German editorial on Europe

[OSU Sig]

A GERMAN EDITORIAL

If any of you still feel that this war on terror is a mistake, here is an
opinion from an unexpected source. It's fascinating that this should come out of Europe. Mathias Dapfner, Chief Executive of the huge German publisher Axel Springer AG, has written a blistering attack in DIE WELT, Germany’s largest daily paper, against the timid reaction of Europe in the face of the Islamic threat.

This is a must-read by all Americans. History may well certify its correctness.

EUROPE - THY NAME IS COWARDICE

(Commentary by Mathias Dapfner CEO, Axel Springer, AG)

A few days ago Henry Broder wrote in Welt am Sonntag, " Europe -your family name is appeasement." It's a phrase you can't get out of your head because it's so terribly true.

Appeasement cost millions of Jews and non-Jews their lives, as England and France, allies at the time, negotiated and hesitated too long before they noticed that Hitler had to be fought, not bound to toothless agreements.

Appeasement legitimized and stabilized Communism in the Soviet Union, then East Germany, then all the rest of Eastern Europe, where for decades; inhuman suppressive, murderous governments were glorified as the ideologically correct alternative to all other possibilities.

Appeasement crippled Europe when genocide ran rampant in Kosovo, and even though we had absolute proof of ongoing mass-murder, we Europeans debated and debated and debated, and were still debating when finally the Americans had to come from halfway around the world, into Europe yet again, and do our work for us.

Rather than protecting democracy in the Middle East, EuropeanAppeasement, camouflaged behind the fuzzy word "equidistance," now countenances suicide bombings in Israel by fundamentalist Palestinians.

Appeasement generates a mentality that allows Europe to ignore nearly 500,000 victims of Saddam's torture and murder machinery and, motivated by the self-righteousness of the peace movement, has the gall to issue bad grades to George Bush... Even as it is uncovered that the loudest critics of the American action in Iraq made illicit billions, no, TENS of billions, in the corrupt U.N. Oil-for-Food program.

And now we are faced with a particularly grotesque form of appeasement. How is Germany reacting to the escalating violence by Islamic Fundamentalists in Holland and elsewhere? By suggesting that we really should have a "Muslim Holiday" in Germany?

I wish I were joking, but I am not. A substantial fraction of our (German) Government, and if the polls are to be believed, the German people, actually believe that creating an Official State "Muslim Holiday" will somehow spare us from the wrath of the fanatical Islamists. One cannot help but recall Britain’s Neville Chamberlain waving the laughable treaty signed by Adolph Hitler and declaring European "Peace in our time".

What else has to happen before the European public and its political leadership get it? There is a sort of crusade underway, an especially perfidious crusade consisting of systematic attacks by fanatic Muslims, focused on civilians,
directed against our free, open Western societies, and intent upon Western
Civilization's utter destruction.

It is a conflict that will most likely last longer than any of the great
military conflicts of the last century - a conflict conducted by an enemy that
cannot be tamed by "tolerance" and "accommodation" but is actually spurred on by such gestures, which have proven to be, and will always be taken by the Islamists for signs of weakness. Only two recent American Presidents had the courage needed for Anti-appeasement: Reagan and Bush.

His American critics may quibble over the details, but we Europeans know the
truth. We saw it first hand: Ronald Reagan ended the Cold War, freeing half of the German people from nearly 50 years of terror and virtual slavery. And Bush, supported only by the Social Democrat Blair, acting on moral conviction, recognized the danger in the Islamic War against Democracy. His place in history will have to be evaluated after a number of years have passed.

In the meantime, Europe sits back with charismatic self-confidence in the
multicultural corner, instead of defending liberal society's values and being an
attractive center of power on the same playing field as the true great powers, America and China.

On the contrary - we Europeans present ourselves, in contrast to those "arrogant Americans", as the World Champions of "tolerance", which even (Germany’s Interior Minister) Otto Schily justifiably criticizes. Why? Because we're so moral? I fear it's more because we're so materialistic, so devoid of a moral compass.

For his policies, Bush risks the fall of the dollar, huge amounts of additional
national debt, and a massive and persistent burden on the American economy - because unlike almost all of Europe, Bush realizes what is at stake - literally everything.

