Europa - dein Name ist Feigheit

"EUROPE - THY NAME IS COWARDICE" is an editorial written in German by Mathias Döpfner, CEO of the large German publishing firm Axel Springer, and published in the German periodical "Die Welt.de" on 20 November 2004. Since then its English translation has been traveling the Internet email route and has been somewhat embellished along the way. One part has stunned me, where he describes "a particularly grotesque form of appeasement."

"How is Germany reacting to the escalating violence by Islamic fundamentalists in Holland and elsewhere? By suggesting that we really should have a 'Muslim Holiday' in Germany. I wish I were joking, but I am not. A substantial fraction of our (German) Government, and if the polls are to be believed, the German people, actually believe that creating an Official State 'Muslim Holiday' will somehow spare us from the wrath of the fanatical Islamists. Appeasement? Europe, thy name is Cowardice!"

Although a few thinking Europeans understand Henry Broder was right when he wrote "Europe — your family name is appeasement," most are too materialistic and concerned with their dental benefits, six week holidays and 35 hour work weeks to sacrifice for the common good. Who can ever forget when the French left thousands of elderly relatives behind to die during a heat wave while they traveled abroad for vacation? Europeans arrogantly hide behind the peace movement while condeming those who are willing to give their all for a higher purpose.

The European argument is that by fighting the War in Iraq, the United States is creating more terrorists. Our own American Left proclaims the same. What is actually more accurate is that by appeasement such as creating a special Muslim holiday in Christian Europe and kowtowing to the likes of CAIR in America, we are encouraging the Islamists by showing weakness and self-doubt. All those who give hope to the enemy are thereby prolonging the war and adding to the lives lost. Politicians and their followers who would be pleased to see America's army defeated so that they can gain advantage or to see President Bush disgraced, should remember that this will be a long and bloody struggle. If and when we win, George Bush will be a distant memory. If we lose, the world will be a dark and miserable place for our grandchildren.

Thank God for George Bush, Tony Blair and those who are trying to lead the world through this valley of the shadow of death. Most Americans understand what is at stake as do many others on our side. Sadly, the majority of Europe is neither on our side nor do its people understand the peril they are facing.

Linked at Trey Jackson, Captain's Quarters and My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy.