SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: Zeev Hed who wrote (30397)5/22/2002 9:18:14 PM
From: Ilaine  Read Replies (3) of 281500
 
Jochen can explain it better, but "stadtluft macht frei" was a law in feudal Germany (I guess it would be more accurate to say German principalities). Literally it means "city air makes you free." Cities were independent and not subject to feudal or manorial laws. Any runaway serf who could remain inside a German city for a year became free.

Early German liberals (old fashioned liberals, believers in the rights of man) were called "free thinkers."

We don't learn much about the German liberal tradition in school, perhaps because we have fought Germany in two wars, and so it's a touchy subject. But German is our ally now. The German people are very grateful that we helped them rebuild after World War II. I only wish we had done the same after World War I, perhaps then Hitler would never have seemed like a good idea.

I understand why Jews feel resentment towards Germany. Nevertheless, I am proud of my German heritage. Germans are part of the backbone of America. My German ancestors came to the United States in 1769, seeking religious freedom and a better life. They settled in Pennsylvania and the three sons of the family fought in the American Revolution.

My husband's mother was from Lauf, Germany. His father met her after the war.

So I can understand, but not share, your feelings towards Germany. I hate the Nazis and their collaborators, but not Germany and not the German people.
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News