Friday, January 8, 2010

Not sure what to write about today

I have tomorrow off thank god work has been crazy found a new podcast to listen called Dan Carlin's Hardcore History it is very good. The one I first listened to was the history of children and how being a child must have been crazy back then. Dan Carlin is a reporter in Oregon and is a hugh history buff. He talks about subjects that are often ignored by most history books. In the history of children Dan says he had a hard time finding material on children because they are often ignored in history. Dan also researches extensively for episodes including reading multiple books and sources. You can tell because he will quote authors and particular books. However Dan does a good job of not making it boring because Dan is just a normal guy not a high and mighty above your head guy he makes it relate. I than listened to the four part series on the Eastern Front of World War II which is largely ignored by most Western Historians. The truth is most of the War was fought on the Eastern Front with so many people dying in fact there are places where bones sill litter the land in Russia. I couldn't believe this when Dan said that but neither could Dan but its true. Most Holocaust death camps were located on the Eastern Front and a total of 70 Million people died on the Eastern Front. Including 30 Million Civilians which is unheard of today. The simple Fact is World War 2 was fought and won on the Eastern Front the battles were so destructive even today the death total continues to climb. Also many horrific scenes including the slaughting of 250,000 brave Poles who seeing the Russians Closing in on Warsaw revolted against the Nazis. Holding on against all odds they held out for weeks one Leader declared " We love Freedom more than Life." After being deafeated the city was massacred so bad was the actions of the Commanding German officer he was executed for his actions. The Russians themselves were not above this cause many raping and killing German Civilians.
The story of the Poles feeling freedom so close and taking action to bring freedom from the Nazi's only to quickly realize they would be crushed by the Nazi soldiers and still fight simply unexplainable. The Quote itself says it all "we love freedom more than life." It says we would rather die free than in captivity. I imagined myself in the same spot I could not imagine myself being able to commit to a certain death. I don't think many of us could do it. Throughout History people have stood up for Freedom but it is most apperictaed by those who have none.
I would like to end with a quote that explains this concept. "Freedom is the will to be responsible for ourselves." Nietzsche 1888. That is to say that with freedom you can no longer blame others for your problems instead it says you are responsible for yourself and your wellbeing. Therefore in the case of the Poles to have Freedom they took responsiblity for themselves and fight for what was theirs freedom. That is why the Poles laid down their lives they took control and decided to say enough is enough.
Well anyways have a great day.