In September 1938, the British prime minister had a problem. The Third Reich’s psychopath-in-chief was scorching the airwaves in one of his trademark rants, this time about the supposed oppression of Germans living in Czechoslovakia. He threatened war unless Western nations caved to his demands, which was the last thing the British and the French wanted, with torrid memories of the last European conflagration still burning in their thoughts. Thus, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and French leader Edouard Daladier agreed to meet with Hitler and his ally, Benito Mussolini, in Munich on September 29, 1938. The rest, as they say, is history.
But what a notorious hunk of history this was. On an earlier excursion to Germany, Chamberlain was greeted with flowers and gifts and a band playing “God Save the King”, which seemed to justify his departing comment that his “objective is peace in Europe. I trust this trip is the way to that peace.” The result was a short-term peace in exchange for a German slice of Czechoslovakia, now virtually defenseless after being forced to relinquish the Sudetenland to the Reich at a meeting to which they were not even invited. No matter; Chamberlain still returned to his homeland waving a piece of paper that fluttered in the wind while he declared that he had achieved “peace for our time” to relieved audiences in Britain. This was Chamberlain’s Munich Moment.
What transpired afterwards has entered history books and international relations seminars on the object lessons of appeasing an aggressor. After promising not to demand any more territorial concessions, Hitler ordered his armies to absorb the rest of Czechoslovakia in March 1939, after which the German Fuhrer made fresh demands for new territorial concessions in Europe, this time against Poland. And this time, German armies invaded their isolated victim, instigating declarations of war by Great Britain and France, which had learned their lessons from a year earlier.
Fast forward to the present era, with a different location and a freshly minted Western leader, President Barack Obama, who declared in Cairo in 2009: “I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition.” Fair enough, and we may suppose, approximately equivalent to achieving “peace for our time” between Islam and America. However conceived, Obama’s Cairo address may now be remembered as his Munich Moment.
Then in September 2012, things began to get sour, though it took a little longer than the Munich betrayal—but then, Hitler was a gangster in a hurry, whereas radical Islamists believe they have plenty of time on their hands and that history is on their side. But even history has to be pushed now and then, which in this case resulted in the death of four American embassy personnel in Libya, including the incomparable Ambassador Christopher Stevens in a premeditated assault (and flag-burning frenzies of anti-Americanism raging throughout the Muslim world from Tunisia to Indonesia.)
Based on past experience, one could believe that events in the summer and fall of 2012 constituted teachable moments, just as German perfidy and aggression in 1939 convinced western leaders that Hitler was a fraud. Instead, the American embassy in Cairo responded with another Munich Moment, by issuing a statement of such breathtaking pusillanimity that one could wonder which side in the issue they actually represented. “The embassy of the United States … condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims,” it declared, referring to a video trailer produced in America that mocked the prophet Muhammad. So, that was it, declared an official organ of the American government—just like Hitler’s aggression against the Czechs and Poles was in response to German citizens being treated poorly. Even Chamberlain eventually saw through that. His Munich Moment had passed; recognition of reality set in.
Which is not to say that America should declare war against some Middle Eastern country. But it is to say that the Obama administration must recognize, as the French and British did in 1939, that hurt Muslim feelings have no more to do with radical Islamic hatred of the United States than mythical complaints about Germans under foreign rule had for Hitler; both were merely pretexts, excuses for aggression that would have taken place anyway. It also means that anti-Americanism in the Islamic world is going to get worse, not better, and that the United States had better be prepared for it with firm respect for our country and American interests abroad. In this case, responding with a cut-off of foreign aid to countries that murder or abuse Americans is a good start; perhaps stronger measures should follow. But issuing gag-inducing statements of apology and adhering to an untenable policy is out of the question.
In short, American foreign policy cannot be based on endless repetitions of a Munich Moment.
Dr. Marvin Folkertsma is a professor of political science and fellow for American studies with The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College. The author of several books, his latest release is a high-energy novel titled “The Thirteenth Commandment.”
