Coded gray.

Wednesday 9 April 2003

Screenshot DAoC

Pic of the day: Somehow, when 1940 came around, we had totally forgotten that we used to invade them. (Although this picture is from Dark Age of Camelot, due to a lack of nearby photogenic vikings.)

Invasions then and now

Today used to be semi-official Germany bashing day here in Norway, since Germany invaded our peaceful and neutral little country on April 9th 1940.

A few years ago I learned that the young German soldiers had been told that they were sent here to defend Norway against a British invasion. They were surprised when some of the few existing Norwegian military units attacked them. After all, the Nordic race was the ur-Aryan, the purest of them all, the root of Germanic superiority. We were supposed to be on the same side! So what was up with all the shooting?

Anyway, it didn't take the large and well equipped German army long to conquer Oslo (the capital city) while the royal family and the inner government fled the country. I don't think there was any cheering in the street, but I am not sure. It is not like anyone would admit to it after 1945 in any case. But I know there were some who thought it was a good thing, or at least better than being annexed by the British or the Communists. Within a short time, a bright and experienced politician named Vidkun Quisling established a German-friendly government. His name was famous for decades after the war, although I doubt most young people now are familiar with the word "quisling" anymore.

***

Today on April 9th 2003 the victorious Coalition forces (mainly American) rolled into Baghdad and were greeted by cheering and looting crowds. I guess there is a difference between a social democracy and a murderous dictatorship, after all, even if both of them are homegrown. Still, I wonder how many of those people would also have cheered for Saddam's victorious forces in the unlikely case that the Coalition had found it necessary to withdraw for some external reason. (A preemptive strike from North Korea, for instance.) Cheering for victorious armies is generally a smart move, as long as there is a good chance of them remaining victorious. If you are not cheering at the right time, people might notice and tell other people who have the power to make life (and death) very unpleasant for you.

Still, as I said, I don't think here was much cheering on April 9th 1940. It takes a while of living under the thumb before you develop the reflex of never being the first to stop clapping for the Great Leaders.

That being said, the barbarous Nazi monsters actually did try to minimize civilian losses, and throughout much of the war they behaved quite friendly when not provoked. Many kids admired the soldiers in their fine uniforms, and evidently so did many young girls.

War is hell, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Will the Iraqis still celebrate the 9th of April, 30 years from now? Or will they say like we used to say in 1970: "Never again 9th of April!" Sometimes I wish I knew things like that ... but sometimes I am glad I don't.


Yesterday <-- This month --> Tomorrow?
One year ago: Forgetting past evils
Two years ago: Once again 9th of April
Three years ago: Total pajamas day
Four years ago: Infinity in concert!

Visit the Diary Farm for the older diaries I've put out to pasture.


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