Since 1989, it is not only the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany that has increased, but the legion of unemployed and of right-wing extremists. And for the first time since World War II, Germany is once again involved in combat, in ex-Yugoslavia. It seems timely, therefore, to take another look at the foundations of this state: namely, its so-called Basic Law, the Grundgesetz. As things stand today, presenting this text in any form, and certainly displaying it publicly, is in itself a political act, casting a certain doubt on the legitimacy of present-day developments and procedures.