But if that statement was anything more than a lofty academic ideal, we would not have had a Nazi problem in the first place.

I Think I'll have to agree with Timber here...


I bet there's a forest with the star of David on it...


*Runs out looking for it :D

But if that statement was anything more than a lofty academic ideal, we would not have had a Nazi problem in the first place. </font>[/QUOTE]No, incorrect. The world identified and defeated the Nazi problem without ever outlawing the party or speech regarding it. Besides, the Nazi problem was more rooted in the problems of Tyranny. Most Nazis didn't know Hitler's agenda, nor all his and the SS's secrets and secret secrets and uber secret secrets. It's not like the majority of the Germany citizenry signed off on or voted for eradication of the Jews.

I'd remove it, but just because it ruin the scenery of what look like a nice natural preserve. It doesn't matter if it was Mickey Mouse's head or a Naked profile of Britney Spears, it just doesn't fit there.

You mean it was tried in the world court of public opinion? Well, perhaps...but I would still go for the simpler explanation that they were engaged and ultimately defeated because of their warmongering, rather than any decision that Nazism should be eradicated. Of course it quickly became the focal point once the fighting started...

Speaking of the culpability of the "average joe" German, my (only!) German friend actually takes quite a harsh line on this, compared to what those of us in other countries might be prepared to do. Apparently there is a fair amount of evidence showing that many turned a very blind eye to proceedings - the most famous example I suppose being the town that got sprinkled by ash from the crematorium every day.

Ah well, I think you are a better Libertarian than I, Timber [img]smile.gif[/img] I'm all for freedom of speech and ideas on the whole (and actually I think Germany perhaps goes too far in its suppression) but removing something as blatant as this I really can't get too upset about. After all, it's not an idea, nor an example of free speech - simply a symbol that has become synonomous with crimes against humanity.

[ 11-16-2005, 07:16 PM: Message edited by: shamrock_uk ]

<font color=8fbc8f>Well generally speaking, I guess with 14 yrs of service stationed in, or deployed from Germany. I can say, We the free world, show more interest in anything like this, or history thereof, than they really give a "drecksau" about! But in order to keep things normal, "Herr Forstmeister" was following the beliefs, and the curent "Meister" must now take action to ensure normalcy.

However, since this article is 5 years old, and is still available from the AP.....</font>
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