Posted on 07/20/2008 10:13:42 AM PDT by kristinn
BERLIN: The decision by Senator Barack Obama to speak at a landmark monument in Berlin this Thursday has opened up yet another controversy, with conservative and opposition politicians saying the site recalls Germany's Nazi past and Prussia's militaristic tradition.
Obama is planning to address what organizers expect will be huge crowds at the Siegessäule, or Victory Column, which is located in the center of a long and busy intersection that straddles the lush, public Tiergarten gardens and stretches up to the Brandenburg Gate.
SNIP
After days of back and forth between the chancellery and the Obama campaign, the Victory Column was selected.
But Andreas Schockenhoff, deputy leader of the conservative bloc in Parliament, said Sunday that the choice of the Victory Column, also known as the Golden Angel, was an "unhappy symbol" since it represented so much of Germany's militaristic past.
Rainer Brüderle, deputy leader of the opposition Free Democrats, said Obama's advisers had little idea of the historical significance of the Victory Column. "It was the symbol of German superiority over Denmark, Austria and France," Brüderle told the newspaper Bild am Sonntag.
The monument was built in 1864 to commemorate Prussia's victory over Denmark. When it was inaugurated, Prussia had defeated Austria during the Austro-Prussian war in 1866 and the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71.
The column has been originally located near the Reichstag, now the Bundestag, or German Parliament, which is close to the Brandenburg Gate. But Adolf Hitler relocated it about two kilometers, or one mile, toward the western part of the city to the Grosser Stern, or Great Star.
(Excerpt) Read more at iht.com ...
One, only slightly more famous, Glorious Leader loved the place.
Did Obama sleep through all his history classes?
“Ich Bin Ein Berlinner”
JFK’s landmark cold war speech.
I believe many of John F. Kennedy’s early 1960’s policy positions would place him somewhat to the right of John McCain.
This guy will have a world war started within his first three months in office. He reminds me of Inspector Clouseau.
I don’t know why Obama is even giving a speech to the people of Germany; what a dolt.
I think this speech will backfire on him; if I was Merkle I would give Obama an option....you can meet with me, or you can give a speech, but you can’t do both.
His ego far surpasses his ability.
At least Clouseau bumbles his way to a successful outcome. I don't see that happening to B Hussein.
“Ik been ein beginner.” (sic, sic, sic, &sic)
What’s next, the Obama Youth?
Would do nicely, too. Could be a good rehearsal for that nomination acceptance Nuremberg-style rally in Denver he wants so much.
I only suggested Volkerschlachtdenkmal as a start...
In grade school, he was probably too busy praying towards Mecca... five times a day.
I wonder if he’ll end up throwing this venue under the bus.
Have we ever seen so much adulation devoted to someone so entirely undeserving?
yikes!
For a moment I thought someone Photoshoped Obumbler into that picture.
Someone coined the phrase ich bin ein beginner-don’t know if it was someone on this site.
It is funny but sadly true.
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