What's up German Guy, it's been a while.
I hope the West don't simply give in, that would have pretty bad consequences in shifting the balance back toward Russia. We worked so hard (Europe and America that is) to achieve the balance the way it is today. And nobody has benefitted more from that work than the Germans - you have reunited East and West, you've formed a European Union, your economy has blossomed and your country has really entered a new era.
It was only 25 years ago, though, that the Soviets had East Germany under their sphere of influence. 25 years is not that long, and many of those Russians are still alive. You have to assume that there are people in Russia who look west with one eye, hoping for a chance to regain what they used to have.
If we give in and let Russia just take Ukraine or do what they want, then that cloud of Russian influence drifts closer and closer to Germany's back door. If Russia wins in Ukraine, they will only get bolder.
I have no doubt that the United States will support Germany and every other NATO country, I just hope Obama and his team have the skill to diffuse the situation before it gets to that point without tilting the balance of power to the Russian side. I think it is possible, but, like I said earlier, this is the most important moment of Obama's presidency.