Davids Medienkritik

DER SPIEGEL After the Shootings – The Heart of Bias

What a surprise! DER SPIEGEL has it all figured out again. The shootings in the United States have a name and a face: Donald Trump. That’s right – according to Der SPIEGEL’s latest authoritative feature article on the shootings in America – Trump has created a “climate of hate” that has led to a new “White Terror” and “racial extremism”.

(Above image from Der Spiegel's feature article promo): "White Terror: USA The El Paso massacre is the consequence of a new racist extremism in the United States. Donald Trump must unite the country as President, but he created a climate of hate that he now can barely bring under control.”

Well - aside from the fact that SPIEGEL is swallowing the American Left’s portrayal of Trump as racist and the NRA as a mysterious all-powerful cabal of proto-white-supremacists – what is most notable is that they almost totally ignore the Dayton shooter. Why?  Because apparently, he was a fan of Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren – and that does not compute with the pre-set SPIEGEL narrative of the United States in which the Social Justice Warriors of the Left are the noble underdog saviors being held down by the reactionary, gun-toting forces of darkness.

As a result - SPIEGEL has no appetite for any examination of the Dayton shooters’ admiration of prominent Democrats. In fact, in a prolific feature article consisting of over 40 paragraphs and 3,000 words - in which the El Paso shooter is mentioned by name 24 times in 16 paragraphs - the Dayton shooter is mentioned by name only twice in a single paragraph. And here it is strictly to downplay the influence that Democrats had on him (our translation of original German text):

“Additionally the perpetrator of Dayton, according to Trump on Wednesday, was unlike the El Paso shooter, a “fan of Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. In other words, a Leftist. While it is true that he composed corresponding tweets, he seems to have, according to the FBI, sympathized with numerous violent ideologies, and furthermore investigators are still checking whether he had connections to the so-called Incels – radical woman-haters. And unlike the El Paso shooter – he did not base his actions on politics and his motive is still unclear – his sister is among the nine victims.”

So big shocker: While SPIEGEL spends thousands of words and dozens of paragraphs attempting to insinuate that Trump is directly or indirectly responsible for El Paso – NOBODY at SPIEGEL (corporate-media-to-the core dedicated to profiting from anti-Americanism since time immemorial) dares to obsess about (or even examine in the most cursory manner) the Dayton shooters’ potential political motivations and how they may have been shaped by the general climate of hostility and hatred whipped up by far-left politicians, members of academia, media networks like MSNBC or violent extremist movements like Antifa. (Do we need to mention a previous nutjob who shot up Republican Members of Congress?) 

The Heart of Bias

Let’s be honest – most adults recognize that the Dayton and El Paso shooters were and are deranged maniacs who went around shooting innocent victims who bore zero responsibility for what they believed (in their warped under-developed minds) was plaguing society or worth killing for – and no politician (whatever you may think of Trump, Sanders or Warren) can be held remotely responsible for their insane criminal actions. One shooter was a right-wing nutcase and one was a left-wing nutcase – and because SPIEGEL’s readers are far-Left and hate Trump – they choose to focus on one nutcase’s deranged motivations and tie them in any way possible to Trump - while completely downplaying and dismissing the other side.

By contrast: Whenever members of ISIS massacre innocent people at a hotel, concert or shopping center as an act of intentional, organized and pre-meditated murder – they are somehow characterized as misunderstood revolutionaries spurred on by the injustice and sins of the West. This is the insane biased thinking of the SPIEGEL Eurosnob elite where the default is to blame the forces defending (what is left of) Western civilization.

Simply put: This article is yet another example of The Heart of Bias at Der Spiegel.

Der SPIEGEL Editor to Loyal Unthinking Troops: “I love the smell of Bias in the Morning. It smells like P-R-O-F-I-T-S…”

(Endnote: The translations in quotes are ours, and we intentionally choose to omit the names of the shooters.)

