[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 140 (Thursday, October 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATIONS CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL

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                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 30, 2009

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on September 29, 2009, 
The New York Times reported that ``Europe's Socialists Suffering Even 
in Downturn.'' This comes on the heels of the September 27th elections 
in Germany where the socialist parties faired poorly receiving only 23 
percent of the vote--their worst result since World War II.
  I want to congratulate Chancellor Angela Merkel on her re-election to 
the position of chancellor and commend her on her capable and strong 
leadership for the German people and in the world community. She now 
leads a coalition made up of the Christian Democrats and Free Democrats 
who received 33.8 percent and 15 percent of the vote respectively.
  Following her original election, Merkel was the first person from the 
former East Germany to assume the post of chancellor of the unified 
Germany. This is a tremendous achievement since she grew up under the 
communism of East Germany.
  With a center-right majority, Chancellor Merkel will continue to lead 
with conservative principles towards greater prosperity. Germany will 
continue to be a vital member of NATO promoting peace through strength.
  I am grateful for my German heritage which German Ambassador Klaus 
Scharioth substantiated for me this year. My ancester Daniel Weisiger 
was born in Frankfort in 1709 and immigrated in 1731, from Rotterdam, 
the Netherlands, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He settled in 
Chesterfield County, Virginia. I am proud to continue my German 
heritage with my first name being Addison, even though my nickname is 
Joe. My second son and first grandson now continue the name Addison.

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