©2012 The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College
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Excellent piece indeed.
However, I discovered last night, from a British TV sitcom (Doc Martin), that hitler’s invasion of Poland was NOT the cause of the outbreak of World War 2 – no sir, what actually caused the second world war was the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which of course took place at the conclusion of the previous (no doubt blameless) German tantrum!
Yes, apparently the allies “demanded” too much and “humiliated” hitler’s adopted homeland so much that the only option was ever going to be World War 2!!
Sound familiar? According to the muslim-brotherhood-loving clinton and the equally putrid buffoon she calls her boss, the only reason the the muslim barbarians slaughtered Americans and each other last week was because a nasty Christian guy “humiliated” them by creating a truthful video of their beloved mohammed.
Nothing to do with their avowed intent to destroy ALL non-believers, nothing to do with their inbred blood lust, hammered into their brains from the time they’re old enough to spit at an infidel!
clinton’s “munich moment” MIGHT just be SOMEWHAT understandable seeing that everything she does nowadays she does with the object of pleasing her muslim-brotherhood lover, huma uppermost in her mind – but obama’s? Pure, unadulterated evil and hatred toward America and white Christians.
However, the culmination of events that led to the outbreak of World War 2 are generally understood to be the 1939 invasion of Poland by Germay and Soviet Russia and the Japanese invasion of China in 1937.
My reference to the sitcom “revisionism” was a clumsy attempt at sarcasm, my point being that just as the obama crowd are trying to deflect the true culprits and causes of the current international crises, so too the multi-cultural, politically-correct revisionists are trying to exonerate hitler and HIS gang for starting WWII – instead blaming the allies for being so cruel and humiliating (more sarcasm) at Versailles.
And still Obama’s sheeple will line up behind their “Chosen One” and will attempt to allow him to march us into WWIII. If the Teleprompter-In-Chief is allowed to remain in the White House we can all kiss America goodbye!
Yep! You got that right and that upcoming war is exactly why Bummer signed his Executive Order back in June this year effectively stating that: “the Federal Government can sieze any and or all property of all American citizens for the good of the country in times of war.” Basically that’s what it says. Not verbatim mind you. He’s doggedly intent on taking us out via a war and we HAVE to get him out of office! It’s also why he’s breaking our economic system down and blowing smoke up his followers arses by telling them along with the rest of the American People that “The middle class is doing fine, yada yada!
And when the war starts – Obama will hide in his buker or whatever. The man is a fraud and the sooner Americans see that the sooner we can our Hope and Change. I HOPE we get CHANGE in November.
How much involvement has there been by Obama in regrd to the incident in Libya.? Very little because he is too busy campaigning, playing, partying to be bothered. Oh, and meeting with a pirate honoring Pirate Talk Day, a very important day. LOL!
I agree Obamanation is the worst thing that has happen to America, The apathy of Americans is unbelieving , they follow what Obama says or does with out question, If the liberal newspapers would report fairly, most of this would be seen by even the non political. I agree not to vote is a vote for Obamanation. There is a national prayer day Sept 28th, 40 days before the election, I would urge all concerned , to join in, , If than Obama still wins, we must know this is God’s will, and perhaps America is at it’s end. Prayer I believe is all we have now, and God is waiting for his people to humble themselves and pray, , And he will heal our land. GOD BLESS AMERICA
I am constantly amazed at how stupid the sheep were that put this man in office. He has been a disgrace to everything American. I can still hear them screaming about Sarah Palins foreign policy experience. What were they basing Obama’s foreign policy experience on? The fact he was schooled in the Philippines and born to a Kenyan…
The stupidity of the voters is as much of a disgrace as he is. It really makes you want to give them a litheness test before allowing them to vote….
