‘Stifling’ Regulations Preserve Local Character

Re: “Market Forces Loosening State’s Grip on ‘Germany Inc.’ ” [June 11]. Having been born and raised in Germany, I found the subject very interesting. Last year, I returned for a visit and, as a tourist, found much of the quaint old Germany still around. Changes, though, are apparent, particularly in the business community.

The article did a splendid job in describing many of the business-stifling laws and rules that govern a large portion of life in the German community. Let us not forget, though, that many of these regulations are contributing to the character of these very same communities.

The store closings, the sweeping of the sidewalks, the Sunday rest for peace and tranquillity, the local baker, butcher and “Kaffee-Klatsch” houses, the absence of the “billboard jungle” and fast-food joints, used-car lots and gas stations on every corner, and on and on, may be stifling for many businesses but constitute a considerable part of what makes the country unique and attractive.

When all of these things go, as appears inevitable, particularly in the face of the strengthening European Economic Community and the Internet, we might look back with a sense of sadness to a period of tranquillity and unique character, lost forever to “progress.”

H.H. BARTHEL

Torrance