The Großer Zapfenstreich ("Grand Tattoo") is a solem, torchlit military ceremony to honor distninguished public figures for their service to the Federal Republc of Germany. Christian Wulff, who was forced to resign the presidency under a cloud of controversy, was given a Zapfenstreich but it was hardly the celebratory event he had hoped for:
Vuvuzela-wielding protestors kept up a constant barrage of noise at a torchlit military ceremony on Thursday for Germany's former president Christian Wulff who left office under a cloud.Around 250 demonstrators blowing the plastic horns that became famous during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa made their feelings loudly known as a military band battled to compete.
But Wulff has the last laugh, as he leaves office with a guaranteed annual stipend of more than $250,000.
At least the whole sordid affair is making people rethink how the president is picked. Currently the president is selected by members of the Bundestag and other dignitaries. But recent polls show that 80% of Germans would like to see the president, who is supposed to be Germany's moral compass, chosen by the people.
One final thought on Wulff: for all of his weaknesses, and they were many, Wulff spoke out against the Sarrazin-fueled intolerance of Germany's Muslim minorities. His probable successor, Joachim Gauk, has not exhibited this type of courage so far.
'Fremdschämen', feeling the shame of another person, has come to end at last. Next worthwile target: That parson Gauck.
Posted by: Strahler 70 | March 09, 2012 at 11:11 PM