German politicians decided on Tuesday to send 3500 more troops to Afghanistan. The (indirect) German participation in this war started with 1000 soldiers in 2005 and took place up to now only in the northern territories which are held for less dangerous than the south. The public opinion in Germany is negative concerning a military participation in Afghanistan in general, extremely negative when it comes to an enlargement of the operational area into the south.
German policy is continiously faced with the American wish for more troops and a relocation of the activies which were dominated by charges of humanity as rebuilding, security, health care etc.
It remains an interesting question, if the new president of the US will force the demand of concrete military participation
and in what way this might take influence on the future relationship between the two countries.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/24/AR2008062400099.html
What's your favorite time of day and why?
My favorite time of the day is the time after midnight. I like the special atmosphere of the night and the creativeness and sensitiveness that is related with a certain degree of insomnia. I sometimes read, write or listen to the radio, and everything seems to be a bit conspirative. As if to say: Hey, you´re not in bed, too?
But the very early morning, the break of day, can be just as beautiful. Go for a walk on a sunday morning at 5.30 am, and you will know, what I´m talking about! Watching the rising sun, listening to the first birds, when they start singing gives to me the strongest impression of peace I can imagine.
It was a shock, but it mustn´t have come unexpected. Ireland voted with "No!". What was once planned by some enthusiasts as a European constitution, has ended up in a European desaster. There are more questions than answers at the moment: Are such votes useful? Does the European Union have a serious problem in terms of communication? For what reasons did the Irish people stop this "fast train" to a united (and more uniform) Europe?
How will the process of integration go on? Will it, under these conditions, be continued? And, last but not least, what is the definition of democracy that underlies the actual process of ratification? The voices are getting louder, saying that it would have to be rethought.
Jürgen Habermas, the famous German philosopher, has taken down his explanation for the Irish vote for spiegel-online:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,560549,00.html
If you have got an opinion concerning the future of the European Union, let the vox-users know about it!
What's the hardest part about the role you play in your family?
As an oldest child, I often had to carry the burdan of responsibility. I always had to behave as a role-model for my younger sister. So, looking back, I have to say that I missed some aspects of my childhood and was treated like a little adult much too early. Besides, one has to go through everything first, which might be an advantage or a disadvantage. Perhaps, from a certain age on, the oldest child is somewhat more a partner to the parents than this is the case for the younger offspring.
The race is finished. The Democrats have finally nominated their candidate. There were even some sighs of release, when Hillary managed to congratulate her former rival, but what about her now? This woman isn´t made for growing roses or knitting pullovers for her husband. She says, she would concentrate on her duties as a senatory now, but is this enough for someone extremely ambitious who has invested so much time and money? What do we, politically, have to expect from her?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/09/AR2008060901948.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
If you had to write your autobiography in 6 words, what would you write?
Submitted by mitzie.
I learned to live and love.
]]>We all are part of different networks, be they natural or virtual. An interesting sociological study has shown that we are strongly influenced by the co-members of these communities. Who wants to stop smoking will achieve this much easier, when he or she is faced with the good example of a friend or collegue. Even what takes place only virtually, can be inspireing and motivating. Good to know for all vox-members!
]]>German scientists found out that forced smiling can cause serious health problems. I think, in fact, we knew this already.
Has the German service sector ever been famous for its overwhelming friendlyness?
http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,553186,00.html
If you are treated unfriendly by a shop assistant next time, just remember the study and say to yourself:
He/she is just doing health care!
What I read here, nearly left me speechless. Hundreds of detainees, neither suffering from a psychological disorder nor tending to aggressiveness, seem to have been drugged against their will while being brought home by plane. In several cases, this practice of "sedation" even is expected to have had an letal effect.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/nation/specials/immigration/cwc_d4p1.html
I´d like to hear your opinion! Are the basic human rights only "for insiders"? What do these methods make you think of or being afraid of?
A recent study has shown that there is a growing fear of poverty among the Europeans because of too low pensions and more flexible biographies of employment. It seems to be obvious that additional private activity is necessary for each of us. Once, a German politician said: "Die Rente ist sicher!" (Pensions are certain.) He must hear himself being called a liar now.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6adfe8aa-20e6-11dd-a0e6-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1
How do you want to live after your retirement? Do you think you will have enough money to realize what you´re dreaming of?