Merkel's extremism

German Chancellor Merkel:

"Self-censorship out of fear is not tolerable."

She was of course not referring to Germany freedom of expression laws, which must rank amongst the most draconian in the World. This after all is state-censorship. Rather, she was referring to the decision of Deutsche Oper not to deliberate offend Muslims, or Christians, in the wake of the Pope's remarks.

No threats have been made against the Deutsche Oper, but they considered imprudent to needlessly engage in faith-baiting to increase the rather poor attendance of a production that has received unfavourable reviews.

The German Chancellor, suggest that this is mistake, perhaps she will feel the need to intervene further, and insist that the production goes ahead.

Chancellor Schroeder, to his credit, understood Germany's economy depends upon gas and oil. Merkel on the other hand is a verciferous critic of Islam; she has also been one of the most vocal supporters of sanctions against Iran, notwithstanding that such a measure would amount to economic suicide. Merkel is more than impolitic; she is an extremist.