In yet another in a continuing series of gaffes by presidential contenders, we have Barack Hussein Obama claiming that his uncle, no, make that a great uncle, helped to liberate Auschwitz back at the close of WWII. There is no question that his great uncle did indeed bravely serve and managed to survive to tell the tale. What is in doubt is Obama’s claim that the uncle he mentioned was part of the liberation of Auschwitz-Burkenau. This particular infamous concentration camp with an alleged 1.1 million deaths of mostly Jews is located in Poland, not Germany. It was liberated by the Soviet Army on January 27, 1945.
The first camp liberated by American led troops was Buchenwald on April 8, 1945. Actually, one of the outlying yet connected camps was overrun by the 83rd Infantry at Langenstein. The camp itself was freed by the Sixth Armored Cavalry, an element of the U.S. Third Army. About the same time the notorious Dachau was entered by the 42nd Infantry Division, part of the U.S. 7th Army.
Those who have no sense of history or have been deprived of the educational advantages of a decent high school, a reputable college and an Ivy League advanced degree might be excused for misrepresenting details of one of the most significant event of the twentieth century. To enjoy these benefits and still make this bonehead mistake is very telling. Obviously, this tall tale was offered to enhance the candidate through association and verify his family’s contribution to our freedoms. The amazing thing is that this was offered the first time in a speech given in 2002! Ah yes, our wonderful press, ever vigilant and alert for misstatement and equally unaware of their history, let it slide.
In that speech, Obama claimed that his great uncle learned of Pearl Harbor and enlisted the next day. It appears that in addition to not showing up for classes on American History he also missed some basic English. “Next” implies the following day, not six months later which happened to be the truth of the matter. We have previously pointed out that in this day and age, everything is recorded, archived and immediately available to trip up the most accomplished glib lipped, slick tongued presenter of untruth no matter how messianic.
It is good to have events which serve to remind us of the horrors of such as Auschwitz-Burkenau, Buchenwald and Dachau. These travesties can only be avoided by having the will and the resources to recognize tyrants and evil leaders early on. Over the gate at Auschwitz are the words, “Arbeit Macht Frei.” It roughly translates to “work makes (one) free.” The paradox lies in the fact that much work was performed by the inmates because they were in effect, slaves. Slavery, being the antithesis of freedom, whether in response to a gun, an oppressive government or a series of nebulous promises is still slavery. I heartily disagree that “work makes one free;” only God makes us truly free.
At least the senator didn’t have to dodge sniper fire while he made these outrageous claims.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Cecil,
"arbeit macht frei" adorns the entry gate of Dachau as well. I think it must have been used in all the Nazi "work" camps.
This greeting was meant to quell the terror that seized those who entered those gates, with noses already burning and throats gagging from the stench of their neighbors and relatives burning in nearby crematoria. This quelling, in the most evil and insidious manner imaginable, mocked their life and their destiny.
I will never forget the moments I was privileged to stand at the gate of Dachau, touch those wrought iron letters, and walk the grounds in communion with the souls who perished there as I prayed to God, who seemingly forgot them.
As I walked and listened, and read testimonials and biographies, and talked to locals old enough to remember....I realized it was not God who forgot them....it was "we" who forgot God.
As the other wrought iron letters at Dachau proclaim, may we "never forget".
Matt
Post a Comment