand gestures what was happening. It was one of those brutal spontaneous moments where you realize you are witnessing something horrible, but are too afraid to get involved. The platform was full of people and everybody just looked down. It was truly a painful experience.

Before we got here I made an educated guess that even though we make a pretty big deal about race relations in American, we really are a lot further along than a good majority of the civilized world. I’m chalking that event up as support for me guessing correctly.

That is interesting. More evidence the world is going backwards and that progress is a forgotten ideal. And back where that is exemplified the most, the US, there is an interesting book, by Phillip Roth, that is generating a lot of buzz. "The Plot Against America," is a what-if story about what if US hero and Nazi sympathizer Charles Lindbergh won the 1940 election against FDR, and made a pact with Germany and Japan to stay out of the "jewish war". Of course it draws a lot of parallels to the current situation. Where the president is someone who people seem to like and relate with, but no one really knows what he stands for. And then he turns out to be really extreme and starts changing laws, appointing extreme judges, endorsing corrupt officials, and just general terrible terrible presidenting. Scary times...scary times, indeed.

"Generating a lot of buzz." Classic. I love now that things aren’t falling apart as you had predicted and hoped that you turn to fictional works set in the 1940’s as support for your current political views. Always with the positive outlook, you. So does your latest fact-based "Bush as Nazi sympathiser" theory fall into the evil genius or clueless idiot collections you have going?

I’m amazed you were even allowed to type such unpatriotic words under the current regime. I thought by now you’d be hiding up in an attic trying to avoid the frequent unannounced government searches. Again, I encourage you to let Jonah comfort you in times of unfounded panic.

And what are you still going on about that nobody understands what Bush stands for and he is just trying to please people? If you have been paying any attention at all, you would know that he is coming to be regarded as one of the most transparent Presidents in a long while in respect to saying what he thinks and doing what he says.

Anyway, many of the problems in Germany are due to the economic downturn that has resulted from the country not fully embracing free market capitalism.

Did somebody turn the old blog back on? :-)

Things aren't falling apart? On the contrary, things are going just as badly as predicted, bro. The repubs have stooped to new lows in their mission to completely turn America into right wing Jesus land. Frustrated that they can't push their ultra extreme judges through, they are trying use their majority to ban the filibuster. So if you don't get your way, change the checks and balances of the constitution? Bush has signed a law changing the bankruptcy rules, a law that mainly hurts women, poor people, and minorities. That's real shocking, since you guys are always looking out for them. And, the nomination of Bolton to the UN, an arrogant bully, is basically giving the finger to the rest of the world (again) who already think we practice cowboy foreign policy.

Oh, and it's a paradise in Iraq. Seriously, its going great. No, I mean no joke. It's wonderful over there. Every morning its just another positive note from that country that loves us most! I think murdering 100,000 civilians is definitely a fair trade for 3000 dead Americans on 9/11. No, really, 3000 for 100,000 is totally fair because of how much more American life is worth than middle easterners' lives. And plus, since the 100,000 innocent dead Iraqis have died for NOTHING, it makes it all the more special. Oh wait, not nothing, because I feel really safe. Really, damn safe! Lets keep killing those Iraqi women and children so I can retain this wonderful feeling of safety!

Yeah, things are great!

And boy, they sure hand out tough assignments at that journalistic stalwart, the National Review Online! "Jonah, why don't you watch TV this week, and see if you can write something to put down a show or too." So he's watching all the Law & Orders and then bashing them in his column? What an impressive journalist!

Klisch, keep looking for the answers. You're still holding on when you have the chance to be living the real dream, the European Dream. Where there's more literacy, less poverty, less crime, more vacation, and a better quality of life.

Meanwhile, back in Jesusland, we've banned hugging. Because, we all know how dangerous that is...

Hey, but wait, I still feel really safe...so I've got that going for me.

Hi Bryan,
Reading your blog. I don't do it very often, but really like it. I wrote you and Cheryl a few weeks ago, but don't think it got through. Anyway, I totally love the persons comment who wrote aboout the political situation in the US with the religious right going crazy, and the opposition too the Bolton nomination, which I am sure will still go through despite his being a bully! Crazy time here with our current leader. Lorraine

Hello Lorraine. That would be a post by my friend Nick you are referring to. Before moving, I had a bit of a different blog format and it ended up primarily being a place where my friends and I debated politics. It got pretty heated and you could be sure Nick was advancing the left side of the argument. I'm sure he will be happy to have more supporters if something comes up again. I'm trying not to let this blog fall into that same format, but since politics seem to be everybody's favorite subject I might stir up some debate in future posts.

This is the biggest moment of my life, thanks to Lorraine. Yeah, I didn't really want to drag my US-hate and bitterness into your travel blog, but its been a long time and I couldn't help my self. Sorry, Big Boy. I'm really mostly mad at J, since it was his vote for Bush that won him the election.

