Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Days Before Germany's Election, the AfD Turns Up the Heat

      The Federal Republic of Germany holds an election on Sunday, February 23. The Afd (Alternative für Deutschland- Alternative for Germany) is an extreme right-wing party that is very close to National Socialism. They are the second-strongest party in the polls. The other parties refuse to enter into a colation with them. Since there are seven major parties in the polls, a coalition is inevitable. 

     I will post a photo of a hateful letter sent to a Lutheran pastor sent by the AfD, as well as my translation. Full disclosure: I am also a Lutheran pastor, and Germany is my second home. Over the years I have studied, traveled, and been deployed there by the US Army. A friend from seminary posted the letter on Facebook last night.

      One might ask why should US citizens care what happens in any other country. After all, we do not always appreciate being told by others what we should do. Elon Musk has made video appearances at AfD events, and most likely has sent them money. Russian involvement is also probably, and not only in Germany. 

     Could such things happen here? Sadly, yes. consider the reaction to Bishop Budde's (The Episcopal Church's bishop of Washington, D.C.) sermon at the National Cathedral last month where she asked President Trump (who attended the traditional service for a new president) to show kindness to fearful people. 

    I will post a link to the letter in the original German, then my translation, and another link about the election in Germany. Terms like "Stormfront"  and "Volk" are laden with fascisict/Nazi thought. I translate the latter as "Nation"


https://www.instagram.com/p/DGN5S4vRq-8/


Mr. Paar,

     It’s high time that the People will not let themselves be spoon-fed lies about climate change and migration. like the Church spreads through homosexuals like you. We, the Section Stormfront of Schleswig--Holstein, the Underground of the Alternative for Germany, with the support of the peasantry, will stand by the People and purify it support the Alternative for Germany with implementing patriotic goals. We will give voice to the People and put the Church in the closet. We will in the future consistently track basic misconceptions on your part. Stop doing them immediately!

  We warn you to stop your opposition and go along with our demands. Keep in mind that we know where you live and that we know your partner.

   Do not avail yourself of the police or the Federal Office for Protection of the Constitution. They are with us,. You will not feel safe anywhere as long as we have the situation under control with the assistance of supporters who are loyal to the Party.

   With patriotic greetings,

Stormfront Schleswig-Holstein

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From the Deutsche Welle: Scroll down for the poll image:

https://www.dw.com/en/german-election-merzs-conservatives-slide-in-yougov-poll/live-71646000

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My books:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Arthur-Turfa/author/B00YJ9LNOA?ref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true


My novel:

https://www.blurb.com/b/10799783-the-botleys-of-beaumont-county

Saturday, February 8, 2025

What I Am Currently Reading



     I am not counting the books on my Kindle that I have not uploaded!

     The first is something that I started decades ago and stopped. J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit did not hold my interest when I was in junior high school. My preferences ran to the historical or historical fiction.

     The second is Anne Somerset's Queen Anne: The Politics of Passion. She was the last Stuart monarch, which is my favorite British dynasty (to include the Old and Young Pretenders). 

     So then something imagined and something rooted in documented history. When I tire of one, there's the other one for a break.

     What are you reading?




















 My books:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=arthur+turfa+books&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss


https://www.blurb.com/b/10799783-the-botleys-of-beaumont-county

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Book Talk at All Good Books in Columbia, SC- What a Good Time!

     Post-Covid everythign has changed. Anytime we gather is a blessing. This is especially so for a Book Talk at an independent book store. 

     All Good Books is in the Five Points section of Columbia, SC, adjacent to the University of south Carolina. Last Thursday there was a mixture of university people, friends, friends who write and play music, and others who came to celebrate with me. It was a stimulating and fun time.

     Signed copies of three titles are available: Epiphanies (short stories from AlienBuddha Press), Saluda Reflections (poetry from Finishing Line Press), and The Botleys of Beaumont County (novel from Blurb). 

    Enjoy some picture, check out the link, and if there is an independent book store near you, stop by. If you are a regular, bring a friend!






 All Good Book Website:

https://allgoodbooks.com/

My books:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=arthur+turfa+books&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss


https://www.blurb.com/b/10799783-the-botleys-of-beaumont-county

Germany Decides to Re-Arm

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdjyjlkewr2o      Around thirty years ago, my National Guard battalion hosted about a dozen Bundeswehr sol...