I still hope that the American system of checks and balances will ultimately prevent this man, Donald Trump, with his erratic political style, from jeopardizing our European security architecture.

The ESM, the European Stability Mechanism, is not funded by Germany alone. Twenty-seven percent of the bailout package comes from Germany. Italy and France together cover a total of 38 percent. That's reality. It makes no sense to say that everyone wants to get at Germany's money.

The question of societal fairness is always pertinent.

We are seeing now that without the contribution of the Social Democrats, Germany cannot be governed. We are a proud and self-confident party. We should now act based on that pride, and not out of fear.

It is courageous to occasionally admit that there are certain things one can't do.

Donald Trump must be taken seriously. He is fulfilling his dangerous campaign promises.

But if you constantly insist only on your own interpretation, it isn't long before it seems patronizing.