It's Time for Some Campaignin'

Oh! I remember this time of year in Germany from when I was on my mission! The air is a little cooler. The sunset comes a little earlier. There is a freshness, a briskness in everything. And there are campaign posters EVERYWHERE. Plastered on buildings, roadsigns, lampposts, you name it. You see, America isn't the only country in the world with some crazy politics. Even the "dry" and "stiff" Germans get riled up when it comes to jobs, the economy, and taxes. The state where I now live just had its parlimentary elections, and there was plenty to make me feel right at home. There were posters about caring about the elderly, giving our children better opportunities, and job creation. Sound familiar? But there were also a few surprises. Come with me as we explore the world of German politics through their colorful propaganda!

Let's start with the ruling party, Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDP). Looks like they're great coaches. And they can help your girl scouts succeed! It says they'll keep Rostock safe and orderly. Hmm...that sounds good. Maybe I'll vote CDP...

But what's this? This cool-lookin' dude is from the Social Democrats (SDP), the major rivals to the CDP. He's as good as the land, it says. Wow. That's pretty dang good. AND he respects the elderly??!! How can I not vote for that?

Uh-oh. This looks cool. So bright, so green. Of course! It the Green Party! And they know how to make machines that make jobs. Sounds magical. Maybe it IS time to give the Greens a chance...

What.the.heck. A Pirate Party? Who's ever heard of a Pirate Party? What's their platform? Rum and booty for every child? Well, not according to this poster. This one just says "Nazis out, Pirates in"... Nazis? really?

Yeup. They're still around. And what's more, their official platform (the National Democratic Party or NDP) actually won some seats in parliment from this state during the last election. A bit of a protest vote, I'm told, but still quite embarrassing for most folks around here. That's why there were quite a few "Choose ANYONE but the Nazis!" signs out there this time around, too. Sounds like a pretty good plan to me. I did actually see some NDP signs around town, but they were mostly very high up on street lamps where the young people couldn't get to them and tear them down. They had scary-looking images of minarett towers overshadowing church steeples and said "No mosques in Rostock!" Still playing the fear and hate card, I'm afraid...

Well, there's the quick and dirty tour of some German political propaganda for you. And, just so you know, the nice guys do come out on top. The guy who respects the elderly totally won.

See you next year, Campaign Signs!

P.S. I learned yesterday that the Pirate Party is a real global phenomenon. They want all information to be free to everyone (no patents, no copyrights, etc.) Not quite as cool as the rum idea...

P.P.S. If you haven't seen the jibjab video this post's title is referencing for a while, you really should review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adc3MSS5Ydc

It'll get you ready for 2012. Hooray for politics and unicorns jumping over rainbows!