Europe - Thy Name is Cowardice?

[Zoid]

Originally posted by Sikander






That's fvcking classic! Thanks for the laugh!

Well, anything for a laugh

[BeBMan]

Originally posted by Ned


Che, I think the Germans even today have somewhat the same attitude today. Perhaps someone from Germany can correct me, but people of German descent can move to Germany and become German citizens without more. People who are not of German descent cannot become German citizens.

People who are not of German descent can become German citizens. Although you're right insofar that "people of German descent" can move to Germany and do become German citizens then automatically - edit: unless they wish to keep their former citizenship of course /edit - (although I think it is limited to those which lived in areas that were formerly German - would have to verify that to be sure here).

[Ned]

Originally posted by BeBro


People who are not of German descent can become German citizens. Although you're right insofar that "people of German descent" can move to Germany and do become German citizens then automatically - edit: unless they wish to keep their former citizenship of course /edit - (although I think it is limited to those which lived in areas that were formerly German - would have to verify that to be sure here).

I have some friends who are German who told me this. There are apparently a lot of Germans from Russia moving back to the homeland. I don't recall how they got to Russia.

Question, could an Austrian move to Germany and instantly become a German citizen by registration and giving up his Austrian citizenship?

[BeBMan]

Generally those people of German descent from regions that were settled dominantly by Germans can come and get the citizenship easily. In praxis it is limited to people from some areas in Eastern Europe, where many Germans were driven out after WWII. In Russia they weren't driven out generally, but treated badly, esp. by Stalin.

Reasons why Germans migrated to Russia date back to the 18th century. Catherine the Great encouraged this, because she wanted settlers for those huge areas of Russia which were more or less "empty" during their time - without much towns and villages. So immigrants from other countries were at first welcome, even privileged: they remained free (Russian peasant still were mainly not at this time), had to pay lower taxes, and were freed from military service etc. This caused immigration of Germans in several waves over the 18th/19th century. They did not became Russians culturally (although they learned the language etc.) but formed German communities.

It was defined as a political goal for West-Germany to bring those of German descent back by peaceful means, esp. because these areas were under Soviet influence after 1945, which often meant problems for those Germans living there.

OTOH Austria is a complete different case: it wasn't part of modern Germany before Hitler made it a part, so people from it are technically not Germans, and also the people there weren't under Soviet rule after 45.

[Ned]

I thought all German-speaking people from the Holy Roman Empire (the First Reich?) were in fact technically German.

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by Ned


It is strange, then, that the French sold Czechoslovakia down the river given that they would lose their "capital." Strange.

Well, remember that what they thought they were selling was only the Sudentenland, not all of Czechoslovakia. Had the Nazis announced their intent to take the whole country to begin with, I doubt France or Britain would have been so accomodating.

NYE, if you don't want an answer, why ask the question?

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by Ned
I thought all German-speaking people from the Holy Roman Empire (the First Reich?) were in fact technically German.

The Swiss aren't. Nor are the Dutch.

[Ned]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara


Well, remember that what they thought they were selling was only the Sudentenland, not all of Czechoslovakia. Had the Nazis announced their intent to take the whole country to begin with, I doubt France or Britain would have been so accomodating.

NYE, if you don't want an answer, why ask the question?

Well, what did the French say or do after Hitler stated that he wanted the rest of Czechoslovkia?

[Ned]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara


The Swiss aren't. Nor are the Dutch.

Why?

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by Ned
Well, what did the French say or do after Hitler stated that he wanted the rest of Czechoslovkia?

They accelerated their re-arming. What does that say to you?

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by Ned
Why?

Because they don't want to be, mainly. Figuring out nationalism and why various nationalisms think the way they do is one of the most difficult questions there is. In the ned, all it really boils down to is, "with whom do you wish to associate?" I have a couple of Swiss friends, from the German speaking part of the country, and they really get insulted when they are refered to as German.

[Provost Harrison]

Is this publication the German equivalent of the Daily Mail or something?

[Ned]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara


Because they don't want to be, mainly. Figuring out nationalism and why various nationalisms think the way they do is one of the most difficult questions there is. In the ned, all it really boils down to is, "with whom do you wish to associate?" I have a couple of Swiss friends, from the German speaking part of the country, and they really get insulted when they are refered to as German.

So, true, Che.

Also, just from me, I hope you return to your roots some day. The Republican Party today is the best hope for freedom and democracy in the world.

[chequita guevara]

[Provost Harrison]

Get me the suture kit, my sides have split...