Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany addressed the entire United States Congress and spoke privately with President Obama to speak of the past and what must be done to preserve the future. This address marked the first time a German head of state has spoken to the United States Congress since Konrad Adenauer in 1957. A child of Communist East Germany, the leader of a now united Germany cited that growing up under the oppression of the Soviets made her believe that not in "her wildest dreams" would she be able to address the U.S. Congress. However her trip to the United States was not simply to harken back to the days of old, but to ensure that we solve the very real problems of today. The Chancellor, used Iran as a prime example. Chancellor Merkel declared that the international community should adapt a "zero tolerance policy for any nation who intends to threaten our security." With that staement, the entire audience erupted into a standing ovation. Chancellor Merkel also addressed Global climate change, a very important issue to her and the European community. She urged the U.S. to take a definite stance and begin to work on possible solutions. Without a doubt her visit was a huge success, especially considering she recieved six standing ovations from Congress.
By: Travis James
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