Thus Der Spiegel today. “In recent years, a new protest culture has made it more difficult for to complete big infrastructure projects in Germany,” explains the newspaper. “Now leaders are growing increasingly frustrated with protesters’ unwillingness to compromise, and worry they’re endangering the country’s future.” Among the projects are the new Munich airport, Stuttgart’s new railway station, and the new soccer stadium in Freiburg. Disruption of affected communities, spiraling costs, and alleged corruption are the main causes of strife. According to the article, grassroots groups have become so livid, intransigent, and single-minded that even the most respected politician in the country, Angela Merkel, is feeling their sting. I cannot but feel jubilant about the new protest culture, though. Big projects are suspect from the start. And so is the government, which is forever catering to the rich. Besides, the new protest culture brings communities together at long last. And that is the only way to face the uncertain future ahead of us. Fingers crossed.