Readers: Why the Fuss About Cardinal's Use of "Nazi" Word?

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I could not believe the article regarding the uproar over Cardinal Meisner's use of the word "degenerate." I can understand Germany's determination to avoid things relating to Hitler and the Nazis, but to get upset over the use of a simple word, which is by no means exclusive to the Nazis, is obsessive. There is something seriously wrong with Germans' perspective when they get upset over a common word like "degenerate" but allow the NPD to exist. -- Todd Herman, Canada

The cardinal spoke at the opening of his archdiocese's new art museum

The National Socialists do not own the term "degenerate" any more than they own the terms "Sie" or "bin." The cardinal was not talking about art per se. The cultural minister needs to (as we say in the US) "get a grip" and "chill out." -- Douglas Berg, US

I really cannot believe that the press is making such an issue over the cardinal using the word "degenerate." Are the German people paranoid about the Hitler period? Another example is how the media and public are treating talk show host Eva Herman. There was nothing wrong about saying that family values were nurtured in the Third Reich. I was born in 1940 in Cologne. We were not taught too much about World War II. But I do know that not everything was bad during the Third Reich. Please, Germany, use the good out of that time and discard the bad. And most of all, stop feeling guilty. What is in the past, leave in the past. Learn from it and do not repeat it. -- Doris Barrett, Canada

Given the association between the Nazis and the use of the word "degenerate" concerning art and culture, Cardinal Meisner's remarks show at least an unfortunate lack of sensitivity and understanding. Someone in his position should know and do better. Unfortunately I am not surprised at this by him. Anyway, who is he to say what is degenerate? -- Michael Grant, Denmark

The Nazis rejected anything they said was "degenerate"

When will Germany allow itself to put the era of 1933-1945 behind it for good? Germany has proven itself to be a great nation. Please be proud of who and what you are and realize German history didn't begin and end during the National Socialist era. Every county has mistakes in its past (we had slavery in the US, for example) but should the future generations continually be made to feel guilty for the sins of their fathers or grandfathers? As an outsider looking in, this cardinal is being unfairly criticized as is the talk show host Eva Herman. -- William Pohle, US

If this story were not being portrayed as serious news, I would think it was a joke. The Cardinal can call art, music or anything else he wants to "degenerate." It is a word! Just because the National Socialists used it, it doesn't make it a bad word, or the Nazi's wrong for calling certain "art" degenerate garbage. Hitler liked to paint with water colors. Maybe Germany should make that a taboo hobby? -- John Marconi, US