Affiliation and the Polite Circle
In the heart of Germany, the city of Gelsenkirchen, often referred to as the 'poorhouse of the republic,' has been experiencing a political shift. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has been thriving in this city, but contrary to popular belief, it's not due to the sudden appearance of refugees. Instead, the roots of the AfD's success lie in long-term economic dependency.
Gelsenkirchen has been grappling with above-average unemployment, high child poverty, and low per capita incomes for decades. This economic struggle has left many residents in precarious situations, making them vulnerable to political promises.
Meanwhile, the Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces, has been actively recruiting from the working class, migrant youth, and what some call 'citizen's money teens.' The Bundeswehr's incentives, such as 2,000 euros net, free train rides, and a 3,500-euro driver's license, have been seen as a way to escape poverty or meager wages in the crafts.
However, the recruitment strategy of the Bundeswehr has raised concerns. Critics argue that it exploits the economic struggles of young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to fill the ranks of the military.
The Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), represented by Boris Pistorius, has been advocating for a more balanced approach to address these social issues. The CDU, on the other hand, has been criticised for using smoke screens against migrants and 'citizen's money' as an alternative to addressing the root causes of these issues.
The CDU's strategy, if necessary, includes conscription. This has led to concerns about the disenfranchised being risked to defend the very inequality that landed them in the barracks in the first place.
Interestingly, the city of Cologne, contrary to popular belief, is not significantly affected by high foreigner populations. In fact, Green candidates have won mayoral elections in areas supposedly plagued by high foreigner populations.
This narrative of 'overload' and 'internal security' issues, emphasised by the CDU and its media lackeys for years, has been challenged. The reality is that the social question is the main concern. Repression is given to those who demand integration, while those who demand social justice are offered Friedrich Merz.
The school system in Germany also distributes opportunities based on postal code, further exacerbating social inequality. This systemic issue needs to be addressed to ensure a fair and equal education for all.
As the debate on rearmament and moral responsibility continues, it's crucial to remember who will actually hold the weapons. Not the sons from the 'bourgeois center,' but those who have been discarded by a school system that distributes opportunities based on postal code and a politics that prioritises the debt brake over classrooms.
In the end, it's essential to address the root causes of economic dependency and social inequality to prevent the rise of extremist parties like the AfD and to ensure a fair and just society for all Germans.
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