>>>
>>>Indeed, but all great politicians have some Machiavellian streak. It's unavoidable really.
>>>
>>Others would call it the main skill of a politican.
>>
>>Mutti has startet deep in eastern germanys youth organisation, a doctorade in eastern germany, what only was possible with some clear positions (demonstarions of the right Weltanschauung to keep the thread). Kept the name of first husband while divorced and remarried. (First husband is not very happy with it as a friend shared expresses it). Trimmer. I can do without her.
>
>I guess you're an "Ossie" yourself. So you should know : was there another way to accomplish something in East-Germany ?

Yes.

Father-in-law of thing two, my age, has rejected army service (complete no go), religous and so on. Studied physics in eastern germany.
While I know enough people that had problems to qualify for a study the direct way, I personaly know enough examples the other way around, as well enough that are gone a secondary way. One had to agree to a degree (or at least to keep quiet) to get promoted by the state (problem was this was the only possible way for some things), but not as much as Angela did.
[ironic]Also, if one follows the stories about some people (those self decribing as opposition) it seems to be very easy at this time. [/ironic]