Unemployed German Man Stirs Debate
`The 37-year-old, who has been without work for six years, chanced upon Kurt Beck, chairman of the Social Democrats – the center-left half of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s federal coalition.
Beck was a perfect target for Frank’s frustration, and he harangued the politician for what he saw as the failure of economic reforms aimed at lifting people like himself – a construction worker – out of unemployment and into a better life.
Beck’s retort? “If you would just wash and shave, you’d find a job, too.”
Two days later, Frank lopped off his locks, shaved his dark beard and removed his nose rings. Then he organized a news conference.’