UPDATE: Is Der Spiegel going to report that the rhetoric of the Angry Left has now led to the targeting of members of U.S. Law enforcement? Shots were fired at an ICE office in San Antonio - and these shots could have killed anyone inside. Looking forward to extensive coverage Der Spiegel - including a long research article on the causes and background of these increasing attacks - since we all know you are a reputable unbiased news organization.

Neo-Nazis: Should Tourists Be Afraid?

Discussion Thread: A debate has been raging in Germany over whether foreign visitors to the World Cup, particularly those who are non-white, should avoid certain parts of the country. Neo-Nazi violence is an ongoing problem, particularly in parts of eastern Germany.

Neo-Nazis in Rathenow, Brandenburg, Germany, a city plauged by right-wing violence.

So we ask our readers: How concerned should World Cup tourists be? Comment here.

German Blogs Report: Germany's Diverse Anti-War Crowd

An excellent German-language blog named "GeistesWelt" recently posted an absolutely fascinating series of pictures and captions documenting the 2003 activities of one notorious group of anti-US, anti-Iraq War demonstrators still active in Germany today.

It turns out this particular group of peace-lovers all have incredibly short hair and a fettish for black clothing! Here is a sampling:

The Neo-Nazi Group "Kameradschaft Saarlautern" Demonstrates: "Fight US Imperialism through revolutionary Nationalism"

A Nazi Demo ala Greenpeace: Both Signs read "Please Stop the War" (in German on right)

"For Peace and free (Palestinian flag): Against Globalization"

"United against US-Israeli Genocide"

Two Neo-Nazis in front of a US Base in Hanau, Germany: "Stop the US War Madness!: Put Out the Bush-Fire!: Fight 'One-World' Strategies!"

"Against the US Tyranny: For the Freedom of Peoples"

Learning from the Left: Nazi Candlelight Vigil "as a sign of solidarity with the Iraqi people."

More Skins Against the US War!

Skinhead Banner: "Hey You! Today we are bombing Iraq and tomorrow your homeland too...In the name of US-imperalist Freedom!"

And here is some text from the Nationalists' website describing a demonstration held in front of a US military base in Hanau, Germany back during major combat operations on March 29, 2003:

"After about three and a half kilometers our demonstration reached the grounds of the United States Army Pioneer Kaserne in Hanau and our calls of "Ami go home" immediately got even louder. Behind the buildings stood the US mercenaries and gaped at our protests like monkeys. But so that even they could clearly understand that we certainly hadn't come to join their friendly afternoon of grilling, our speakers translated our main slogans into English at the Kaserne gate. So, for example, one speaker let the US soldiers languishing around know that they are no soldiers to us (you are not soldiers) but instead bestial murderers of women and children (you are killers). "Murderers - Murderers" - Calls boomed forth from over 250 throats across to the Kaserne grounds..." 

And make no mistake: The very same people are out there today actively agitating against the United States, Israel, globalization and the Iraq War. Hard-right groups have already won representation in the parliaments of two east German states and are busily exploiting Germany's economic stagnation and mass unemployment while they spread their ideology of hate. Sad but true...

Update: This blog has more on the topic.

German Soccer Fans: Using "Jews" as Insult

This is very disturbing:

During a game in Germany's 2nd soccer league between Dresden and Cottbus fans of Cottbus showed a banner with "JUDEN" ("Jews") inscription. The encircled "D" in "JUDEN" is a reference to the Dresden soccer team. The banner is obviously meant to be a grave insult.

Interestingly enough, the German media hardly took note of the incident, even though the banner was briefly shown during the live broadcast on tv.

Let me make this clear: Germany is not on the verge of becoming anti-Semitic (again). The country has made enormous efforts post WWII to eradicate anti-Semitism. (Also, the Cottbus fan association has distanced itself from the banner.) But, considering the self-image of the German media as highest moral authority, you might expect at least a passing reference to the incident.

