15.2.06

Leitura recomendada

We have come full circle. Here is how the last great historical era began, the one we seem to be starting over afresh.

It's January 30, 1933, and here's what the Cleveland Press reports from Washington under the headline, "US Unruffled by Hitler Rise."

"High authorities here regard with complacence Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany... They [express] faith that Hitler would act with moderation... Experts based this belief on past events showing that so-called radical groups usually moderated, once in power."

The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin stated that Hitler seemed extreme in the past, but "Lately, however, there have been indications of moderation.###

(...)

It seems, however, that this whole cycle of experience has been forgotten by all too many people, and even whole countries. Thus Russia and France base their indecently quick and unconditional invitations to Hamas leaders to be official guests on the assertion that they can persuade the organization to moderate.

First, they do not consider it to be a terrorist group (apparently terrorism, like fascism, is a matter of taste). Second, it is coming to power due to an election (as did Communists and fascists). And third, only appeasement - excuse me, "constructive engagement" - will work.

Or, in Russian President Vladimir Putin's words, "We are deeply convinced that burning bridges is the easiest, but not a very promising activity."

WE HAD it explained to us by The Washington Post. Hamas, it said, "Probably... will seek to implement its moderate campaign platform, which promised an uncorrupted and effective government while working out a modus vivendi with Israel." Excessive pressure on the new regime, it warned, "would likely only strengthen the Islamists or trigger a resumption of terrorism."

In other words, aspirants to genocide never lie and if you don't bother them they won't kill you.