Weird.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070921/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_germany_politics_marriage

Then what's the point of getting married?

Wow. That's one of the dumbest things I've heard in awhile (Marbury excluded)...It just doesn't make any sense?? How can couple plan for retirement together or acheive any sort of long term goals???

Well... after 7 years you can choose to have it annulled, or go on for another \"term.\"

Still, like you guys, I don't get it. Wtf is the point of getting married then???

Muhahahahahahaha !

I can't believe it! There is really someone paying attention to what is happening in Germany...especially in Bavaria?? That's more funny than the whole story itself, which is by the way pretty good covered in that article.

The really fun thing is, that Dr. Gabriele Pauli openly admits that she has taken this idea from a German COMEDIAN! But...the article already explained that very well...that she basically has absolutely no chance of winning the election for party presendency, but she is one of those persons, who have been insignificant throughout their entire life and (in this case) political career. But having tasted fame once, she can not get back to her old life and is willing to do everything, no matter how silly to just get on the headlines again.

And to be honest: Trying to win an election in the most catholic, blimpish and prude region / party in Germany by promoting the idea to downgrade marriage is something veeeeeery silly, completely leaving aside the question if that was a good idea or not. THOSE people will defenitely NOT vote for you !

But as far as I know...in the U.S.A. there are a whole bunch of people campaigning to become your next president who are by far weirder and have crazier ideas as she does. That's democracy...everybody can try, even if he has no chance at all.

Sanyarin wrote:

Ahhh so true. Touche.

Doesn't anyone care that she is proposing something so stupid? I mean, wow.

College WolfI do not know. How do you define \"care\"? Of course all conservative politicians were quick to issue a statement how embarrased they are that a person who makes such proposals is in a party that was once build on catholic values. And even the green and liberal parties as well as the (supposedly) left winged social democrats, fearing to loose political ground, reminded everyone who wanted (or did not want) to hear on what an important institution marriage was for the society and that such an idea would definitely not meet their opinions.

But since nobody does take Dr. Pauli, her candidacy or her program very serious, the storm of (mostly acted) outrage quickly clamed down again. This whole story is only three days old and there is not even one note in the newspapers left.

On the question if this was actually a good idea or not, I am not that sure. Of course it probably won't find a majority in the population, which is somehow still very much influenced by the religious understanding of a marriage. But taking a look at it from a realistic point of view and leaving aside the religios aspects (since not all marriages are closed before a priest, but all are before an administrational clerk)...I would think it was at least worth thinking about it. But since I believe that all positive effects I would want to reach with such a proposal could be assumed otherwise...especially if the people put some brain in their lifes. I would definitely prefer to keep things the way they are now. Nobody (should be) is forced to marry afterall!

Another Howl for you. Your knowledge on this subject is impressive.

\"I do not know. How do you define \"care\"? Of course all conservative politicians were quick to issue a statement how embarrased they are that a person who makes such proposals is in a party that was once build on catholic values\"

- Yeah, the bolded apart above was pretty much what I was thinking.


I guess I could see why some people would argue in favor of this proposal... but then as you said, why get married in the first place? No one makes people get married. Well... there are very few arranged marriages anymore these days. Maybe in some third world countries I guess.

College WolfI wish I could agree with you on this. I do not want to get too much into that topic but here in Germany and (maybe Zonker can affirm this) in Europe, we haven't started until 9/11 to realize how deep the trench between our western, christian society and the millions of immigrants have become over the years.

Now being sentinized, our society is left scrambling to somehow fill the trenches and get people integrated in a society, they have isolated themselves from for decades and generations. This leads to many strange and little useful discussions here in Germany, where we always feel the urge to be more tolerant against other cultures as maybe necessary (given our dark and despicable past).

But back on topic: Having now and finaly taken a closer look on those \"parallel societies\" that exist in our countries, we were aghast to notice how far away from our moral standarts they have drifted. Arranged and forced marriages, discrimination, honor killings and other \"customs\" more suited to a medieval society have become widespread with people whose native / origin countries have long left those deplorable customs behind.

It is really sad, but forced marriages are a reality, even within the borders of western countries.