Movies & Wars

I went to see the movie Valkyrie and would recommend it to anyone, especially World War II and 20th Century history buffs. Also, it's great for those who desire a bit of inspiration. The movie underscores a rarely talked about facet of that time: Many Germans did not blindly follow Hitler. In fact, some even thought it prudent to kill him.

The rotund man next to Hitler and in the courtroom at Nuremberg (post WWII) is Hermann Goering, the flamboyant head of the Nazi Air Force and second or third in line after Hitler. Ultimately, Goering outwitted the hangman by swallowing cyanide the eve of his execution. Ironically, it was an American guard who became Goering's last con victim, bringing Goering a package (the one that contained the cyanide) from a store room. Before Goering left this earth, he did leave us with one sobering reminder of how war works. It is a very insightful quote, and it could do us Americans good to study it. In the end, we must all be vigilant to ensure we don't go down this path, and acknowledge times that we possibly have. As evil as the Nazis were, let's not be arrogant enough to think it can't be us.

Hitler facing Goering

"Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, IT IS THE LEADERS of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is TELL THEM THEY ARE BEING ATTACKED, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. IT WORKS THE SAME IN ANY COUNTRY."

                                                                --Goering, at the Nuremberg Trials