Radiofree West Hartford -- Schroeder wins, Germany loses, West Hartford Election woes, etc. by Tom Evers

September 24, 2002

Schroeder's anti-American campaign pays dividends

Those of you who know me and read my columns know that it pains me to have to write a nasty diatribe against Germany, but over the last few weeks, they have really put themselves in deep stuff and they deserve a good scolding.

United States Press Secretary Ari Fleischer had few words to say about Gerhard Schroeder's narrow victory in yesterday German National Election. The victory (by the way) was only due to Schroeder's SPD coalition with the tree hugging, Green Party. Fleischer told the media today that a letter received from Schroeder read more like an explanation than an apology. He also said, "At the governmental level, Chairman Schroeder and his government have a lot of work to repair the damage that he did by his excesses during the campaign."

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld renewed his claim that the relationship between the United States and Germany had been "poisoned". Rumsfeld outright refused to meet with his German counterpart German Defense Minister Peter Struck today at the NATO conference. A fantastic decision by Rummy, who doesn't need to spend his time with NATO members who fail to see the importance of putting Saddam Hussein out of business. This whole affair started with nasty comments by Schroeder about Germany's refusing to support the US stance on Iraq - specifically calling our planned mission in Iraq - "adventures".

To its credit, a the German News Organization, Deutsche Welle, has reported that the German Government has misplayed its hand, creating the worst rift in German-US relations since when Adhauer was Bundespraesident; he criticized President John F. Kennedy, Jr. publicly on his weak stance against the Soviet Union. Surprisingly, DW also published a picture of Schroeder depicted with a clown's nose on their webpage. Strange for a legitimate news organization but I'm not going to bicker.

Adhauer's comments at the time may have been overly harsh or perhaps honestly undiplomatic depending on your flavor. But they do not match the personal attacks on President Bush, which occurred during the German election. And if you've been on Mars or away from your newspaper or television, let me recap:

First, Ludwig Stiegler, a chief of the Social Democratic parliamentary committee compared President Bush to a Roman Emperor lording it over his colonies. And second, Herta Däubler-Gmelin, the German Justice Minister compared President Bush with Adolf Hitler, suggesting that the Pres was diverting attention away from domestic policy by opening up a war front.

A Roman Emperor? Hitler? What? This country claims to be our ally? Even China doesn't talk like this about our leaders.

Under Schroeder's leadership (ahem), Germany has managed unprecedented unemployment statistics. The German economy has taken a huge hit by this socialist's poor governance. Besides German-American relations becoming tarnished like a 1927 Ford, Germany has problems with France in the trade arena.

Based upon such a dismal track record, its no wonder why Germans sought to re-elect him for four more years.

Oh, and if that doesn't get you…if you wondered why the Green Party did so well in the election, well, its because they believe the silly notion that the floods that occurred in Germany this year was because of "Global Warming". Really? Hmm? How about a more scientific reason for the floods --- such as God was punishing them for drinking too much beer?

What does this mean for the German people? It means that for Germany damaged relations with the U.S. is bad for tourism, bad for the economy, bad for German-American cooperation in business and in trade.

There is hope on the horizon. Bavaria's Edmund Stoiber, the conservative candidate, is in hot pursuit. We can only hope that Stoiber and his Christian Democrat Union can mount opposition enough to force a new election.

West Hartford Elections - Will the Republicans please stand up

West Hartford Republican candidates have a hard enough time attracting attention, but this election cycle seems to be worse than usual.

With slow starts to their campaigns, Republican candidates appear as near no-names in this left-wing controlled city.

With odds that are about 2-1 against Republicans, one would think that they would be out in full force trying to get their message out. While they might end up being out-gunned and out-spent, they should be doubling their visibility effort -- not reducing it. It's notable that Democrats have already begun lit drops and have been active putting up campaign signs.

In the last election for Mayor, Republican candidates relied heavily on Rob Bouvier's appeal to win them victory. The result was devastating (although not for Rob statistically) and Republicans were swept out of office.

For some reason, Republican campaign strategists opted to blame the Pond House and the Swimming Pool issues, instead of blaming themselves for running such poorly organized campaigns. Oblivious to the real problem: themselves, they are falling into the same trap this time around. But this time, they don't have control so the odds are further against them.

If the West Hartford Republican Party plans a half-hazard effort just to "put someone up", then why do it? Why not concede from the start and save time, energy and money?

The best option is for those leaders in the West Hartford Republican Party to call a meeting, get focused, and fight on the issues. In a community that prides itself on activity and commerce, there's little reason to find Republicans making half-hearted effort to preserve what they spent years building.

The Harris gang may be clueless. But they are in power and are widening their base. And with opposition like this, the next election cycle could be a cakewalk for them if registered Republicans aren't motivated to vote because its clear that their party leaders can't get their acts together.

If Republicans expect to see lower taxes, better schools, an increase in local business, and all of the things they used to fight for, then they had better get off their duffs and get cracking.

Toogood isn't good at all, in fact she is a .....

Stories like this irk me. I remember watching Fox TV showing coverage of Madelyne Gorman Toogood opening the door of her sport utility vehicle, a little girl, six year old Martha Toogood hops in, and a half second later the woman is seen aggressively beating the poor child, swinging wildly with her arms. It's a horrific picture to say the least.

This woman is talking about taking an anger-management class and a "parenting class", but I'm thinking more about her serving some time behind bars. I generally support the notion that parents can and should discipline their children - even spank them when its warranted. But not assault, punch, kick, and go wild on them.

With little remorse in her eyes, she explained to Fox News that she was pretty much a victim of her emotions. I'm hoping that she becomes a victim of the system and we find her serving time in the slammer.

Her children have been placed in foster homes for the time being. Let's hope the people of Indiana have enough brains to keep them away from her permanently.