On the other hand, Germany's image as organizer of the soccer world championship in 2006 could be tarnished by pictures such as the one shown above. Which proves that the German media can quite reluctant to criticize discrimination and racism if this could hurt the fatherland.

Hmm... just imagine the German media's reaction to a banner insulting blacks during a football game in America... The moral outrage would be beyond description.

(I found the picture and a description of the incident at the Endi blog. An English article on the subject can be found here.)

(You may want to cast your vote in this competition for the "Best European Blog" (Non UK)).

Neo-Nazis Plan Large "National Center" for Anti-American Rallies Near Major US Base

US Troops and Families Can Expect Hostile New Nazi Neighbors in Grafenwoehr, Germany

This is unbelievable: The German NPD, a hard right nationalist Neo-Nazi party, has purchased a large indoor tennis hall in Grafenwoehr, Germany, the site of a major US military base, to hold large anti-American rallies, festivals and events.

But it gets worse: According to the NPD, the new hall is to be dedicated as follows:

"On the occasion of the separation of the USA from Great Britain on the 4 of July (so-called Independence Day) we plan on Sunday evening, July 2, 2005 to inaugurate our liberated zone with a large anti-American culture festival.

Motto: "No to slavery, the rule of money and imperialism: Dissolve the USA now!" Further major events are planned."

The frightening part of this all: The slogans of the Neo-Nazis are strikingly similar to those of the hard left in Germany. The last time the two combined politically in this manner, they overthrew the Weimar Republic and destroyed German democracy. Anyone worried yet?

NPD Stickers: (left) "Peace Instead of US Wars" (center) "Germany for us Germans!" (right) Stop the World Arsonist USA and its German Henchman!"

Here, now, is the translation of a major news article from SPIEGEL ONLINE on the NPD's plans:

"NPD Wants to Use Tennis Hall as "National Center"

The NPD has purchased an indoor tennis hall in Bavarian Grafenwoehr and wants to establish a "national center" there for large events. The mayor is appalled and is worried above all about the reaction of the Americans: Next to it lies the largest troop training facility of the US Army (in Germany).

Berlin - Finally - the NPD celebrates in a press release, the party has a "large object" in which it can hold large party rallies, concerts and other events. The hall will also be put at the disposal of other hard right parties such as the DVU and the Republikaner.

Helmut Waechter, the mayor of the 7,000 resident town near Regensburg, was shocked. He confirmed the purchase of the hall to SPIEGEL ONLINE that was unfortunately not preventable. The empty hall was sold by Dresden real estate developer Wolfgang Juergens to the NPD.

It plans an anti-American festival for the dedication on July 2, two days before the American national holiday. That is a particular provocation, because a large US training facility is in Grafenwoehr. The Americans plan the deployment of an entire brigade to the town, there are supposed to be investments in the hundreds of millions already planned. 8,500 soldiers and family members are to move there.

Waechter is worried about the image of his community. The US command still hasn't heard anything, but "you never know how sensitively the Americans will react" he said. He worries that the news of the new neighbors will reach the Pentagon. Neo-Nazis already showed up at the facility to protest against the troop facility a few years ago in Grafenwoehr. "That went by very quickly though" said Waechter.

The center also contains a completely new danger. The Social Democrat, who has been mayor for over 20 years, is confident, that he can still disrupt the NPD's plans. "We will exhaust all legal means" he has declared. For now the city will check the purchase and check if it can't eventually buy the hall itself.

In case that doesn't work, the city will check to see that the hall facility is used according to its intended design. The intended use of the hall is clearly for "sport, recreation and free time." The NPD, according to Waechter, must apply for a change in use and that will be denied - for one reason because of lack of parking. An event center as the NPD would like to have it, needs a certain number of parking spaces, according to regulation. The places belong to the city, according to Waechter."

The only problem is that, to now, the town and mayor Waechter have been unable to stop the NPD and it now appears that the Neo-Nazis will be able to hold rallies unhindered in the purchased hall.

