Miss Hitler 2014 is Ugly

Miss Hitler 2014 is Ugly

Miss Hitler 2014 is the new Nazi ChicBrilliant – just brilliant. US Capitalism pioneered the art of selling by positioning seductive women to move products. Russia reaches a new low with the Miss Hitler 2014 beauty pageant. Figuratively warming up the cold ghost of Hitler this way is sure to encourage those fascinated with sources of darkness, as well as win over other foolish people.

While I’m generally optimistic on the direction of Humanity there are far too many to whom “enlightenment” means tolerance, free speech, and an approach so “non-judgmental” that it excludes setting standards of decency and justice and applying them universally. In short – the prevalence of such confusion is a result of pervasive double-standards and false equivalencies.  For too long we have allowed our love affair with moral ambiguity to confuse those who should know better and encourage those who like it that way.

Miss Hitler 2014 Beauty ContestThis is nothing new.  Prior to WWII many in Europe were party to what Hitler was accomplishing.  I’m proud that the first book published by Something or other Publishing was an expose of previously unknown history in this regard, called Genocide Revealed.  This volume discusses the role of Miklos Horthy, the first antisemitic ruler of Europe, who instead of being prosecuted is considered a hero in his native Hungary.

Why is it that antisemitism is globally fashionable again, 70 short years since arguably the worst genocide in the history of the planet was perpetrated against the Jews?  Many participants call it anti-Zionism, as though that is a relevant distinction.

Personally, I see little difference between hating the homeland the Jews created in response to the Holocaust and the attitudes that caused it.

 

 

Sweden Recognizes a Palestinian State

Sweden Recognizes a Palestinian State

Sweden recognizes Palestinian StateFransson is a Swedish name and I’m proud of my Swedish Heritage.   I lived and went to school in Sweden as a child, and for years carried a Swedish Passport.  My love for the country and its people is great.  I’ve argued for decades about the superiority of Sweden’s “Middle Way”, in which they found fertile soil in the middle ground between polarized opposites.  Perhaps they are searching for their own true North, in announcing their recognition of a “Palestinian State”.  This time they’re leading in the wrong direction.

I am an ardent advocate for peace, but peace cannot come through double standards and false equivalencies.  I cannot imagine a clearer example of the dangerously confused double standard being applied in this case than Prime Minister Stefan Löfven’s statement about the decision: “The conflict between Israel and Palestine can only be solved with a two-state solution, negotiated in accordance with international law. A two-state solution requires mutual recognition and a will to peaceful co-existence. Sweden will therefore recognize the state of Palestine.”

If peace depends on mutual recognition and a will to peaceful co-existence, Sweden must first demand this from any Palestinian entity prior to recognizing them.  How could Löfven possibly miss the the tragically ironic error in his own pronouncement?  Wrong Way on PalestineSee my recent blog about handling the truth for a perspective on how we blind ourselves to the obvious.  Perhaps the source of Löfven’s “Truth Handling” is confidence in Sweden’s 20th century role as alluded to in my opening paragraph – Sweden’s history of leading by living the role of pragmatic intermediary.

Regardless of intent, I believe the acceptance of, and open practice of double standards and false equivalencies on the International stage is destined to make matters worse, leading to more, not less, war and bloodshed.  Swedes don’t like to think of themselves this way, but sometimes the truth hurts.

What do you think?

If you would like to share your thoughts and join in friendly open dialogue with people who may or may not believe as you do, but who are open to exploring topics of political importance, such as the issue of Israel and Palestine, please accept my invitation to join The People of the Sign on facebook.  The discussion might challenge your current perspectives, which is something I hope you look forward to.