JASLO, Poland (Reuters) - An oak tree planted in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II to mark Adolf Hitler's birthday may soon face the axe if the local mayor has her way.Authorities in Jaslo in rural southeastern Poland discovered the origins of the tree when plans were lodged to fell it to make way for a traffic roundabout.
"We obtained information that this is no ordinary tree but was put here to mark Adolf Hitler's birthday," said Jaslo's mayor, Maria Kurowska. "So should I try to improve our town's communications or should I allow a memorial to that criminal to remain standing? The choice is simple for me."
"It was 1942 when the Germans brought a seedling of an oak here and planted it in the center of the town with all honors, an army orchestra and salutes," said Kazimierz Polak, who was present at the planting ceremony as a child 67 years ago.
In my opinion, this tree ought to be preserved at all costs.
Perhaps the tree can be used as a trophy and donated to a new aspiring fascist leader or institution in the world. In fact they could transplant the tree to Monsanto headquarters or Knesset.
The symbolism would be priceless.
10 comments:
Shouldn't changing the name of the tree suffice, rather than cutting it down, 'Nazi' style??
If anyone needs to make money on 'naming rights' to be offered, let me know...
:)
It's not the tree's fault that it was planted for such a reason...
A difficult one. I can see jam's point but I would have it felled. I like your sense of irony, Ardent.
TT, very true.:)
Jams, you are correct. Children cannot be held responsible for their parents actions. The tree is not responsible for the planter's actions. :)
Welshcakes, Being a Greenie, I would want to save the tree.:)
Poor Tree.Copy cat of Rabbie (oppose to Moses) find object to keep flame-up...That is all
Ardent, I agree with you. Destroying a tree is wrong no matter what the reasons were to plant it in the first place.... A tree is a tree.... :)
im surprised that people are not going to seek reparation from this tree. give out the leaves or something.
I like the Monsanto-alternative ...
I wonder why nobody thought of destroying it in 1945. Wasn't it distasteful to keep an hitlerism symbol alive, after the war?
Isn't it sad, Ardent, that a few places could be found where that tree would represent the same destructive philosophy it did when it was planted? The world doesn't seem to improve,alas!
Anonymous, your comment is possible.
Nevin very true. Hitler also liked German Shephard dogs. Should we exterminate all German Shephards because that was his favorite dog?
Ertan, it may still happen.:)
Sean, it would be appropriate.:)
Claudia, In 1945 the council was not trying to build a roundabout. The tree has become distasteful now because that is the only excuse the Council has, that may allow them to dispose of the tree.
:)
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