interfere in the internal affairs of Austria, to annex Austria or to conclude an Anschluss." To prove his sincerity, Hitler signed a pact with the Austrian government in July of the same year. By March of 1938, Hitler occupied Austria the pact not worth the paper it was written on, Hitler's word worth even less. Next was Czechoslovakia. Mind you, Hitler had "no evil intentions towards Czechoslovakia." Yet by May 28, 1938 Hitler ordered military action against Czechoslovakia sure that neither France or Britain would come to their aid. He was right. Though Neville Chamberlain--the Appeaser--did travel to Munich to meet with Hitler to dissuade him of his plan, he left diluded. I quote: In spite of the hardness and ruthlessness I thought I saw in his face, I got the impression that here was a man who could be relied upon when he had given his word." Depite the fact that Hitler had yet to keep his word, Chamberlain was satisfied he would just this once.
Shortly after, Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia and Britain acquiesced.
One week ago (see my September 17th post--Did I miss something?) the Obama Administration announced they were scrapping plans to build a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic. The reason? "Iran's long-range nuclear missile program has not progressed as rapidly as previously estimated." ( online.wsj.com ) Later that day the UN's nuclear watchdog issued a report debunking that view. Today, just a week later, we are accusing Iran of building a covert uranium-enrichment facility. Yikes. (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125386629947940443.html?mod=djemalertNEWS)
Relax. Apparently we knew about the facility, have known about the plant for years. It's just that we didn't know the Iranian's were using it. Oops. But, don't worry because we are outraged. So was Chamberlain until he looked into the belly of the beast and had the impression Hitler was a man of his word. Applying rational thought to irrational people has never succeeded. Underestimating them has cost the lives of our soldiers, cut short the hope of hundreds of thousands of American lives over the years.
How about this? How about we assume that Iran's intention for their nuclear program is not for civilian use and how about we assume they intend to turn it toward Israel and then ? Who knows? How about we re-start the building of the defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic? And finally, how about we stop providing a stage for leaders like Ahmadinejad and Ghaddafi and start defending our allies?
I spent a month studying in Prague this summer. Since the Velvet Revolution in 1989, they have enjoyed twenty years of freedom and liberty. They are just getting started. They could use our help.
Appeasing Hitler allowed him to build his army and weapons and gather land while the world watched. Let's listen to old man history. It seems like he is about to repeat himself.
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