UBB.threads Forums General Interest Community Center Analyst suspended over Nazi hobby

Hello my friends,

I just read this news from another forum website and would like to share with you guys here.

It concerns one of our hobbys best expert in Flak badges & also author of the book "The Flak Badges of the Luftwaffe and Heer, 2008, B&D Publishing LLC" http://www.ironcross1939.com/flak_badge.htm

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8256284.stm

"A human rights group has suspended its senior military analyst after revelations that he collects Nazi memorabilia.

New York-based Human Rights Watch said Marc Garlasco was on suspension with pay "pending an investigation".

Mr Garlasco's hobby was revealed by Mere Rhetoric, a pro-Israeli blog which said the activities reflected "an anti-Israeli bias".

Mr Garlasco said he was interested in military history and was not pro-Nazi.

He said his interest sprang from the fact that his grandfather had been conscripted into the Nazi army.

"I've never hidden my hobby, because there's nothing shameful in it, however weird it might seem to those who aren't fascinated by military history," he wrote in an essay posted on Friday on The Huffington Post, a political website and blog.

"Precisely because it's so obvious that the Nazis were evil, I never realised that other people, including friends and colleagues, might wonder why I care about these things," he added.

Human Rights Watch said it had no evidence that Mr Garlasco's hobby affected his analysis, and said he had "never expressed any anti-Semitic or neo-Nazi statements".

"We do know he collects German and American World War II memorabilia, but we have questions as to whether we've learned everything we need to know," said Carroll Bogert, a spokeswoman for the organisation."

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Such discrimination is disgusting and sadly just what we might expect from ignorant people with no mind of their own.

How interesting, a civil rights group being the lead in depriving a person of their civil rights.

On the other hand, he is suspended with pay which gives him time to collect more of that Nazi stuff.

Does collecting stamps make me a postman?

I believe he's a member over at WAF. It'll be interesting to see if he addresses this nonsense on the forums.

I have to wonder if he collected WWII Soviet, North Vietnamese or North Korean materials if the reaction would have been the same.

the land of Freedom
It's just a conspiracy where a lot of money is involved ...

He is the author of the book on the Flak Badge. This is a crime on the part of the PC crowd and the writers who bash the hobbist in the press. I wrote to the article's author explaining that difference between military and political badges and the use of the swastika, not that it will do any good.
Ron Weinand

This one scares me

How narrow minded are these people just do a google search on "Analyst suspended over Nazi hobby" There is plenty of reports. It's ridiculous and their all based on presuppositions on what a collector of such things must believe. It's all just ridiculous. I'm glad you wrote them Ron. It makes my blood boil. These reporters are the same people who couldn't tell you a damnn thing about history. And if they could it be as bias and one sided as a communist in Siberia.

Would someone who collects Samurai swords be ostracised as a supporter of the Japanese barbarism during WW2, I think not. Its ridiculous and narrow minded tosh.

Nolan

Wow that's incredible.
A very sad day for the hobby

Wow that's incredible.
A very sad day for the human race, I want out

Oh-Oh,
The Holocaust museum has a bunch of that evil nazi stuff too! Do you think they're all narzis too? wtf....

The narrow minded still prevail even to this day. The ignorant can't be schooled even to the level of stupidity.

I was at the Jewish center in Cracow a few years ago where I was able to purchase an orignal postcard of the Nazi's marching through Cracow with all their banners.

Is the Jewish center in Cracow a Nazi organization because they sold the post card?

Does anyone have a link to this blogger?

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Jim W:

Does anyone have a link to this blogger?

Jim

Here is the blog which ignited the media's interest.

http://www.mererhetoric.com/archives/11275875.html

Interesting to observe how the issue has now snowballed into something of greater proportions.

A link below to a story in today's BBC online news magazine, which attempt to call into question the motivations of the collecting community at large.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_...magazine/8261002.stm

Considering the subject matter, I don't think any of this should surprise us. It's sad to say but collecting 3R ephemera will never be held in the same regard as collecting North Vietnamese Army items. Or Imperial Japanese items. Or Fascist Italian items. Or Communist Russian items. Or military items of any type. This is the same sychophantic rationale that Eban spouts in it's attempt to "protect" their "World community" from the evils of history. There will always be a stigma & a double standard with regard to 3R items & I believe even in this open society we live in, that it will only get worse.

