I ran into the word count quota so I didn`t finish. He isn`t being charged for any crime by Jews. Their concern is that his "rehabilitation" will legitimize the Bishop`s views. I don`t think that is an irrational concern, though its not one I share. Frankly, the Bishop`s views are so out of accord with the evidence, so out of accord with the Nazi records, so out of accord with the independent testimony of large numbers of Nazi`s and prisoners in the camps, that his views will have zero influence (except, of course, with a receptive audience).
As to Germany charging the Bishop with a crime, it is not charging him for his thoughts. Its his utterances that are criminal. Think of it this way. You can sit in the theater and fantasize all you want about how the audience would react if you yelled fire. But if you yelled fire, that is no longer "just a thought". It is criminal mischief that can easily kill people. Language can create hate and trigger violence. |
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