While we criticize the "capitalistic robber barons" of America because they seem too sure of their priorities, we timidly defend our Social Welfare systems. Stay out of it! It could get expensive! We'd rather discuss reducing our 35-hour workweek or our dental coverage, or our 4 weeks of paid vacation...Or listen to TV pastors preach about the need to "reach out to terrorists. To understand and forgive".

These days, Europe reminds me of an old woman who, with shaking hands,
frantically hides her last pieces of jewelry when she notices a robber breaking
into a neighbor's house.

Appeasement?

Europe, thy name is Cowardice

---God Bless America---

[Another oSu win]

Hear Hear !!

Great post.

[ctaggie]

Positive signs in France with election Sunday of Sarkozy ... right of center ... pro-American ... wanting to reduce taxes and give incentives to work beyond 35 hours a week. "Old Europe" as Rumsfeld put it will gradually change economically to better compete ... become less protectionist. Follows last year's election in Canada with similar traits ... as well as Australia continuing to have very pro-American leader. Merkel in Germany should be an improvement over Schroeder. So there are many positive trends.

[steross]

1. Europe is appeasing its fundamentalist Muslim population. That appears to be true, and a problem.
2. The Kosovo genocide, which he mentions, was stopped by NATO action led by President Clinton. Yet, for some reason he only credits Reagan and Bush.
3. Taking out Saddam at a critical time in the war against the Islamic extremists was a mistake in my opinion. We took our eye off the ball. This guy disagrees with me. The answer to this is what history will certify.
4. This editorial is not the least bit surprising. Axel Springer AG lists on its website the following corporate principles:

Quote:

1. To uphold liberty and law in Germany, a country belonging to the Western family of nations, and to further the unification of the peoples of Europe. 2. To promote the reconciliation of Jews and Germans and support the vital rights of the State of Israel. 3. To support the Transatlantic Alliance and maintain solidarity with the United States of America in the common values of free nations. 4. To reject all forms of political extremism. 5. To uphold the principles of a free social market economy.

I've got no problem with those principles, but certainly would not be surprised if the leader of such a company wrote the above article.

[OSU Sig]

Originally Posted by steross

1. Europe is appeasing its fundamentalist Muslim population. That appears to be true, and a problem. 2. The Kosovo genocide, which he mentions, was stopped by NATO action led by President Clinton. Yet, for some reason he only credits Reagan and Bush. 3. Taking out Saddam at a critical time in the war against the Islamic extremists was a mistake in my opinion. We took our eye off the ball. This guy disagrees with me. The answer to this is what history will certify. 4. This editorial is not the least bit surprising. Axel Springer AG lists on its website the following corporate principles: I've got no problem with those principles, but certainly would not be surprised if the leader of such a company wrote the above article.

We have some differing opinions for sure and I don't want to get into that too deep but would rather agree to disagree regarding Iraq. I would hope you wouldn't be surprised that he wrote the article, his name is on it.

[OSU Sig]

Originally Posted by ctaggie

Positive signs in France with election Sunday of Sarkozy ... right of center ... pro-American ... wanting to reduce taxes and give incentives to work beyond 35 hours a week. "Old Europe" as Rumsfeld put it will gradually change economically to better compete ... become less protectionist. Follows last year's election in Canada with similar traits ... as well as Australia continuing to have very pro-American leader. Merkel in Germany should be an improvement over Schroeder. So there are many positive trends.

What do you anticipate we'll see in England upon Blair's departure? French elections were a good move, as were Germany's. Let's hope we don't lose our best ally through elections in the UK.

[ctaggie]

Oh, I think the Brits will always be as good as any allies we have. Gordon Brown comes more from a finance background I think ... at least the role I believe he's recently served in is geared toward finance. Like all Brits, he'll want to get us going on the Palestinian issue and want us to "step up" to global warming obligations.

Since Thatcher, the Brits have practiced good economics. I don't think that will change. So I've no concerns on economics after the transition. I do think we'll need the Brits, Germans and French in solidarity as we deal with Iran ... and Russia as it relates to being too cozy with the Iranian government. It will be interesting to see how Sarkozy handles the Muslim population in France ... roughly 10% of the total population.

