Der Spiegel: 'America's Renewal Is No Modest Undertaking'

[marmar]

THE WORLD FROM BERLIN
'America's Renewal Is No Modest Undertaking'


Germans are anxiously looking forward to the beginning of Barack Obama's presidency Tuesday. German commentators know that the road to change is steep and long, but they're happy Obama will be at the wheel.

Whether in front of their computers at work or in bars and living rooms, Germans across the country are looking forward to seeing Barack Obama sworn in as the 44th president of the United States Tuesday evening.

Chancellor Angela Merkel told Germany's ARD television Tuesday that this is "a truly great hour for America" that offers "a multitude of opportunities" for international cooperation on issues such as the global financial crisis and terrorism.

For the average German, Tuesday marks a culmination of months of anticipation brought on by the close scrutiny given to the entire campaign and election seasons. For them, it would seem that the real trans-Atlantic issue of the day isn't so much about restoring frayed political ties as seeing whether Obama will inspire Americans to change -- and preferably change back into something many Germans once greatly admired. ........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,602337,00.html

[Xipe Totec]

1. Well, okay, renewal it is...

but I'll need 10 kegs of beer, a continuous tape of Louie Louie and a regulation two-story panty-raid ladder...