That's your home made philosophy, Tom. The best Germans, if there is such a creature, from the generation before us wouldn't set a foot on US soil. That's the way I've learned it.[/QUOTE]

My German ancestors came over sometime before the civil war (ours).

I developed that theory after reading countless accounts of ww2 events and feeling some vague sense of responsibility being of mostly German ancestry. You are right its my own thought.

And then it follows that the best one were already gone a generation ago!

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I've been working with a fellow in Germany to get some injection parts for my car and he's been great. Couldn't ask for better. If there's ever anything I can do for him to help out like he's helped me, I'll be right there.

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-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

That's a good one ....

That's a great point right there. We need to stop using the WW2 era as a reference for who we are.

I have a little story here:

After some time of searching for a S&W model 28 in excellent condition, I happen to be referred to an older gentleman, who, because of age (83) wanted to liquidate his firearm collection. His grown kids (my age) didn't know what to do with it.
It all happened in 1 day. I called him, went there, sure enough, there she was, hardly fired. Done deal.

So, we started talking and it turns out he was a WW2 veteran, pointing at a picture in the corner, showing him in splendid youth and United States Army uniform.

I mentioned, that all of my family's men were in war.

At that point he lowered his head to what became an obvious gesture of silence and prayer. When he looked up again, looking at me, his eyes were watering.

His son (my age), who cared for him was standing right behind him.
It was the both of us, who he addressed:

"We were never afraid of the Japanese, but the Germans scared the hell out of us"

For that matter, I am extra proud, knowing, the S&W mod. 28 "Highway Patrolman", was passed on to me by a genuine US Army WWII veteran.

What I am trying to visualize here is:
It is one thing to accumulate knowledge through historical records.
It is another, to have actually been there, or growing up in the aftermath of such events.

I believe I am correct in saying that you came here from Germany?

The ordinary German soldier was tremendously respected by the allies. I won't be able to quote Churchill accurately but he said something like this..."the average german soldier will fight to the end, enduring mud and cold and injury and death and maintain high spirits...they will just keep fighting until taken out by wounds or death". He respected them tremendously.

There were plenty of officers as well who had high morals and would simply not follow orders from HItler if the orders were too crazy. Hitler ordered them to fight to the last man and burn the countryside as they retreated to deny it to the allies. Most ignored both orders, knowing that the war was all but over and that the german people would starve if they burned the countryside and surrendering if the battle was lost. (They did not often surrender to the Russians though as they expected the Russians to treat them viciously).

In the end many germans did starve after the war or nearly so. France and Italy were also devastated. England as well but perhaps not as severely.

The Marshall plan saved a starving Europe.

Russia had millions starving too but refused to participate in the Marshall plan.

There was a particularly ruthless, immoral strain of Germans though, that populated the SS and followed Hitlers vicious policies with enthusiasm.

I think there are folks here in the US capable of such things as well, but hopefully not too many.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I've been going to Europe for quite some time. Last time I never had/have a problem with them. Most of the people I encounter are quite friendly and helpful. I have the same experience here in the US. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

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Sent from an agnostic abacus

2014 C250 21,XXX my new DD ** 2013 GLK 350 18,000 Wife's new DD**

- With out god, life is everything.
- God is an ever receding pocket of scientific ignorance that's getting smaller and smaller as time moves on..." Neil DeGrasse Tyson
- You can pray for me, I'll think for you.
- When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.

In short: You are correct. In the lengthy version: There's more to it. The flipside of it: I Happen to get some nice insight into views from both sides of the pond.

Here are some fresh and interesting articles:

George S. Patton assassinated?

Unconventional warfare

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