Fellow Collectors,

Tis a sad day in Mudville ... all this terrible blather against our fellow-collector is rather depressing, isn't it? I really feel bad for anyone who becomes directly tangled up with "the-powers-that-be," when it comes to our hobby. There's just no good way to break free of that nasty web whilst still "looking-good." It seems the more you struggle against it, the more snared you become... a loose-loose proposition no matter how well or clearly you express your thoughts and opinions - lookout, cause they'll crush the stuffings right out of you! The news media always enjoys a good nazi-themed lead, they get lots of milage on that subject. Even if they want to make you "look good," you usually end up going in the opposite direction - I've seen it. I can't explain it, but it's true!

See what great heights our civilization has risen to? We currently live in an hyper-sensitive, overly-idealistic world today, and it makes me want to hurl-til-it-hurts, listening to people who think everyone should exist on some kind of higher-plane of consciousness or something? "Oh poo-poo, my feelings will get hurt looking at that stuff..." sounds like "that-stuff" ought to be lumped right in there with pornography ... jeez! Why isn't this same community of do-gooders out there marching in the forefront of some league that protests the never-ending butchery that goes on every single day on this planet that we live on, right here, right now? Have these people with their eyes on fire been especially enlightened to something that we're all missing out on... makes me wonder? Has God bestowed upon these rascals some special powers to eliminate all that displeases them? Methinks not, but it certainly is an extra-large, hot-potato by any standards, and I think we all get our hands burnt on this one fellas, whether we like it or not. ... maybe we need to get a good lobbyist of our own?

My best advice would be to get a "thick skin" if you plan to stay in this hobby - however, it's worth withstanding the slings and arrows of fools :-)

Never argue with idiots, ever ... even though it might go against every grain and fiber in your body, resist that bickering-temptation at all costs! You'll always be the one looking more foolish and ridiculous than they will, you can trust me on that one. Always be a gentleman and an ambassador for the hobby, because what we all do and say reflects on one another, especially over this bone of contention. And never, never fly your Reichskriegsflagge on holidays - or any other day for that matter - either Imperial or TR. Goofy pranks and stuff like that will get you into trouble every time and should be considered tasteless and in very bad form! And I'm not suggesting that the gentleman concerned did anything even remotely along those lines... just watch your butts out there public. Sometimes, you never know who you're talking to ...

Do you think many or for that matter, any of the folks who constantly pout, snivel and complain about us, ever served their countries in a military capacity in any way? hmm, now that would be an interesting topic, wouldn't it..? These misguided malcontents have a great love for their own private "Cloud-cuckoo-land," a tranquil zen-like state-of-mind, a blissful paradise where nothing should even slightly disturb them, ever! Imagine, putting them through the deep-seated trauma of having to see anything so vile and foul as this horrid symbol, it must be the sign of the devil himself! "How dare you, you cad, you swine-cutlet? Take zat .!! I jest over a serious matter and it most certainly is just that. Can someone advise this poor man about having his civil-rights defended by some top-notch, pro-bono defender wanting to make a big name for him or her/self? That would also be a very interesting match-up, no?

Almost forgot, here's the definition:

Civil liberties are rights in Freedom that protect an individual from the government of the nation in which they reside. Civil liberties set limits on government so that its members cannot abuse their power and interfere unduly with the lives of private citizens.
Common civil liberties include the rights of people, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech, and additionally, the right to due process, to a trial, to own property, and to privacy.
The formal concept of civil liberties dates back to the English legal charter the Magna Carta 1215, which in turn was based on pre-existing documents namely the English Charter of Liberties, a landmark document in English legal history.
Democratic States such as Australia have a Constitution, a bill of rights or similar constitutional documents that enumerate and seek to guarantee civil liberties. Other states have enacted similar laws through a variety of legal means, including signing and ratifying or otherwise giving effect to key conventions such as the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
It might be said that the protection of civil liberties is a key responsibility of all citizens of free states, as distinct from authoritarian states.

