When the international community accused the political and military leaders of Nazi Germany of war crimes, the defendants declared absolution and rationalized their actions as necessary and of the times, consistent with the will of the people. I cannot recognize the verdict of guilty . . . . It was my misfortune to become entangled in these atrocities. But these misdeeds did not happen according to my wishes. It was not my wish to slay people. . . . Once again I would stress that I am guilty of having been obedient, having subordinated myself to my official duties and the obligations of war service and my oath of allegiance and my oath of office . . . . in addition, once the war started, there was also martial law. . . . I did not persecute Jews with avidity and passion. That is what the government did. . . . At that time obedience was demanded, just as in the future it will also be demanded of the subordinate. --Adolf Eichmann (found guilty of war crimes and hanged in 1962). Indeed, the path our nation takes at this moral crossroad will reveal our truer nature.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Dec 2014 19:34:40 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015