One has to love political discussions. They energize us, but unfortunately human reality and the truth are often distorted.
With regard to the present situation involving our American policy and the national aspirations of the Kurdish people, perhaps a simple story will help provide a moment of clarity.
This event occurred in 1955 while I was in the Air Force and stationed in occupied West Germany. West Germany regained its sovereignty on May 5, 1955. Prior to that date the U.S. Air Force Band gave an outdoor concert at the American Air Base near the city of Bitburg. Military personnel and German residents of the area provided an audience of many thousands.
The opening was unusual. Formal concerts often begin with the playing of the host’s national anthem, but Western Germany was under occupation by American, French and British forces following World War II, so all of their anthems were performed. Drums rolled, salutes were rendered as all stood at attention.
As the last measures of the third anthem faded, the audience began to move and converse only to freeze. The drums again had sounded and another anthem had begun. There was a brief spell of confusion before it was realized that the band was playing what was shortly to become the new West German national anthem.
Breathing became heavier, there were tears and a feeling of passion. A passion not yet afforded to the Kurdish people. Perhaps some day.
CHARLIE STEPANEK
Concord