And to think, I thought the sound of that police siren was rather charming

DAY 6 of “Chancellor Watch” – Well, this is by no means a political science lecture, but here is the latest: Neither of the 2 main political parties have enough votes to push their candidate into the chancellery. So, both parties are required to find another smaller/lesser party with which to build a ruling coalition. Problem is that even if 2 parties band together, they still don’t have enough votes. Thus, it appears that Schroder’s and Merkel’s parties are going to have to work together to build what is being called a grand coalition. The opposition conservative Christian Democrats, who narrowly won last Sunday's election, are demanding that Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of the Social Democrats step down. Leading CDU politicians said that their leader, Angela Merkel, should be chancellor in a grand coalition. However the Social Democrats are insisting that Schroeder should lead any such coalition. Yea…next week’s round of meetings look to be productive, huh?

I must confess that the exporting of certain American products and concepts overseas does not especially make me shout from the rooftops with glee. Yes, there is something a little disheartening about seeing a KFC or Burger King restaurant on every corner in Seoul, Taipei, and even a few in Germany (or for the rest of the world for that matter). Likewise, I am often quite proud that the only Hollywood movies that are seen fit to show outside the US involve either comic book characters, space aliens, or young men driving fast cars and shooting guns. No wonder the world has just a skewed view of our country at times.

I think you get the picture (although there are exceptions: not that I mind being able to find a Starbuck’s anywhere in the civilized world, including the new one that just opened up less than a 10 minute walk from the apartment).

Add another export to the list: NYPD sirens and flashing red cherry lights are now being put onto all German police cars. Yes, that quaint sound of European police sirens (you know the one I mean….watch any movie with its location set in Europe and listen for the siren sound…it is quite distinctive).

Once again, the exporting of America has now moved into the vehicles of German police cars. Why? What is the rationale? I really kinda liked the other siren sound…it was just so…European! Supposedly, German citizens are becoming less responsive to the old look and siren sound after years of absorbing US popular culture, especially crime shows on television.

Ah, yes, such TV stalwarts as Starsky and Hutch, Hill Street Blues, Kojak, and The Law & Order Franchise (although I am a personal fan of this last one)…are not only another excellent example of the American export but apparently the impetus for change within German police departments.

Makes me so proud….