Copyright (c) 1997 - Ingrid A. Rimland
"Dear Sirs:
I am an associate director of CAUSE Foundation, and international human and civil rights legal foundation headquartered in the United States. We are considering organizing a symposium of international civil rights attorneys. One of the potential venues being discussed is your country. However, we have received some disturbing news regarding Germany's position on human rights, particularly with regard to freedom of expression.
The following has been brought to our attention: "in August 1994, the German attorney general stated in a Spiegel interview that he would arrest American citizens visiting Germany if they have an Internet site in America with information that is legal in America but illegal in Germany. His excuse: It is "accessible" in Germany!
Please confirm or deny that this is the state of affairs in Germany. Are American's human and civil rights still respected in Germany? What kinds of thoughts, ideas and expressions are considered forbidden? Is there an official list of ideas or beliefs that are considered criminal in your country? Can you supply us with examples of American web sites whose owners would be subject to arrest if he were to visit your country?
We would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience."
A second ZGram reader wrote:
"Gentlemen:
My family and I have made occasional visits to Germany in the past and would like to continue to do so in the future. The following quote is from Gerhard Lauck where he states:
" A few months after my conviction in August 1995, the German attorney General stated in a *Spiegel* interview that he would arrest American citizens visiting Germany if they have an Internet site in America with information that is legal in America but illegal in Germany. His excuse: it is "accessible" in Germany! Yes, the German police state claims global jurisdiction! Even over Americans acting in America in accordance with American law! "
Who is the "German attorney General" referred to in the Aug. '95 'Spiegel' interview?
Was such a statement made indicating that Americans would be arrested in Germany if they had a US web site containing information illegal in Germany?
Does this statement accurately reflect the current policy in Germany today?
Does this policy also apply to Canadians visiting Germany?
How can I know if content on my website would likely result in my arrest if I arrive in Germany?
Your most prompt reply to these questions would be greatly appreciated."
A third wrote angrily:
"I have just read that U.S.Citizens can be arrested, tried, and imprisoned in Germany on charges that are against our guaranteed Constitutional rights as American citizens. The victim in this instance is one Gary Lauck from the mid-west, an outspoken, home-grown, (National)-Socialist.
As a conservative republican, I find his views obnoxious; but, I am incensed over the fact that he - an American citizens - was (extradited from) Denmark to stand trial in Germany over the views he expressed while living here in the United States.
Is this the beginning of the end to our Constitutional freedoms? I suggest we all boycott Germany in our travels!"
These samples give you an idea of how protest can be applied. You may do
the following:
· Write to your Congressman
· Write to your local paper. Praise the US Supreme Court decision;
express your pleasure that there is still freedom in America, and point
out that it is absent in countries such as Germany. Because it is timely,
chances are your letter will be printed.
· Surf for some German papers on-line and give them a piece of your
mind via e-mail. (They understand English...!) Excellent starts can be made
with the following:
Frankfurter Rundschau
Frankfurter Allgemeine
Die Welt
Bild
Focus Magazine
Der Spiegel
· Write to your local travel agency asking for guidelines when traveling
to Germany (they WILL inquire for you, and it will have an impact when such
a query comes from industry)
· The chief representative of the German tourist industry in the
United States, are Mr. Henschke of the "German National Tourist Office
in New York (Tel: 212-661-7200) and Mr. Hanel at the German Embassy in Washington
(Tel: 202-289-4000).
Ask them for ". . . a list of forbidden words, literature and ideas
in Germany." Chances are they will tell you that such a list is still
not available. That is your chance to make your speech to them.
· Write to President Bill Clinton, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington,
DC.
· Write to Chancellor Helmut Kohl, Bonn, Germany. (I don't have the
address handy, but your letter will get there...)
· Write to the following Human Rights organizations:
High Commissioner of Human Rights
for the United Nations
United Nations Office at Geneva
8-14 Avenue de la Paix
1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Human Rights Watch
485 Fifth Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10017-6104
(Ask them to forward a copy of your letter to their offices in Helsinki.
· Visit Canada http://www.docuweb.ca/Germany/and
U.S.A. http://www.germany-info.org/business/index.htm
for additional ideas
Keep in mind that the strategy is to shame and embarrass Germany in front
of the world community. Be sure not to forget to mention WHY.
Tell the authorities that THERE IS LEGITIMATE, WORLD-WIDE DOUBT ABOUT THE
HOLOCAUST. Tell them YOU doubt the Holocaust.
Tell them, to borrow from one reader, ". . . that there is flat out
no way any of this could have happened without a paper trail a mile wide
and six tons heavy. . . "
Ingrid
Thought for the Day:
"Over-exposure is killing the goose that is laying the Golden Hoax."
(Sent in by a thoroughly "overdosed" reader)