Photo courtesy of Breitner

She's inspired so many people to do more. She has done a fabulous job in supporting the Iraq War from the get go. Her vision for Germany is clear: more bureaucracy, higher taxes and non-idealistic bickering. German politics today appear dull and lacklustre when compared to the American revival of democratic participation in recent weeks.

There are five parties who strategize about how to block each other. Their profiles are waning while Merkel stands guard as the gatekeeper of mediation. What Germany direly needs are politicians with big ideas that reach beyond greater exports and talk about what people feel and want. Someone who stands up for their beliefs, is steadfast, honest and authentic.

German democracy is healthy, yes, people vote and political discussions are common in everyday life. Voter turnout is solid during general elections. Yet, the majority of politicians in today's Grand Coalition are lawyers! That doesn't mean these lawyers don't work hard, although I do wonder about the diversity gap.

Obama personifies the "yes we can" America that overcomes adversity and is open to change. Germany is afraid of change. Former chancellor Adenauer famously coined the message "no more experiments" after World War II and Merkel is in line with that legacy. Schröder's Agenda 2010 is actually the closest thing to change seen in decades.

It might be the pessimistic attitude that hinders true change or the organizational fetish that fails to see the forest for the trees. Nonetheless, Germany has a bright future -- even if it might take a few more lessons from Obama, a new vision and challenges to the political system.