25 May 2016 No 10/11 ISSN 1664-7963

Current Concerns PO Box CH-8044 Zurich Current Concerns Switzerland The international journal for independent thought, ethical standards, moral responsibility, Phone: +41 44 350 65 50 Fax: +41 44 350 65 51 and for the promotion and respect of public international law, human rights and humanitarian law

E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.currentconcerns.ch English Edition of Zeit-Fragen

If I had been supernumerary – I wouldn’t be here today ... No to a barrier-free reproductive medicine by Sylvia Flückiger, member of the National Council, Swiss People’s Party, Canton of Aargau ... and I would not even have been able to which we voted in June 2015. Widespread technically available genetic tests, check- defend myself. Human life is a miracle arbitrary application of Preimplantation ing out all possible genetic defects. In the and a gift, the crowning glory of God’s Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and controver- future embryos with Down Syndrome creation. We have to be constantly aware sial genetic testing crosses ethical and reg- (Trisomy 21) would thus be discarded of this despite of everything else that we ulatory boundaries. In this way selection and eliminated before transplantation into desire. Life is not disposable and we are of human beings with disabilities would the mother’s womb. This means that they not entitled to freely experiment with and become commonplace. would be sacrificed for arbitrary societal select it. desirability. At the end of December 2015 a broad Diversity instead of selection This would inevitably lead to discrimi- non-party coalition called for a Federal It was the Federal Council’s original in- nation against people with disabilities, be- referendum against the new Reproduc- tention to allow Preimplantation Genetic cause they would thus be considered un- tive Medicine Act with 58,112 valid sig- Diagnosis only for parents with a suspect- desirable and avoidable risks. natures. The new act opens the doors to ed serious hereditary disease. But Parlia- The revised law also stipulates that per a boundless and arbitrary reproductive ment goes much further: each treatment cycle twelve instead of medicine. Parliament has gone beyond The new law allows analysis of all em- the Federal Council’s earlier proposal, on bryos created outside the womb with all continued on page 2 10 reasons for a No to the Reproductive Medicine Act, RMA cc. 11 month ago, after Article 119 para- The endorsement of the revision of this graph 2c of the Federal Constitution had law would fundamentally change our at- been modified and the “reproductive med- titude towards life. For that reason, a icine and genetic technology in humans” strong resistance has been established. within the federal constiution had been re- A non-party committee consisting of 50 adjusted, the Swiss electors will now vote members of Parliament from BDP, CVP, on the law (Reproductive Medicine Act) EDU, EVP, Green Party, SP, and SVP on 5 July 2016, which follows this consti- has amalgamated to the nationwide non- tutional amendment. Certainly, this bill ex- party committee “No to that RMA”. This ceeds the original suggestion by the Feder- committee assesses the new RMA as ex- al Council on behalf of the translation of treme, dangerous and uncontrollable. the constitutional provision by far. Moreover 19 socially engaged organisa- By their campaign, the opponents of tions and among them nearly all handi- this law address the dubious global trend capped-organisations have allied in the towards a reprodutive medicine without committee “Vielfalt statt Selektion – Nein any ethical limit. To name only one ex- zum Gesetz“ (plurality versus selection ample: In Great Britain embryos are al- – No to the law) and further opponents ready genetically modified and embryos in the committee “PID stoppen” (Stop are being produced that possess the ge- PGD). Also the Swiss Episcopal Confer- nomes of three parents. ence (“Im Namen der Menschenwürde In Switzerland, things have not yet gone nein zur Präimplantationsdiagnostik”; as far as that. Nevertheless, the endorse- [In the name of the human dignity no to ment of the RMA would lead to a danger- the PGD] from 26 April) and the Federa- ous establishment of a selection mind-set tion of Swiss Protestant Churches (SEK) clearly. In the following, we publish the that might gradually be extended. Added (“Fortpflanzung um der Kinder willen”; short line of arguments “10 reasons for a to this, the correct usage of the PGD-tech- [Reproductive medicine for the sake of no to the revised FMedG”(source: www. niques in the field is barely manageable. children] from 26 April) reject the law fmedg-nein.ch)

1. The RMA sults which should not be used for selec- procedurally inherent reasons it can no leads to unlimited selection tion. longer be guaranteed that only embryos A genetic test provides all possible infor- Therefore, this technique can and will with features for serious hereditary dis- mation about an embryo (among others lead in time to improper selection. This is also sex). Therefore there are also test re- confirmed by the Federal Council: “From continued on page 2 No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 2