Since, you brought the entertainment factor into it, have you heard about the comments going on at Cannes regarding Revenge of the Sith? Everyone is remarking on the parallels of the theme of the movie to Bush. Democracy dying with a warmongering, peace through war, leader that eventually becomes a dictatorship. Lucas was quoted saying he's been doing a lot of research, and history supports that goverment's can turn into a dictatorship with the support of the electorate. Here's an article.

less literacy? less crime? Literacy rates in Europe are virtually identical to the US, also several European countries have a higher crime rate, the UK has the highest crime rate in the developed world in fact. The US of course has a higher murder rate.

Bern's new nickname is Heartbern. Insane photo. Worry more.

J, keep your head in the sand some more. No, seriously, don't pull it out just yet. Wait for a few more set backs to people's rights, an occupation of Iran, another 2000 or so dead, and then jump out and say, "Wha happened?!" History repeating itself never happens. Viet Nam II is looking good right now. It's a HUGE SUCCESS!

It's funny that "democrats" no longer trust the process of democracy to elect a leader. How hard was it to convince 50.1% of the people that all this ridiculousness shouldn't happen? I'm not a Bush fan, but the Democratic party no longer represents a majority of the people in America. Time to change the party or change the people. Howard Dean as party leader? Seriously. Anyway - the world's not against you Bern. I think a majority of people in the US are tolerant and intelligent, it's just that we're given really bad choices for who to vote in for Prez.

Now how about some more incredibly crisp and evocative images of Europe, Bryan?

You were given two bad choices, one was a privileged waffler who you weren't sure would be effective, but the other had led you into an unauthorized war (congress authorized war on Iraq on the basis of WMDs and discovering a link to 9/11 - two things that never happened) that led to thousands of US lives lost, a 100,000 dead civilians in the occupied country, had numerous suspect ties to big business, the pharmecuetical companies, the extreme christian conservative right, and is a proven clueless idiot ("put food on your family") - how could a responsible person choose option two?....people either decided not to bother to learn the truth, or they just don't care. Either way, people choked and their tolerance and intelligence has to be questioned.

What's happening right now is very serious. They aren't pulling all the power to the executive branch for kicks. They are going to change the constitution to clear the way for their extreme agenda. They are going to try and outlaw abortion. They are going to diminish the middle class. They are going to take away worker's benefits and rights. Bush and Co. are rolling back the US in a very detrimental way. Two of Bush's judicial nominees have received an "unqualified" rating from the ABA. Only three of his ten have acceptable ratings. These judges are being protested because they have shown an inability to keep their personal ideologies separate from the law. What happened to the separation of church and state?

This is a dangerous time for the the US and the world and no one can cause more harm than the Bush led US government. WISE UP PEOPLE! SAVE AMERICA! IMPEACH BUSH!

One of the problems your arguments always seem to have is the complete lack of recognition for the views of the opposing opinion. It is clear you don’t respect them, but you should at least acknowledge them so you have more credibility. The third reason a responsible person might have voted for Bush is that they agree with what he is doing and don’t view any of the things you mentioned as a sign of the end of the world. I’m not saying I fall in that group. I certainly not pumped about the judge issue and filibuster happenings. I’m just saying I am not so naïve as to think his agenda is evil and he is acting completely alone out of self-interest. From a popular moral perspective, many would say his agenda is good. I still have faith in the system. I will have to be proven wrong before I get upset or worried. You will never convince me with your words as I will never convince you with mine.

I just can't wait for a Democrat to get elected president because apparently the world will lock hands and break out in spontaneous koom bay ah circles.

Your words have hurt me, Bryan. Hurt me bad. BTW, Piro blew the FG party for when you get back - not even saving them...he's worse then Priscilla Owens, AKA Judge Dred...

I've only seen two episodes. My stupid tivo refuses to record the show for some reason. I'm saving them from now on.

I still can't even believe it's back on the air. Do you guys know if it's doing any better in the ratings this time around? Good job, Piro. Even watching an episode or two will be like Christmas for me.

Hi Bryan and Cheryl,
It has taken me this long to figure out this blog thing, and where I find out if you received my email. Am I blog illiterate or what? Let me start out by thanking Cheryl and you for the Thank You note and the yummy chocolate. That was so very sweet (no pun intended)! What a surprise to get in the mail this week. I am enjoying all the pictures. How fun that Cheryl's sister got to visit. If Ron weren't working I would have invited ourselves over already! I am so happy your parents are going over with you two when you return in August. There is just something about Europe. I recently read places not to miss in Switzerland were; Valais-Verbier and Zermatt, a rail trip to the Jungefraujoch, Kandersteg, and the St. Moritz Glacier Express! Since you do such good research you proably know this already, but the nomadic person in me couldn't resist! Yes, I really enjoy Nick's political postings. I wonder if he listen to Air America 1090? Today in the paper there is more about Bolton and his past bullying, and also the government has "fessed up" to their treatment of prisoners and the Quram. We have now seen four spellings of the word "Quram," so don't know which is correct! Ok, I have gone on long enough. I am glad you two are taking such great advantage of traveling throughout Europe. These will live on as wonderful memories for you both, like a long honeymoon! Hugs to you both.
Lorraine