Don’t blame the clowns that voted Obama and his followers in office. At least they voted. The real culprits are the ones who don’t vote. They did just as much to put him in office as the clowns who did vote for him. What we need to get Obama out of the White House isn’t going to happen without some miracle that will get a lot more people to vote. In the past elections, including the last one, less than 50%, of those eligible, even bothered to vote. The people that don’t vote all have their reasons. Every time I think I heard them all, someone always proves me wrong. Here are a few of them:
“Your vote in November will count for NOTHING. It is rigged and Obama has already been declared the winner. Watch and see.”
“I don’t like any of the candidates on either side so I’m not voting.”
And My favorite:
“I don’t vote so you can’t blame me for the way things are now.”
Every time I hear statements like those, I want to puke. A politician’s worse nightmare is if everyone eligible voted. Then they would have to work for their constituents and there is no money in that. Republicans as well as Democrats all get very generous contributions from special interests lobbies. We have the best politicians money can buy. This is the product of apathy and they will soon be paying the price for it when it is too late to do anything about it. The day of the rude awakening is coming. If the day ever comes that the minority of voters have voted all our rights away, don’t come complaining to me. I will have one question. Where were you when there was still time to do something about it? Martial law is just a scare tactic. He doesn’t need it. There will be an election in November and he will win because apathy will play a major part in securing that win and he knows it. I am not saying anything new here that I haven’t said many times in the past. I am saying the same things that need to be said over and over. WAKE UP AMERICA. APATHY IS THE GREATEST THREAT TO OUR LIBERTIES AND FREEDOMS! NOT OBAMA.
You mean ‘litmus’ test?
Where do you see me make any mention, or even a hint, of litmus testing? That has historically been the purview of the Democrats. I know from personal experience how that party worked in the south during the 1950s and early 60s. That was their favorite tool to suppress the black vote after Reconstruction. Let’s not forget the idea of poll taxes to get to vote. Another favorite Democrat voter suppression tool.
I believe he should actually just go to these muslim countries and appologize in person, since he was raise as a muslim and still is a muslim they could throw a big appology party. The muslims know the occupier is a shill.
Leadersheep
There is a certain strain of sheep in Iceland known as leadersheep. Leadersheep are highly intelligent animals that have the ability and instinct to lead a flock home during difficult conditions. They have an exceptional ability to sense danger. There are many stories in Iceland of leadersheep saving many lives during the fall roundups when blizzards threatened shepherds and flocks alike.
101 Sheep
These sheep have a strong instinct to follow the sheep in front of them. When one sheep decides to go somewhere, the rest of the flock usually follows, even if it is not a good “decision.” For example, sheep will follow each other to slaughter. If one sheep jumps over a cliff, the others are likely to follow. Even from birth, lambs are conditioned to follow the older members of the flock. This instinct is “hard-wired” into sheep. It’s not something they “think” about.
America which sheep are you following????? Be a Leadersheep rather than a 101 Sheep and save America!!!
PStenger, the reason the sheeple are so stupid is that for the last 40 to 50 years the federal government has been in charge of the American public schools and the content of the books has been watered down so as not to insult or offend anyone. No truth is allowed!!! God is not allowed! No prayers allowed (gasp!!) The class content now consists of being kind to homosexuals and muslims and here’s your diploma. Overcoming this travesty that is our public school system will take at least as many years as it has taken to destroy them. Until it happens, though, the sheeple will continue to line up at the trough to be fed more lies which they will swallow whole.
