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Uncle Sam's on sale.
Picture by James Fraser/jamesmfraser.co.uk |
Angela Merkel is tackling political problems after yesterday's election victory that you could frankly fit in a matchbox. Over at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, we're all reminded of the hard-power confrontation of East v West, capitalism v communism, that threatened world peace for 45 years. The Berlin Wall divided a city and countless families, with tanks ranged against each other and escapees from the East were shot dead by border guards, until in 1989, the wall fell. Hardline Communist leader Erich Honecker was booted out by his own party, east German border guards to their credit, refused to open fire as thousands flooded across the border met by as many jubilant West Germans. Trabant met BMW. Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall became history. Today, it is part moving tribute, part tacky tourist trap. The only battle raging here is between the fast food outlets dotted around the once feared junction. Guess who's won.
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