. . . the last time Germany stood for a value in the world, it was responsible for the death of sixty million people. Since that time, Germany has stood for nothing other than its own self-preservation and the creation of a comfortable lifestyle for its citizens. These are not values that inspire a citizenry to sacrifice. They are not values that inspire admiration in the world. The real reason Germans have a hard time developing a sense of patriotism without being nationalistic is because the nation, its politicians and its religious leaders, have failed to develop and instill a sense of purpose in society other than self-gratification. Germany cannot close out World War II because it has done nothing since that time to demonstrate it has truly become a different entity. Time will never solve Germany’s problem. History judges deeds, not intentions. Pacifism as the lesson Germany draws from its history will continue to ring hollow to a world that suspects the real motivation behind it has more to do with the desire to avoid the suffering inflicted upon Germany rather than the suffering it inflicted upon others. Germans will neither be able to put the war and the holocaust behind them nor understand what patriotism means until they can take pride in something other than health and unemployment benefits.
This site created and updated entirely by myself, Robert, a New Yorker living in London and Dorset, England -- and it spares my lovely, soft-spoken English wife from having to endure my carryings on. She thanks you for the peace and quiet she has found.
Expatyank@aol.com EMAIL REQUEST: This writer sure as heck doesn't know everything -- unlike the BBC's Jeremy Bowen, who obviously does -- so disagreement is expected. Well-expressed alternative views and interpretations are more than welcome, for that's how we all learn more in this life. But email is for contact primarily. So please phrase all abuse politely, and place it in the comments. Signed, The Management.
"The more he saw of Europe, the dearer his own country became, taking a
luster to all its parts that no one bound to the farther shore could know it
merited." (p. 331)
