Eh, the socialists didn't go away, the die linke is getting bigger and makes ground in western germany since some SPD politicians (WASG) joined them. It's just stuff like National Front (the stalinist communist organ for controlling/approving who can be elected) that disappeared thankfully, SED themselves only had around 25% of the seats in parliament (Volkskammer). On the other hand communism where forbidden in western germany during that time. Those communists generally wouldn't be accepted in die linke though. Either way socialists is perfectly compatible with a democratic system, most western nations had communist parties in their parliaments during the cold war. They are reformed now, but it's not like they were criminals before. Not in the countries where they where allowed to exists freely. But it's just, The world looks different, domestically and abroad. The fight isn't the same. The world needed to stop being divided that's why the former SED also supported free elections/and reunification. That is what was accomplished 20 years ago. The economical divide did hurt East Germany, there were sanctions against them and other obsticals. It's what created the world market. Now Dresden is the largest cluster of semiconductor manufacturers in Europe thanks to this (and past effort by GDR). A proud people. A place where foreign investment happens. A unified germany and truly a part of the world. Not just the former communist second world (Comecon).  View

I think after the 2008 elections this may give the party a confidence boost. However, I think people are blowing it out of proportion in terms of Obama's effect on the outcome.  View

It's ironic that the Guardian--the one source which is not actually American--seems to have it straight. The gubernatorial elections are not the end of the world and certainly not the largest deal. Yes, they point to "things to come", so to speak, but I am skeptical that they truly lay out in black and white whether this country is now blue or red.  View

If you think that the president has done something wrong, then I ask you to look into every elected official. For years elections have been run on an individuals promise to be honest. If you look at any elected politians record you will find they have become corrupt. America wake up and realize that every elected official makes promises that are broken. But we still have to believe in our country and our right to change ones mind.  View

Obama%u2019s speech for students was an excellent approach to all students in the world. Obama mention that %u201Cif you quit on school you%u2019re not only quitting on yourself but on your country%u201D. That message says it all we got to work like a team to help the effects of the world. Most schools that didn%u2019t show the Obama speech surprisingly had fewer votes on November elections Mc. Cain had 67% percent of the votes.  View

It appears that elections in both Japan and the US are reaching younger voters, not surprising given Japan's severe economic downturn. The citizens want to try something new. One interesting perspective is just how this new government will effect Japan's strong relationship with the US.  View

Elections in Afghanistan will not help tame ferocious tribal leaders. A democratic regime in that part of the world does not work. America should look to its best friend, king Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. He alone understands how to treat infidels and dissidents. His wisdom has kept him in power for over 50 years. Kingdoms and kings are needed not democracies. Saudi Arabia has proven that freedom is not an option for 14th century cultures.  View

The average citizen does not believe that the government can manage a national heath care plan any better than medicare, medicaid, welfare or social security all of which are complete financial failures. These people are not radical mob members prompted and organized by the conservative party they are the tip of a very large sword of average people who are finaly fed up enough to speak out. Do not underestimate the power of the grass roots movements. Once they gain momentum it will be very difficult to blaim anyone but liberal polititions try to advance a socialist agenda. Expect support for the democratic party to dimish in the next elections.  View

It's hard to say what the motives are but it wouldn't be a shock if Kyi's house arrest were related to the upcoming elections. Politics are usually a motivating factor.  View

Health care needs to be worked on but the Obama program is not the solution. Obama is a radical and wants the US to be another Europe. The problem is four years from now we are going to be less that Europe and bankrupt. For the liberals thanks for destroying a country. For the people that think this mess was caused by Bush you are stupid. This mess is caused by overspending by the liberal democrates period. I said before the elections if obama wins and the house is democratic it spells the end of everything. Where are the new jobs except at Alcorn.  View