Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Odd obscurantism over one observation...


How many people know it is Black Ribbon Day today?* The day (image link to Wiki: European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism) was adopted as one of the proposals set forth in the Prague Declaration [Link] "...millions of victims of Communism and their families are entitled to enjoy justice, sympathy, understanding and recognition for their sufferings in the same way as the victims of Nazism have been morally and politically recognized".

* The Prague Declaration has not been without it's critics but as Barry Rubin wrote last year, responding to that criticism, and quoting the Declaration: "Those who neglect their past have no future".

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6 comments:

Paul said...

I purchased my t-shirt last month so I was aware, but I suspect we are in the minority.

Span Ows said...

Good man Paul. I thought you'd know due to Polish connections (???) or am I imagining that?

The Great Gildersleeve said...

I haven't heard about it. I am unaware of any publicity in the media but there must be some.

Some countries don't allow the swaztika(Sp?)to be seen so that might be a reason even if in a good cause.

Though the Hammer and Sickle hasn't been banned as far as I know. And as far as I know(and my knowledge is negligable)but the Swaztika belonged to another culture or race and was originally for good.

I'm sure I read that somewhere but what do I know?

Span Ows said...

Your not wrong Gildy, it is the symbol of good luck and other things in various religions and cultures! It is quite amusing looking through our 'Western' eyes' at innocent photos of people and buildings with the swastika

Paul said...

Talking of Nazi's I see Hungary upset the Germans at a sporting event last weekend by playing the banned version (since 1952) of the German national anthem. Conspiracy theorists must love the fact that the Hungarian organisers refused to let the Germans hear the recording before the ceremony as is usual protocol.

No Polish family connections Span but I was a member of the Anti-Nazi league in my youth and I'm not one of those who think Hitler bad, Stalin good either.

Span Ows said...

Ta, not sure why I think/thought that. Maybe someone else blogging.

That Hungary tale is great, I wonder if there are any videos of surprised and peeved faces listening to the anthems.