Actually, I'm more optimistic about our foreign-policy situation than I've been since before 911. I think the world is in great economic shape and we're seeing strong support for globalization as witnessed by elections in Canada, Australia, Germany and now France. These are important countries ... and on the military side, we should see more cooperation to build stronger NATO forces ... something that Iran is gradually forcing upon us ... to the recent chagrin of Putin ... who is becoming a bit too aggressive for my tastes in his responses ... where there appear to be some shades of the former cold war on the NATO missile defense issue.

Perhaps I'm a contrarian. When I look at USA, I see way more good than bad. When I look at the world, I see the same. In words of Alfred E. Newman ... what, me worry.

[OSU Sig]

I also prefer to see the glass half full, especially in this country.
I've never been sold on Putin. I don't trust him and still see KGB in his face. Russia's coziness with Iran is vrey troubling to me. I'm sure they have had lots of "advisors" in Iran for a long time and that can't be a good thing for the stability of the middle east.

[steross]

Originally Posted by OSU Sig

We have some differing opinions for sure and I don't want to get into that too deep but would rather agree to disagree regarding Iraq. I would hope you wouldn't be surprised that he wrote the article, his name is on it.

I was referring to you calling it an "unexpected source" not the signature.

[SoCalPoke]

I have lived in Germany the last year and this article couldn't be more true. But while I agree that we will have to wait for history to judge our war on terror, history has already judged Europe courtesy of the 20th century and sometimes I don't blame them for reacting the way they do. For God's sake Germans won't even cross a cross walk until the little guy turns from red to green that is how complacent they are.

It's funny though, especially out drinking you will always find a drunk German who realizes you are American and begins to thrash Bush (not to single out Germans, this has also happened to me in London and Stockholm). And once I explain that we may have not gotten it right at least we manned up they really have no retort except that Bush is Satan. To which I thank them for cannonizing the individuals who like to fly planes into building and bomb train stations as saints. And guess what, if 9/11 would have occured in Berlin and not New York and Germany plunged itself into war, we would have been following right behind.

Of course those are never really arguments you can win. And the muslim holiday just for the sake of having one - yeah its a freaking joke.

[OSU Sig]

Originally Posted by steross

I was referring to you calling it an "unexpected source" not the signature.

Totally my fault. I misread your comment. Thanks for clearing it up.

[MustangPokeFan]

The article is right on the money. I'm sure that politically incorrect truth like this still doesn't play well overall in Germany or in Europe in general. Perhaps with the quietly ongoing Muslim takeover of France and some of the other developments mentioned in the article some folks in Europe are finally realizing this is a "world" problem and not an "American" problem. The recent elections are further indications that this might be the case.

[Rack]

I think the article is also right on the money. Why can't turn on our network news and get a "real" picture of the American direction is beyond me. They are to into looking for the downfall of our President to attempt to gage the American people accurately. The polls they conduct IMHO, are bunk and the painting of the American people to the left is also bunk. We will see in the next election where we stand and will throw the bums right back out of the congress who just won their power majority seats.

Sure we need to FINISH the job in Iraq and bring some of our troops home, but we HAVE TO finish the job! If you don't finish, the sacrifice that was already made was WORTHLESS. Any job started MUST be finished, especially when it was at the cost of human lives. The far left would have us cut and run, quit and lose. This policy, history shows only emboldens our enemies and makes them braver. IT COST lives and it very well could be our own.

[osupistolwhip]

There has been a real upsurge of right-wing nationalism in Europe the past 2-3 years.

Part of that is backlash against too much inclusion in the EU. Despite the economic success of the EU, it still has large public opposition.

However, I think a larger part of it is politicians learning from the campaigns that American conservatives have been running the last 15 years. Base your campaign on intentionally divisive morals and empty nationalistic rhetoric. If anyone asks for details, explain your sound economic strategy - which you may or may not stick to once in office.

This was wildly successful for American politicians right up till the Iraq fallout and has proved to work fairly well in Europe so far. Personally, I see the move towards free market as a benefit, but not enough of one to outweigh the damage caused by all that polarizing moralization and nationalistic saber rattling.

