Comments on: of fools and martyrs

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:11:22 +0000

i agree with you, jen. It’s a very, very tricky issue and it’s understandable why it would incite such strong feelings and actions. But in looking at the bigger picture, like you have here, such action sounds knee-jerk and excessive. your example of the KKK was perfect. the kkk is completely despicable and their message loathsome – - but like you pointed out, they are now in the catagory of “Fringe Nutters” over here in the US. Yes, it took a long time to arrive at this place in history…but sometimes it takes longer to do the RIGHT thing and, thus, fully eradicate an issue instead of smacking a band-aid on top of a gaping wound and telling everyone that this is the cure when it’s only a quick-fix.

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:23:53 +0000

well, we’ll have to disagree. i don’t doubt that there is a real neo-nazi movement. i simply doubt that this is an effective way to deal with it – i believe that forcing hate underground only allows it to fester.

in the states we obviously have the kkk, who are protected by our free speech and assembly laws. they are allowed to march, to recruit and organise, to propogate. yet they’ve effectively become marginalised to the very edges of society, and in many cases their efforts to spread their hate have mobilised backlashes much more powerful than any government could possibly assemble.

the best antidote to hate is not suppression, but the spread of education and tolerance.

By: Rochelle

Rochelle — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:35:48 +0000

No, I don’t agree. I think that especially in Germany there is a very real neo Nazi movement and I think it’s the least Germany can do really. It’s supposed to be a deterrent I suppose.

I encourage you to see the documentary ‘Dr Death’ to see how powerful these groups of holocaust deniers can be.