U.S. Slams German Minister for Bush-Hitler Comment

Reuters ^ | 09/19/2002

[Pokey78]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush's spokesman on Thursday expressed outrage that Germany's justice minister drew a link between Bush's saber-rattling on Iraq to the tactics used by Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler.

Spokesman Ari Fleischer said the United States and Germany have long had a strong relationship, "but this statement by the justice minister is outrageous and is inexplicable."

The regional Schwaebisches Tagblatt newspaper quoted German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's justice minister, Herta Daeubler-Gmelin, as saying "Bush wants to divert attention from his domestic problems. It's a classic tactic. It's one that Hitler used."

The Bush administration has been none too pleased that criticizing the United States over Iraq has been a key campaign plank for Schroeder in his re-election battle but has refrained from publicly commenting on the issue.

[aculeus]

Is there some reason that every time some extreme leftist spouts off that every poster on FR has to slander the leftist's entire nation?

Er, it's fun?

[Utopia]

It's the same as judging the entire United States by something Tom Daschle says.

Not quite. Daschle is not a member of Bush's cabinet.

[Timesink]

I expect there are plenty of Germans who disagree with her. It's the same as judging the entire United States by something Tom Daschle says.

No it isn't. Tom Daschle doesn't run the government. And if he DID say something like this, the Administration would nail him on it. The Schroeder government appears to be SUPPORTING it.

[borkrules]

What "domestic problems" does Bush need to divert attention from?

Stock market? BFD. Everyone knows it goes up and down, and the corporate malfeasance that have led to the latest extended bear market occured under Klinton. That dog won't and hasn't hunted.

Unemployment? It's not up significantly.

So what is it, fraulein?

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

Well the sonsabitches would be familiar with Hitler, wouldn't they. I thought that the German people had nothing to do with WWII and they didn't know what Hitler was up to?

[jjm2111]

Or worse: Cynthia McKinney and Barbara Lee!

[polemikos]

Germany's slide into oblivion continues apace.

[Timesink]

Freep this CNN poll!

Who will be Germany's next chancellor? (Poll is halfway down the page.)

[BlueAngel]

Great email. I hope Brit Hume mentions this on his broadcast tonight or tomorrow.

[justshe]

GOOD catch, Chance!

Yes, there was. And I think he is in the penalty box right now too.

[swarthyguy]

They'll reply we never compared Bush to Stalin.

[oyez]

Oh my, a spoiled leftover from the old East Germany. If this is the future of international politics, it looks a lot like the past.

[Gargantua]

Germany is worried that when we take Iraq (not "if"), we will find all the German technology sold to Iraq (in defiance of the Embargo) by the Spike Heads for purifying fissionable materials.

Alot of other countries share similar concerns. And as W said, "You're either with us, or you're with the terrorists."

Krautville is sweating bullets. Tough.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

I told them that I had recently visiting Germany and that I would think twice before buying German products or visiting Germany in the future.

[dfwgator]

Nah, the Germans worry that without Saddam, who will be left to kill Jews.

[John Lenin]

I have a theory that Germany was deeply involved with the planning of the WTC and Pentagon bombings and that the US is now threatening to expose the Germans. It's the only thing that makes sense.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

Well, between her comments, Shroeder's comments, and their refusal to help in some instances in our war against terrorism and Iraq is enough for me. If you don't see the writing on the wall that's your problem. As far as not representing the people...so what. Do you think the average Iraqi supports Saddam? Does that mean we shouldn't go to war against Iraq?

[aristeides]

Who's this Daeubler-Gmelin dame? I thought Schily was German Justice Minister.

[Mudboy Slim]

"I think he is in the penalty box right now..."

When did that happen? He was FReepin' last night...and I don't remember him ever comparing Dubyuh to Hitler, BTW.

FReegards...MUD

[Eva]

I think that Herta Daeubler-Gmelin was trying to deflect the criticism that the Germans are acting in exactly the same manner as they did in 1936 when Hitler was gaining power, denying his evil intent and turning their idol backs on his behavior until it was too late.

I see the German people as much the same as the Clinton voters. They don't want to be bothered with gov't, they don't want anyone to rock the boat or require them to get involved.

I read an article yesterday that said that the German economy was extremely weak. My guess is that the German press is somehow blaming this on America in a bizarre twist of, "It's the economy, stupid."