Food for thought

Der Spiegel - After violating European Union deficit rules in recent years, Germany's budget shortfall in 2011 plunged to just 1 percent of gross domestic product, well below the 3 percent limit. The economic outlook for 2012 may be improving as well.

The current estimate by the CBO is about 10% of GDP for the US in 2011.

The strength of the German economy can be found in high productivity, low labor costs when adjusted for productivity. This translates in low deficit, a solid economy, and the real reason behind the "surprising" strength of the Euro.