Today, 27th January, is designated as Holocaust Memorial Day. The evidence of survivors, of liberating soldiers even Nazi documents are undeniable testimony that millions of people, Jews, political prisoners, homosexuals, even handicapped children were systematically destroyed to meet the Nazi philosophy.
That philosophy was founded on racist beliefs and was driven forward by uncaring criminal bigots, often with unwitting disregard by ordinary people. Here in France Jews were rounded up and shipped off - only "foreign" Jews, not French ones - whilst ordinary people looked on. These attitudes of racism still persist over 70 years later and so much so-called nationalism is based on mis-trust, hatred even, of foreigners, exploited by politicians for their own ends.
There are "holocaust deniers" - Front National founder Jean Marie le Pen called it a "footnote" - mainly anti-semites who see it as part of an international Jewish plot. These hate filled people are exploited by cynical leaders and given power again may not hesitate to imprison and execute opponents.
It's not a far right or far left thing; it's a challenge to decent people everywhere to overcome their natural prejudices and stand up against evil racism.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
