Posted on 04/11/2006 1:33:17 AM PDT by Lukasz
Sorry, don't buy the whole premise. Auschwitz was Auschwitz, and attempts to change the name are attempts to rewrite history.
So which of above words is untrue? Or you support the version that the Germans didn't run the camp?
The "new" name as you state it is fine. I must say, however, it bears a remarkable resemblance to the old name. At all events, no need to quibble. Call it Auschwitz or call it The Concentration Formerly Known As Auschwitz. Such a change is utterly silly, but if it makes you feel better, then knock yourself out.
Sorry - meant to write The Concentration Camp Formerly Known As Auschwitz.
The point is with the word "German" and not because the Poles currently dislike Germans but because it is the historical true.
It seems rather silly to change the name.
My brother-in-law's father was born and grew up in Oswiecim (Auschwitz). He wrote his family's story about the Jewish community and the concentration camp at Auschwitz during the Holocaust. His account does not agree with this revisionist pretending that the local population was not aware or involved.
That's fine. I have no quibble with that. I suspect that most people with a fourth grade education know the Nazis were responsible, but if it makes you feel better to mention that specifically in a new and extended title for the camp, then by all means do so.
Of course that the local population was aware, so what? They should call for police? If he claim that the Poles were involved, then he is in quarrel with Auschwitz prisoners like above mentioned Bartoszewski and with Jewish community of Poland.
Your faith in people’s education level is too big I think. As you could read above even Auschwitz tour guide admitted that such problem exist.
Yes, perhaps you're right. Expecting people to be educated these days is often expecting too much.
By changing the name the Poles are trying to wash their hands of their level of participation. They are trying to do the same thing the rest of Europe is doing. The Germans had plenty of help from the Poles, French, Austrians, etc (and let's stop hiding behind Nazi).
I have no doubt that the Poles were, at least to some extent, complicit. Indeed, the historical record is clear. And certainly there was widespread animosity toward the Jews all over Europe, antisemitism being nothing new, but having existed for millennia. On the other hand, it took a rare and very courageous person to stand up to the Nazis, even as a member of an organized resistance. Alone and without the assistance of an organization of confederates, with a vulnerable family to protect, and with no weapons to hand, standing up to the Nazis was almost unheard of. Anyway, it was a h*ll of a long time ago; all those involved are long since dead, or will be soon, so who gives a rat's bum. This whole argument is like the Chinese whinging about the Japanese accepting responsibility for the war. Who cares.
And how do you react when the looney left calls America the Product of Genocide against the Indians?
Your post it is only great example that Polish efforts are indeed necessary. No matter what it is propaganda or simple ignorance.
I ignore them.
Change the names to what? Auschwitz IS a German name. I believe the Poles called the nearby town Oscwieczm [p/s]. And Birkenau was named for the birch trees on the site of the death camp.
"Former Nazi German Concentration Camp Auschwitz-Birkenau"
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