German Anti-Americanism: Chickens Coming Home to Roost

Clearly, part of the blame must be directed at Gerhard Schroeder and Joschka Fischer and their Red-Green government for exploiting anti-American sentiment in Germany for the past three years for political profit. Let's not forget that not so long ago, Gerhard Schroeder's Justice Minister was comparing the methods of George W. Bush to those of Hitler to win an election.

The German left-wing media, above all SPIEGEL, Stern and Sueddeutsche Zeitung and the publishing houses that have released the most outrageous anti-American garbage over the past years, deserve an equal portion of the blame. Just a few months ago SPIEGEL ONLINE ran an article depicting the United States as having become "as scary as Osama Bin Laden." Stern recently ran this ugly gallery of anti-American stereotypes. (Anyone who has followed our website or looked through our archives knows of hundreds of further examples of the German media's attitude towards America.)   

More than anyone else, the German government and media have allowed America-hate to get out of control to this extent. So it is particularly ironic that an SPD mayor is so worried and appalled at what is happening. It is equally ironic that SPIEGEL ONLINE, of all news outlets, is reporting on this matter with such a concerned and worried tone. This all represents nothing more than the chickens coming home to roost...reaping what you sow.

Perhaps these groups will finally realize that they have spread the seeds of anti-Americanism to the point that even Nazis can successfully exploit the sad phenomena. Soon the growing Fascist movement in Germany will be able to intimidate and threaten American families in Grafenwoehr.

And how can the US government and the US military put the wives and children of US soldiers in a community like this? They are planning to move in thousands more Americans and invest hundreds of millions in this area? Are you kidding me?

If someone hasn't contacted the Pentagon, the White House, the State Department and the US Congress about this, we had better start doing so now people! (Here is a link to the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. You are welcome to post copies of your emails and letters in our comments section.)

There can only be one response to this: America needs to pull its troops, families and money out of Germany and keep pulling them out until this stops. There are plenty of other nations in Europe where American troops would be welcomed with open arms and where American financial investments would be greatly appreciated.

The SPD (Schroeder's Social Democrats), the Greens, the PDS (Communist party) and their friends in the media who have ceaselessly exploited anti-Americanism in Germany need to be thrown out of their positions of power and discredited. Germany is drifting towards extremism, irrelevance and economic mediocrity because of them.

When will enough be enough???

NOTE: Mr. Wolfgang Juergens, our "real estate developer" from Dresden, said that it was a pleasure for him to sell the NPD the tennis hall. Mr. Juergens officially sold the tennis hall to the NPD's chairman for Lower Franconia in Bavaria, Uwe Meenen.

The Tennis Hall's New Owner: Neo-Nazi Leader Uwe Meenan of Würzburg, Germany

Uwe Meenan has authored a number of articles including "The Flag of the Fourth Reich" and coauthored an article entitled: "The Fall of the Judeo-American Empire." Here is an excerpt:

"On 11 September 2001, there occurred the overdue general attack of the Islamic Middle Ages upon the Judeo-American Civilization, which is Modenism and thus Barbarism, in its own main depot.  These attacks were executed by the resurrected martyrs of a medieval Mohammedan warrior culture, which offers itself in sacrifice and takes as many as the enemy into death with it as it can. The Holy War and its martyrs are the crown of Islamic culture. Attack upon civilization, resurrection of cultures, and the smashing of the USA,  including its global Jewish influence-apparatus, along with the ending of the Jewish State and the simultaneous construction of a world order based upon the freedom of the various peoples, is the inseparable complete process of the anti-capitalist world revolution, at whose victorious conclusion Western values and their utilization process will be broken and the sovereignty of the nationalities established."

So the NPD people building this "national center" for anti-American Fascist rallies believe that September 11 was an "overdue attack" carried out by the "crown of Islamic culture." If that isn't disconcerting, I don't know what is...

(Article by Ray D., hat tip leo.)