Bauska Waffen SS War Memorial

Is the Pope a Nazi because of his membership in the Hitler Youth? Catholics would obviously say no. Were the French Resistance really freedom fighters or surrender monkeys as some would have it? I think you know the answer to that. So, are Latvians who enlisted or were pressed into service in the Waffen SS divisions during WWII to be considered Nazi's or fighters against the Soviet occupiers? Do they warrant a monument in the center of Bauska and a yearly parade to Milda in Riga every March? As always it depends on your point of view. But it is very important to understanding the national psychology.

Unsurprisingly the Russian media and it's masters in the Power Vertical take the view that the monument recently erected in Bauska to the Latvian Waffen SS Legions serving in WWII is an affront against mankind. Oddly enough a quick search of known hate sites like Stormfront (News For White People Worldwide) or National Alliance News (White Pride Worldwide) show little activity on the issue. So maybe it's more political than anything else. But it still doesn't stop pundits from expressing an opinion.

So, my opinion is this. Latvians don't seem to be very open about important conversations that will shape the country. Citizenship for ethnics, corruption, the past. All of this points to a problem with moving forward. I read in the comments section of another blog that people were expecting too much in the 21 years that have passed since the collapse of the Soviet Union. But I used to have the same conversations with people when I lived in Moscow after the collapse of the USSR before Pooty Poot got a toe hold. You need several generations was the wisdom proffered, but of course the momentum was lost and that country is now firmly stuck in reverse.

How would one describe Latvia's progress I wonder. Moving forward? Or backward.

All these unresolved issues that Latvians keep kicking down the road lead me to believe that the country is in fact moving backwards.

<edit> I would just like to add, for perspective, that when I pass Tornakalns on my Riga train commute which is twice daily The Victory Memorial to the Soviet Army in Riga is visible in the distance, erected in 1985 to commemorate the Soviet Army's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. As is this. Latvians will recognize it for what it is.

<edit> for those who are waiting for the really interesting post, this isn't it. I have to really be careful with the accuracy of what will be coming down the pipe, so bear with me.