"Verboten"

Germany's President - a largely ceremonial figure - has resigned over some comments in which he gave the impression that he favors military intervention to protect his country's economic interests. I guess he must be dumbfounded at the reaction that his remarks has generated, because this is precisely what wars are usually about. Although he may have been too blunt, Germany's allies - with the U.S. leading the way - have done this throughout history. Oh, of course, they always say that they are fighting for democracy and freedom, but that is rarely the case. Invariably, military force is used to get more land, oil, other natural resources or to secure commercial and trading advantages.

Candor in politics has a very high price.

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