The whole world knows that Obama and company has done not one thing for the betterment of America. For some reason they truly hate the country that has provided them with wealth, free benefits and allows them more freedom than any other country on this planet to spew their lies and hatred without retribution, no matter how many people they hurt. And a large portion of the American citizens are foolish enough to believe that Obama and company are really going to spread the wealth around so they will be receive a portion of it too. They are so foolish, that after almost 4 years they do not realize they are no better off than they were in 2008. As a matter of fact, most of them are worse off, as they have no jobs, no savings, no home and in most cases deeper in debt with collectors worrying them day and night. However, Obama and company have increased their coffers and are living better than they did before 2008. The wealth was spread around to Obama and company. And still these same foolish citizens, (knowing 28 million people are without jobs, banks are foreclosing on millions of homes each year, our national debt has been increased to over $16 trillion dollars, worst tax increases we have ever seen coming in 2013, Muslims infiltrating our country and inserting their laws and beliefs onto our society every day,) are still planning to vote Obama and company back into office for 4 more years so they can completely destroy our great nation. I have to ask these foolish citizens, do you really think Obama and company will repent of their lies, deceitful ways and hatred of America and her people and make everyones life easy like theirs? I do not think you do, I think you are selfish enough to hope they will do this to prove you were right. I can understand that no one wants to be wrong. But to show you are a better person than they are, why not give another a chance? We have a choice here, we can vote for a christian team, that has experience in business, above average education, brilliant acheivement record in turning around bad situations, truly loves America and her people, even you. Has no connections to Muslim organizations or Chicago politices, will not cut down on our military defenses. As a matter of fact they have a plan that will put our country back on track to prosperity, re-build our strength and respect in this dangerous world, reaffirm the relationships with our friends, protect our Constitution, provide reasonable health care, secure Social Security and our enemies will have a healthy fear of America again. God has given me so much faith that Romney and Ryan can and will accomplish these things for us, but we must give them the chance. As I see it, what do we have to loose? We already know we are on a down hill slide and Obama is still apologizing and doing nothing to improve our standing in the world, If Iran wanted to take over America today Obama would open the door for them. I am not willing to stand by and watch that, are you? Lets give Romney and Ryan a chance to show us what they can do. If we are not happy with them, we can vote them out in 4 years!! Heavenly Father, in Jesus name I ask that you will bless and protect us all and bless America with a new President of your choosing. Amen
Compared to Obama, Chamberlain is a Winston Churchill.
In the Wizard of Oz he would hide behind the Cowardly Lion.
It is funny, the name most associated with cowardly politicians is Neville Chamberlain, but in modern times,
the times of ACLU, Appeasement of Moslems, do not offend others at any cost and all other type of political correctness, guess who is being upgraded in character. Yup! Chief coward of of pre world war 2, Chamberlain. It was also no surprise but his support as Britains leader was from the British sheepies, very similar to the left wing sheepie population in America.
Guess Cowards and Political Correctness go hand in hand. No wonder our country is fading fast.
the lame stream media is keeping this gutter snipe in the action, they are not getting the news to these very stupid ignorant mindless morons, at this point most of them can’t read or speak English, the only thing they do know is ohomo let the mexs stay, to vote for it, at this point even the lame stream media if it come up for air long enough to realize they own jobs are certainly at stake, you don’t think ohomo will let all the lame stream stay on the air do you, fox could only do so much and apparently the thugs got to them, since Murdoch got his ears pinned back. All I can say if ohomo gets another 4 we are completely and totally screwed, America will become a 3 world country, we are half way there as we speak.
My following blog post contains numerous articles and/or blog posts and videos that reveal the disastrous results of: 1) the Islamic and Communist infiltration inside our government and our military, to include the President’s secret link to Hamas and Communists; 2) the President’s connection to George Soros; and 3) the shared agendas of George Soros and the President:
The Vetting: ‘Obama, Radical Islam and the Soros Connection’! (Part 4):
http://wethepeopleusa.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-vetting-obama-radical-islam-and-the-soros-connection-part-3-1
“Food For Thought”
Semper Fi!
what a grand display of obama camel-feathers he talks a big talk then crumples to the floor like a wuss-this guy has no true backbone-and he thinks the majority of black and Jew votes are his-and that he can easily win-but if this election is fair and square, then he loses and he can bawl like the muslim baby he is-cry to mohommed and wail like a mutant mulatto circus freak
wait a minute in 2008 Joe the schmo Biden said obama had a spine steel.
obanana doesn’t know sh66t from apple butter.
I would not liken Obama to Chamberlain so much as to der Feuhrer himself. He is a cult personality with worshippers and enablers to satisfy his ego. He is an egomaniac and should not be allowed near so much power let alone actually hold it. We’re screwed.