So whaddya think, pure grade-A horse-hockey?

Kind regards!

Bill

BBC reports "He (Marc) had been accused of saying an SS leather jacket was "cool".

OMG better call in the FBI!!! and homeland security too!!!

Have you ever read such garbage.

Sorry Bill, I didn't follow your advise "Never argue with idiots, ever...".
I had already sent the following to Human Rights Watch before reading your blurb:

"Sirs;

Although I am not personally acquainted with your senior military analyst, Mr. Marc Garlasco, I am apalled that your organization would suspend him for his interest in WWII history. As one of thousands of fellow WWII history buffs I can attest that the vast majority have no pro-Nazi sympathies. In fact, most WWII history buffs & collectors are more knowledgeable than most, of the brutal atrocities commited by the Nazis. As a result, most are probably more anti-Nazi than the general public. The fact that Mr. Garlasco has published a well-researched book (that is a part of my library) that deals with a certain aspect of German medals & decorations while showing no pro-Nazi sentiments should speak volumes in his defense.

The bottom line is: This is history and should not be forgotten.
To quote George Santayana, "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it".

One final observation: If Mr. Garlasco were a Civil War researcher, would he be suspended for being a racist or pro-slavery advocate? Thank God that Carl Sandburg, the Nobel prize-winning novelist did not work for Human Rights Watch. He would have been out of a job.
I shall make it a point NOT to donate to your organization.

Sincerely,
Dennis Gaither
Bristol, Indiana"

Gentlemen I was accused of collecting German militaria years ago when I was a local union president and civil servant..I had to attend a Provincial Human Rights tribunal in order to clear my name and defend my interest in history and my hobby...I was able to name many friends who were Jewish that collected and in fact many well known names and dealers in our own hobby who happen to be Jewish..this did not matter as the thought of Jewish Collectors and dealers collecting and selling Third Reich memorbillia was totally alien to most..you are gulity by association...this hobby has a black cloud and will always have a black cloud...this is evident when some cities will not host the Max or the SOS....as a collector you must first be able to come to grips with the stigma of our hobby, even amongst your friends and family...the most likely reason for either show never coming to Canada is that it would not be tolerated and it would be boycotted...sad fact but true.... I detest and abhor Neo-Facists, Skin heads and the KKK more than any other form of life on this planet..however, as I live in a democracy I believe that as detestable as these people are they do have a right to exist...I would prefer that it not be so but Democracies can not be hypocritical..when they become so they cease to be democracies...cheers, Ryan

Ryan you would be pleased to read this:
http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/0...-section-13-is-dead/

Paul-

Perhaps you can translate this juris document for me..and any implications the case citations or case law have as it impacts Canadian collectors, etc. I have an American legal education, and am unable to interpet what the heck this all means. Certainly, civil, administrative and cirminal justice are different in the USA..and seemingly much less confusing. What's the story on Chpt. 13 laws in Canada? I know what T13, and Chpt 13 USC is though...and luckily never personally had a problem with either

Tom

Bill & Denny,

Bravo Sirs, well said.

Hi Paul...certainly interesting but I don't hold out much hope...cheers

Tom..in the Canadian human rights tribunals, you can be convicted under s.13 for thought crimes.You can be convicted on what offense your words may cause.

This may give you some insight

http://canadianhumanrightscomm...-but-section-13.html

http://ezralevant.com/2009/09/...rc-has-been-bre.html

Unfortunately, in today's world, harrassment and discrimination are in the eyes of the harrassed-discriminated. It is not what a rational man would think, but it is what the harrassed or minority person (and women, who form a majority, are considered a minority for harrassment and discrimination purposes) MAY think.

If you are in the right sub class of people and you feel that you may have been harrassed, then by definition you have been. This in front of tribunals that have no legal training and are not subject to the normal rules of law. Even the truth is not sufficient defense, like one of our journalists found out when he published public statements made by leading European Muslims.

Kangaroo courts and guilt by association are now the norms. When and how will the inevitable back lash take place?

John