A Quick Comment....

[John D.]

Hi Folks,

I'm going to ask the Moderators (and myself, of course) to take down any threads or comments that deal with other areas of collecting World War 2 German memorabilia outside of firearms and their accessories. Most times - these are posted as "Nazi (item)" threads, and have been more of an issue on one of my other Forums then here over the previous months.

While I won't try to change your view about the term "Nazi" if you believe it's relevant to the item/stamp/accessory being discussed, I would like to remind you that this Forum is International in nature, so please keep that in mind when posting.

Second, it's also my view that most historians agree that only 10%-15% of the entire German population were what we, now generally refer to as "Nazis" - those who took an oath to uphold the dictatorship and the National Socialist Party (the roots of the word â??Naziâ?�) from the early 1930s to 1945, and even a smaller percent were willing to go to any extreme to protect that oath. So, as a reminder â?? certainly not all Germans during World War 2 were Nazis, nor even all its soldiers.

Therefore â?? please exercise some social conscience when postingâ?¦. I'd really appreciate it (and I know I'm not alone <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> )....!!

Thanks...!

John D.

[riffraff]

Hi John!

I personally do find the word/term "Nazi" offensive in any way, shape, form or fashion. I do hovever live in the U.S.A. where even the Communist party is legal. The Nazi party was, after all, a POLITICAL entity. We may not like what we THINK the "Nazi" party stood for but history is written by the victors. Anyway I am not a Nazi or a Communist, I am a conservative, and our President Bush is NOT a conservative(SP) but I will probably vote for him, again. Mike

[Imperial Arms]

I do not understand why many people still take offense of the word 'Nazi' or items relating to that political entity which ended over 50 years ago? I am a German national born 20 years after the war who has no affiliation with the Nazi party or its actions, but that era could be interesting from a historical and collecting point of view. Unfortunately, we cannot change the past, but we might be able to learn from it. It is time to turn that chapter and improve the future of the world as a whole in the new century. Besides mentioning only one terrible regime, we should not forget the millions of people who Stalin and other dicators have murdered. I assume that Stalin's brutal actions did not directly impact the US and its allies and, therefore, it is rarely mentioned today or labelled as offensive. It is hard to hide feelings or hate, but continued negative reactions do not improve situations.

Just a view I wanted to express without any offense intended.

Albert

[wterrell]

For the vast majority of people, there is little or no offense taken of the term 'Nazi'. The history and era are very worthy of study and very much may be gained from the lessons learned.
Nazi memorabilia is worthy of collecting, studying, preserving, and financial investment.

Now for the inevitable "However!". However, let's be real. Not everyone agrees. And those in disagreement are not without opinion, voice, and passion. Nor are they inactive.

The opponents of all symbols of National Socialism are not in front of us, and we cannot reason with them to persuade them to our fascination or conceit. We cannot entreat them to 'Come, let us reason together'. They are remote, silent, unresponsive, and observant.

And their suspicions will be affirmed! We are wise enough in regard to human nature to know that anything that is said to a man who is extremely fearful of insult, will be interpreted as insult. And the actions of all men will be seen as conspiracy by one who is paranoid. The intentions of every man will be good to an optimist. etc. etc.

This is also true of those who would see evil in all association with 'Nazi' symbols. We will be seen as neo-Nazi, no matter what our protestations. Our motives for discussion and collection will be looked upon as sinister. We will be looked upon with an evil eye.

So we will be watched, monitored, listed, and the subject of whisper. And all of our defensive protestations will be as so many barking dogs.

Lugers, gentlemen. That is our passion. Not Nazi banners, medals, uniforms, or party membership cards.

[Imperial Arms]

Wes, A sound response with a good explanation. And, yes sir, Lugers are our passion, no matter what period including the Nazi era!

Cheers,
Albert

[riffraff]

wes,
You are most eloquint(SP?) and quite correct in your explanations of those on the "however" side. I have found that for those on the "however" side of ANY subject, that the only way to deal with them is simply to tell them to go to ****! Do not attempt to placate or appease those type of people. It will do no good. Mike

[riffraff]

Wes,

The more I reread your post the more impressed I am of you. Have you had formal writing training and or are a published author? You seem like a man that I would very much enjoy having a beer with (German of course, they make the best beer in the world, PERIOD!) I was in the U.S. Navy guys, believe me I have sampled beer from around the world. Anyway, HAPPY NEW YEAR! EVERYONE! Mike

[riffraff]

Hello all, I just discovered Gunboards. It looks like I have something new to explore. Thanks for your link WES (An Informative Guide). Mike

[wterrell]

Mike,
I used to have a website that was under development at the above address but I suppose others wanted the address more than I. Being of small character and common spirit, with a tendency to hold grudges if I feel slighted, I am still pouting about being so ill treated (as I perceive it) because bigger names (but smaller spirits) than mine have taken the URL address without mannerly, polite request (or even a 'kiss my butt'). At any rate, I lost the URL and have not taken the bother to move my site elsewhere.

As a post script to my rant, yes, I was once a professional writer for newspapers and sporting magazines. But that is of no importance, for I have successfully hidden my past and am no longer ostracized by society.