[ctaggie]

Whip, come election time ... here's the candidate for you ... a write-in ... Thomas Frank. Wrote a book about his home state a while back ... same state as your buddy, Brownback ... "What's The Matter With Kansas?".

Sound economic policy ... at least you threw a bone to the conservatives. Except for that part about maybe not sticking to it once in office.

Guess we can get worried about economics when the right goes protectionist on trade issues ... if ever. So far, so good.

[osupistolwhip]

Hey, no denying republicans have the better economic policy. It just comes at too high a price in liberty and humanity.

As for them sticking to their economic plans . . . well just take quick peek at Bush's spending record.

[ctaggie]

True, the spending has been high. But I'll throw a bone to the supply-siders ... as I thought deficits would be higher than they've been the past couple years. If you look at the average since 1970 ... around the time we started playing the perpetual deficit game ... you'll find the recent deficits don't look bad at all.

It's time to worry when the free traders become protectionist. We can live just fine with our relatively small fiscal deficits and our trade deficit. You want a free trader ... Bush is a pretty good example ... so was Clinton.

Here's a newsflash ... SP 500 within 1% of all-time high. Once it goes over the top, every major stock market index will be at all-time high except nasdaq. Not too bad ... 7 years and new highs. Compare that to 1929 Dow Industrials high ... where it took 25 years to make a new high. Compare it to mid-60's high ... 1982 to get new high ... about 18 years.

Plenty of good things going on in the economy.

[Donnyboy]

Originally Posted by ctaggie

True, the spending has been high. But I'll throw a bone to the supply-siders ... as I thought deficits would be higher than they've been the past couple years. If you look at the average since 1970 ... around the time we started playing the perpetual deficit game ... you'll find the recent deficits don't look bad at all. It's time to worry when the free traders become protectionist. We can live just fine with our relatively small fiscal deficits and our trade deficit. You want a free trader ... Bush is a pretty good example ... so was Clinton. Here's a newsflash ... SP 500 within 1% of all-time high. Once it goes over the top, every major stock market index will be at all-time high except nasdaq. Not too bad ... 7 years and new highs. Compare that to 1929 Dow Industrials high ... where it took 25 years to make a new high. Compare it to mid-60's high ... 1982 to get new high ... about 18 years. Plenty of good things going on in the economy.

Rubbish.....just ask any Democratic canidate and they'll tell you how bad it is. The "working man" just can't get by anymore with the economy and gas prices and medical care.....I mean there are people in this country without cable TV!

[NZ Poke]

Originally Posted by ctaggie

Oh, I think the Brits will always be as good as any allies we have.

I hate to tell you this, but the Brits hate us now, so do the Aussies. I live amongst tons of all of them now. (Wellington is a very international place despite being on the bottom of the world, they have tons of work permits you can get here)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wellington

In fact, I've had more anti American comments in my two years here from Brits than Kiwis. (luckily not too many overall, it depends on how you handle yourself and fitting loud american stereotypes, etc....)

But, it's pretty worrying to say the least when the Brits and Aussies hate us.

Luckily most people are generally pretty good at seperating the current government from the American people, and most everyone I've ever met who has actually been to America DID enjoy it....but Bush is public enemy number 1 anywhere on the planet outside the US, including amongst conservative anti-abortion people outside the US.

Crazy, the kneejerk response amongst lots of Americans who haven't left the US recently or ever is to think that anyone who hates us must be a far left winger socialist who wants the Swedish model of government, or is just jealous of the us, but neither is true. Even the various types of right wing people outside the US aren't very happy with us now.....BUT most do realize that we have an election coming up and it can only get better (it definitely can't get any worse!!)

Not to warn anyone from coming to NZ though, the kiwis are an extemely friendly lot, and people aren't going to just jump on you for being American like would happen in Europe (I know I would get tons more sh*t for being American in Europe than I do here.....I seriously have few problems here, though I'm pretty tough to pin down) But you will get asked on occasion what you think of GW. Generally you wouldn't find many(any) fellow yanks here that would say they like him other than maybe the US ambassador haha.

[ctaggie]

Actually, I was speaking to our governments ... not the people you come into contact with in Wellington. Just possibly there might be a difference.