Lame Duck Season

It's only one year ago. George W. Bush draw his last breaths politically. And the US had one of their most interesting election campaigns. Not because it was likely Barack Obama being elected the first black president, but because he wanted to fix the US:

That is our purpose here today. That is why I'm in this race. Not just to hold an office, but to gather with you to transform a nation. I want to win that next battle — for justice and opportunity. I want to win that next battle — for better schools, and better jobs, and better health care for all. I want us to take up the unfinished business of perfecting our union, and building a better America.

Now, Obama is struggling with fulfilling many of his election promises, in particular the health care reform. US media, even as serious as CNN, are reporting on the most ridiculous topics to discredit him or his plans.

But even this is more interesting than what's going on in Germany only one month away from Germany's most important election. It feels like they want to bring forward the lame duck season before election since we don't have one after it.

The conservative Christian Democratic Union refuses to debate. Their slogan is a meaningless:

We have the strength. Together for our country.

Or - with a plunging neckline:

We have more to offer.

Two programmatic issues called attention within the last half a year: The ridiculous election promise of tax cuts if there is some leeway. Germany has a record deficit this year due to the economic crisis and the aftermath will last for another few years. And the fight against the internet and its users.

The second major party, the Social Democratic Party has a credibility problem since they have been part of the government for the last 11 years. They are now supposed to be an alternative? They have been at all-time poll lows in the last months. The current crisis has been summarized with "privatizing profits and socializing costs". What could have been easier for a left-leaning party to base an aggressive election campaign on it? But there is hardly any attack.

Lately there was some ray of hope. So far the SPD stuck to their old mantra of "saving jobs" as seen again with Opel and Karstadt. Typically a pure waste of money since it's not possible to work against the market. But few weeks ago - what a surprise! - the SPD published its Plan for Germany. Creating 4 million jobs in future economic sectors like medical services and green technologies. That was something to discuss about at least. Maybe even reasonable when giving up trying to save old industries. But where is the debate on the plan? Instead media focused on a stolen car of a minister.

Don't we really deserve a better? Don't we have a bunch problems currently that politicians should have visions how to solve them? What will a possible TV debate between the two candidates Angela Merkel and Frank-Walter Steinmeier be like? A sleeping pill? With the lamest election campaign ever I can also foresee the voter turnout: It's going to be the lowest in history. And with the law for blocking internet addresses both parties have gambled away their credits of trust from the next generation.

Disclaimer: I consider myself left-leaning, though supporting the ideas of free market within boundaries, i.e. regulations. At the moment it is really hard to see any reason for voting except for the civic duty. Yes, I will vote nevertheless. But I'm frustrated with the dullness of our politicians and what's NOT going on at the moment.