Holocaust survivor to address Valley residents

Isaac Klein and his twin brother survived Auschwitz, the World War II death camp where so many perished ... a miracle by itself ... but they also survived the life and death experiments on twins conducted by Dr. Mengele, another miracle.

Mr. Klein's message of triumph over tragedy, his story of life before deportation, is sweet and thoughtful, a beautiful story suddenly, horrifically interrupted by a terrible series of tragedies of which any single one should have been too much to survive.

Mr. Klein's survival must be shared as we try to understand how this could happen. For those hearing the story of his life, Mr. Klein's hope is that others will be compelled to do something ... do what should have been done for him and other survivors, in memory of the millions who did not survive. It is a story of what evil can do ... and "The Power of Good."

The public forum, open and free to the community, will be held Saturday, April 18, 2009, at Blue Ridge Church of Christ, 1275 Goose Creek Rd., Fishersville,Va 22939 (540-949-7956) from 10 a.m until Noon.

May we never forget....

Obama apologizes for U.S. in Germany

Barack Obama's tour of the Middle East and Europe continues to fuel debate. The three major network anchors traveled with him, an event that is practically unknown in journalism circles.

Many have joined in the discussion including News Max. In their look back at Obama's trip, they noted his appearance in Germany, writing:

Obama told his German audience he was sorry about his country because “I know my country has not perfected itself.” [This comment was made in the former seat of Nazi power. A letter to editor published in Obama’s hometown Chicago Tribune noted the irony: “While America may not be perfect, there is no reason to apologize to the Germans, architects of the Holocaust.”]

As for America’s role in saving Germany from the onslaught of Stalinist communism and the subsequent Cold War, there was nothing.

There was a rhetorical flourish about the Berlin Wall coming down, but nothing about the great American sacrifice, not to mention how our military might made President Reagan’s call -- “Tear down this wall, Mr. Gorbachev” -- a reality.

There will probably be more commentary from others in the days ahead.

Holocaust victim Esther Kutner of Richmond dies....

"Appreciate what you've got. You never know when it will change." --Holocaust survivor Esther Kutner

Holocaust survivor Esther Kutner of Richmond has died. I did not know this remarkable lady ... but her death is yet another reminder that the Holocaust tragedy did indeed happen during World War II, something history revisionists have tried to deny in recent years.

Read the moving tribute to her in today's Richmond Times Dispatch ... the horrible conditions she survived in the death camps, the rebound in her spirit throughout life, and her lessons passed on to her children and grandchildren so no one would forget. It is an amazing story.

Food for thought....

Yankee Philip has a post that makes one pause to reflect on history....