Readers Oppose Obama Speaking at Brandenburg Gate | Services from Deutsche Welle | DW | 17.07.2008
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Readers Oppose Obama Speaking at Brandenburg Gate

Barack Obama should not speak in front of Berlin's historical Brandenburg Gate when he travels to Germany at the end of the month, say most readers. However some support the idea.

Brandenburg Gate

Berlin's Brandenburg Gate is one of the city's most famous landmarks

The following comments reflect the views of DW-WORLD.DE readers. Not all reader comments have been published. DW-WORLD.DE reserves the right to edit for length and appropriateness of content.

The Brandenburg Gate is a symbol of Germany and Germany stands for liberal ideas. I therefore think that the German authorities should allow Obama to make a speech in front of the Brandenburg Gate. -- Vivek, India

It's totally Germany's call. -- William Byars, US

Obama is just trying to make a Kennedy-esque speech to bolster his lack of international diplomatic experience. Obama is no Jack Kennedy. -- David Garlits, US

Not no, but hell no, Brandenburg speech by Obama? No, no, hell no. -- Earnest C. Bell, US

The answer is a straight no! Such a powerful German symbol should be used only for official speeches, or at least for matters of utmost importance. If Obama wants this privilege, let his desire to do so be one more incentive for him to fight for his election. For now, he should deliver the speech in a more neutral place. -- Clovis Maia, Brazil

I believe Senator Obama should not speak at such an important place in your country because of the nature of the person. He has conducted one of the most anti-democratic campaigns here and has used race as a card on his favor. He should not be given any special treatment, especially when he was not nominated by the majority that voted in the primaries. It is insulting that he is using such a fine place to promote his message. I hope people in Germany will listen to us. -- Oscar P. Miami, US

Barack Obama

Obama is already acting like an elected official, said one reader


Perhaps those who oppose Senator Obama speaking at such a significant historical monument in Berlin do not want to see the positive, enthusiastic outpouring of affection for the US that John McCain could never attract. -- Ralph Leighton Tiburon, US

Allowing Obama to speak before the Brandenburg Gate should be not depend upon whether you support or oppose him. It's a matter of free speech. If the requirements for being permitted to speak there are reasonable, and he meets them, then that should be the end of the discussion. -- Name: Don Crowell, US

Many Americans feel as I do. Obama's visit to your country is political posturing. I am ashamed that he will be speaking to people in Germany as if he were an elected official. He is an inexperienced Senator who has lied and cheated his way onto the Democratic ballot. I will cross party lines and vote for McCain. Please do not give him a stage to use. -- Carole Weinfurtner, US

I absolutely am against Obama doing any campaigning overseas. He is running for president of the US not Germany or any of the other stops he plans on making. Does he think this will get him more votes? He acts like he's already the president, Mr. Arrogant Know-Nothing! -- Sharon Long, US

Absolutely not! Obama should not be allowed to engage in political posturing in front of the Brandenburg Gate! Do not allow him to use one of Germany's most historical monuments to promote his political campaign. -- Don Zimmer, US

It had me thinking why some of the Germans are such big Obama fans. I couldn't think of any reason other than that some Germans do in fact wish Obama, if he were elected, would have an impact in German politics. Is it the reason for Berlin to approve Obama speaking in front of the historic Brandenburg Gate? Same as JFK did when Germany was in a state of reconstruction? I do fear that the opportunity may produce a sense of false significance. I just don't see why or how Obama's presidency would have a positive impact on German politics. Would his presidency create jobs, stop the shortage of skilled labor, and rebuild the eastern part of Germany? I don't even know if he could produce any significant impact on domestic US politics. Should he decide to speak in front of the Brandenburg Gate? Perhaps he should ask himself what else he could do for Germany. If he can't think of any policy outside of NATO and UN, he is about to disappoint. -- Victor Chan, US

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  • Date 17.07.2008
  • Author Compiled by DW staff (kjb)
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  • Date 17.07.2008
  • Author Compiled by DW staff (kjb)
  • Print Print this page
  • Permalink https://p.dw.com/p/EctS
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