Meeting of the Minds II

If you were to run or be appointed as the leader of your country or homeland in contemporary society, what issues would you address?
First, I would address the several accounts of genocide around the world such as in Darfur and Rwanda. Then, I would do my best to make sure that no other person, group or government gains as much power as Hitler did. I want to prevent the things that I heard and saw happen not to happen again.

Choose one member of this debate that you admire and explain why, using specific incidents and details. Is there anyone you wish you could have met? Anything you want to say to someone?
I admire Anne Boleyn for several reasons. First, she does not fall easily to men and neither do I. Also, you're intelligent and you did not wither under Henry's hissy fits. In the end, you were sympathized instead of ridiculed. Hitler: You are a monster. You have no compassion and no heart. I have seen what you have done to my people and yours and you are a destroyer of lives and innocence itself.

Would you consider the United States to be an imperialist country? Give examples with either choice of answer.
No. The United States is not imperialist because the United States is not trying to completely control any country that it is currently occupying. Hitler controlled every part of every aspect of every country his troops set foot in. In Iraq, the US is restoring a new government and not completely destroying the Iraqi people and definitely not committing genocide.

Who do you feel is the greatest of the world's superpowers and explain why. Has this changed from your historical period?
I feel that America is the greatest of the world's superpowers-although that status may be waning. America has gained power and maintained its power and economy and did not have to take over every country it can get its hands on. This has changed from my time when Germany was the world superpower conquering country after country and creating a vast empire.

What is the most important message that you could send to the world today?
Do not be like Hitler! Do not let genocide of any sort take place whatsoever. Hitler has struck fear into the hearts of my race, took away our race's pride and identity, and killed Jews for none other reason than to be rid of them in his empire.

Has your country ever experienced and event like 9-11? cite an example that you feel might have had this magnitude. Explain.
Although my country has never had one defining terrorist attack like 9/11, I do feel that Hitler's conquest of Germany is our 9/11. He completely overturned our government, slaughtered innocent people and wrecked countless other lives much like the United States' 9/11. Germany underwent reforms after the war similar to the United States' national defense reforms.

Meeting of the Minds I

Anne Frank was a Jewish girl in her early teens. She led a normal life being born into an upper-middle class family with one older sister, Margot. Her greatest challenges were going to school and growing up. Then, she heard rumors of Jewish ghettos and Germany's campaign against the Jews.

In a matter of three days, her life changed completely. Her parents, the Van Daans, and Mr. Koophuis are rushing around secretively to move into hiding. Anne's family and the Van Daans now live behind a cupboard and in the attic of an office building. They cannot be discovered because the SS will take them or kill them as soon as they are found. They only took with them what they could carry. Her parents arranged for their other belongings to be given to friends for safe-keeping becuase the SS takes Jewish belongings.

Living conditions were cramped especially with eight people. They had to have the shades drawn all the time so they were not seen moving around. They had to restrict their movement so they are not heard. They had to rotate shower times and pick places to take them becuase they did not have a perminant shower. Every knock or voice coming from the rest of the building struck fear that the SS had found them. Margot, Anne and Peter (the Van Daan's son) had to have a private tutor in order for them to be able to continue school. Their meals were carefully calculated and none could be wasted.

After business hours, they snuck down to an office to listen to the radio. They heard on the English radio about the death camps, more and more Jews being moved to the camp by cattle carts, and the gas chambers. Mr. Koophuis told hem news he heard on the streets and updates on thier friends' activities when he visited them. As time went on, the news became more and more disturbing.

Anne Frank was a normal teenager just like any other. However, her life took a turn that no teenager should have to face. Anne Frank was a Jew; a target or genocide.