Center against Expulsions
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I think that the German people should have a museum dedicated to their experiences during World War Two. Suffering is a human experience, no matter where one comes from or what ethnic background one has. As the expulsions are history, humanity should be reminded of what has happened in our past and we all should learn from it. - Eric Skoglund, US
Because of pressure and feelings of guilt, Germany seems to give in to every desire of those who deplore the injustice done to Jews, but neglects her own. Only the whole truth will set us free and make us fully aware how much injustice war causes to the innocent people of any nation. - Elisabeth Heptner, US
There should definitely be some recognition of the suffering of many innocent people from the Sudeten and Silesia regions in the aftermath of the Second World War. They became refugees and targets of reprisals for all the dreadful things perpetrated by the Nazi regime. But who still believes that one injustice deserves another? Surely, civilized people do not. A "Center of Expulsion" could also be an answer to the prevalent ignorance about the plight of this group of Germans during 1945 and after. I hope this will be conceived in a very fair-minded manner, as there were people "on the other side" as well who opposed the terrible events taking place at the time and who helped those in distress. - Susanne Blaschka, Germany
I agree with Mr. Stoiber completely. What is wrong in today's world is that people are always collectively blamed. In war there are many victims -- on both sides. The only sure way to end this is that the healing must begin and that is why such a center is extremely important. It is not a rewriting of history, rather an acknowledgement of it. - Andrew Sporner, US
Germans were victims in World War Two, just like everybody else that participated. It is time for this "Tätervolk" philosophy to end. - Diane Schreiber, US
While I sympathize with the expulsion of the Sudeten Germans, we should also realize that there was a strong Nazi presence there, as exemplified by the use of Czech stamps with the surcharge "Wir sind frei." Also, we should not forget the expulsion of Germans from Germany -- i.e. East Prussia and Silesia. In view of the obvious injustice perpetrated against Germans, it seems strange that today's Germany has aided and abetted the expulsion of Serbs from their own country by the Albanians. - Robert E. Cashin, US
Yes, Germany should build a center against expulsions. It should be located very prominently in Berlin, close the Reichstag, and document in great detail the crimes committed against the Eastern Germans, Sudeten Germans and German minorities in Eastern Europe (Serbia, etc). The number of victims should be precisely documented. Anyone who minimizes or denies these crimes against humanity should be persecuted under the law and be subject to a sentence of five years in prison. - Bernhard Radloff, Canada
It would be hypocritical of countries to build a memorial of crimes committed by Germany, but disapprove of a memorial of crimes they themselves committed against German citizens. In my humble opinion, if Germany bows to their demand, it would indicate that she isn't a free as made out to be. What else would Germany give up for the right of self expression, truth, and historic facts? - Davis, US
