Black Shamrocks arrive at Leipzig-Halle

by Neue Bundeslaender Thu Apr 12, 2007 08:58

May I ask why the title of this report mentions that the demonstration took place in the "former GDR"?

The GDR ceased to exist in 1990 and that was a good thing. Despite the impression it built up of itsself as a peace-loving state, the GDR was by far more militaristic than West Germany. The military was a feature of everyday life, children were given paramilitary training in schools, goosestepping, and uniforms and ranks were omnipresent. Granted, the East German military was not involved in wars of aggression around the world, although East Germany's leaders pleaded with Moscow to allow troops participate in the suppression of the Czech Spring in 1968.

by Coilín Thu Apr 12, 2007 13:49

Thanks for your comments, Neue.

I think the significance of the setting in the former GDR is already evident in my report, but to clarify the point:
Having torn down the Iron Curtain - i.e. having defied and discarded the militarism of the Soviet Union - through a series of peaceful demonstrations, the peace movement in Leipzig is now faced with the challenge of tackling US militarism in the shape of the increasing militarisation of Leipzig-Halle airport.

This raises prospects for another showdown, perhaps even more spectacular than the last.

But what is your own view on the new militarism at Leipzig-Halle? How do you feel about Ms Merkel's attempts to create employment by participating in Mr Bush's ambitious project to exert US military influence right across the Middle East and Central Asia? What prospects do you think this strategy has to provide sustainable employment for the people of Sachsen-Anhalt and the other Neue Bundesländer?

Viele Gruesse
Coilín.

by Neue Bundeslaender Fri Apr 13, 2007 10:07

A Choilín,

The significance of mentioning the GDR was not all that significant in your report, which is why I raised it.

I'm very supportive of your work and the actvities of the organisations you're associated with in Germany. I oppose the war in Iraq and oppose those states which offer material support for those wars, such as Ireland and Germany. However, I don't think that any favours are done to the anti-war movement by making vague references to the former GDR, especially given the fact that many PDS members still maintain that there was nothing wrong with the extensive militarisation of the GDR or the Eastern Bloc as these forces were "democratic", "anti-fascist", "of the workers' and peasants" etc. I've met plenty of these PDS types over the years, and their selective historical memory is at times revolting.

Nevertheless, it is great to see younger PDS representatives working with church groups - before 1989, the PDS predecessors effectively criminalised the latter.

Besten Gruss!

NBL

by antje Fri Apr 13, 2007 14:48

well, some of would still be happy to see churches criminalised!!!
both the evangelical and catholic churches in germany are trying to hinder increased kindergarten places at the moment.
and well, if they could get their way on abortion...(the catholic church anyway...)

by Coilín Wed Apr 18, 2007 19:05

Thanks for your comments, Neue.

You raise issues that are significant to the peace movement in Germany, and particularly in Leipzig. And it's not my job to gloss over such issues, but rather to be aware of them and to address them as and when necessary. So thanks for raising them.

I think the historical issue of the militaristic tension between the former east block and the US may have a bearing on a problem mentioned by my friends in the movement in Leipzig, namely allegations that they are anti-American.

This is an issue that gives me a feeling of deja vu! I've seen the same allegation crop up in letters to the papers in both Ireland and Denmark, and I find myself wondering where the idea comes from? Of course, it's excellent black PR to call us anti-American, whether we be based in Ireland or Denmark or Germany, but it's a spurious criticism. I have already published my ten reasons to love America.

Mind you, if criticising the abduction and torture of Moazzam Begg makes me anti-American, then so be it. And if criticising a culture of violence that stretches all the way from Virginia Tech to Baghdad makes me anti-American, then so be it.

Best,
Coilín.

by Coilín Wed Apr 18, 2007 19:14

.

No more scenic place than Schkeuditz to start a new airport neighbourhood watch scheme!

Networking to protest against militarism at the Bombodrom and Rostock-Laage

Easter march leaves Schkeuditz to march 7 km to Leipzig-Halle

Easter march passing Leipzig-Halle with Antonov on the runway

by Coilín Wed Apr 18, 2007 19:34

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Christian Führer and Tobias Pflüger wait to speak at Leipzig-Halle

Pastor Christian Führer urges business leaders to repent

MEP Tobias Pflüger speaks at Leipzig-Halle

Conor Cregan - same speech different day