”10 reasons for No …” The mania for feasibility must be ethi- needed. In order to win as many egg cells, continued from page 1 cally and legally be contained. What is a women must undertake several treatments no-go today, will be possible tomorrow and are particularly strongly stimulated eases will be eliminated”.1 For reproduc- and declared even as natural the day after hormonally (hyperstimulation). However, tive physicians being faced with numerous tomorrow. hyperstimulation may lead to significant desires, the scope of action is becoming health risks. dangerously wide. The new RMA is also 4. Ethical and constitutional A consequence of the new law would designed in a manner that independent dam break also be an accumulation of thousands of controls are hardly provided and that re- The RMA leads to a fundamental change supernumerary embryos. According to the productive physicians are even able to in dealing with human life. For the first law, the embryos should have to be dis- “control” themselves against payment by time, human life in the initial stage carded after at least 10 years or should be the federal government (Art. 12.4). Should would be evaluated and commercialised. provided for the use in research and phar- the door really be opened to this uncon- Therefore, the rejection of the Reproduc- maceutical industry. trollable technology? tive Medicine Act is not only a matter of human dignity, but also a question of jus- 7. Business with couples’ hope 2. The RMA definitions are extremely tice. Who has the right to say: “Because for a healthy child imprecise and broad you are no ‘Top Embryo’, you cannot go Different studies reveal that the chances to Not only does it allow the PGD for couples on living?” Even the Federal councillor get a healthy child by vitro fertilisation are with a sever genetic disease, it goes much Alain Berset points out that the law has significantly lower, when the embryo has further beyond that, since PGD procedures an eugenic tendency. Do we as a society been checked on chromosomes before- are available for all couples who make use really want to follow this path and engage hand.3 The European Society of Human of in vitro fertilisation (IVF). This can lead us in such a selection mentality? Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) to a general test for normality! At no point notes that the positive effect of PGD by you can find the meaning of “recognition 5. Solidarity using Aneuploidy-Screening (chromo- of chromosomal features, which can harm with disabled people at risk some analysis) has not been proven yet. the development of the embryo” (Art. 5a) . If you systematically start to eliminate This doubtful method raises false hopes Who will be the one to decide which fea- embryos, the solidarity with disabled peo- in infertile couples. tures are relevant for a selection? In addi- ple or those who do not meet the social tion, it is nowhere put down which genetic norm is endangered. It is not acceptable 8. Prenatal tests: No basis for diseases are “worthy” for selection. that parents are increasingly susceptible to the unrestricted selection of embryos pressure of justification to do everything The proponents for the new Reproduc- 3. A dangerous development technically feasible to “prevent” a child tive Medicine Act argue that it would be Global trends on the field of reproduc- with a disability or illness. Once people better to test embryos using PGD and to tive medicine augur ill. In Great Britain, with disabilities are perceived as an avoid- weed out, instead of performing an abor- for instance, the Human Fertilisation and able burden of society, refusals by the so- tion later (after a prenatal test, PND). But Embryology Authority (HFEA) has al- cial welfare may be a logical consequence. the PGD process is anything but safe and ready approved of the genetical manip- risk-free. Follow-up exams of IVF chil- ulation of countless embryos. Also em- 6. Countless surplus embryos dren show that these are more prone to bryos with the genome of three parents and risks for women have risks for premature arteriosclerosis, are being produced and inserted. In ad- In order to give birth to a single child by high blood pressure, abnormal heart func- dition to that the list of allowed selection means of a PID process, about 30 embryos tion and rare forms of cancer at a young criteria are being extended by dozens of on average have to be produced according age.4 The physicians for reproductive genetic diseases – also by such that en- to the latest statistics.2 But there is more to medicine rarely inform about these risks. able its carrier to have a good quality of it than that: For the production of over 30 life … embryos more than 50 egg cells are again continued on page 3

”If I had been supernumerary – …” ious other properties of our children will Who wants to be the judge on life and continued from page 1 soon no longer be taboo. Designer-babies death? are within our reach. The remaining embryos will be frozen Human life is a great and fantastic work and can be used later for research purpos- three embryos may in future be developed. of God’s creation. And it should remain so es. This approach devalues not only human This would create supernumery life which in future, with all due respect to our wish- life to something which can be manipulated could be deep-frozen. es and to research. There are limits, and according to desires. It gives false messages After a maximum of 10 years, the em- with the present Reproductive Medicine to the society. The scanned embryos can be bryos must be exterminated or made avail- Act, they are clearly being exceeded. Do exterminated when abnormalities – for in- able to research. This is against the dignity we want this? stance a down syndrome (trisomy 21) – be- of human life, which is inviolable. come apparent. At the same time, the em- Distinction between bryos could be damaged or fatally injured Demands will ever increase valuable and worthless life by the measures of investigation. Also, it is Some scientists and politicians are already Human life begins with the fusion of egg not impossible that healthy embryos will be discussing and requesting the production and sperm; followed by a mysterious, erroneously selected for extermination. of so-called saviour babies as well as oo- yes, by an even incredibly fantastic time Therefore, a clear No to the selection cytes donation. For some even embryo of development. By means of screening between precious and inferior life is need- donation and surrogate motherhood, pro- and genetic testing, the supposedly best ed on 5 June 2016 at the ballot box, and a hibited in the constitution, are no longer embryos will now be selected in the lab- No to more and more arbitrary gene test- untouchable subjects. At the same time, oratory. A distinction will be made be- ing as well as a No to this barrier-free Re- technical progress has advanced so far tween valuable, worthy to live life and production Medicine Act. • that the selection of or influence on var- inferior life which is not worth living. (Translation Current Concerns) No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 3 CRISPR Cas 9 – “We are far from understanding the ‘concert of genes’ in the human genome” A Moratorium to protect the human genome is needed by Dres med Ursula and Walter Knirsch, Zurich CRISPR Cas 9, this is the acronym of be compared to a text editing comput- has to be stopped in order to avoid un- “Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short er programme, which finds certain word foreseeable and possibly lethal conse- Palindromic Repeats”. A palindrome may groups and exchanges them for others quences for nature. be read forward and backwards such as when the button “search and replace” “Was it a cat I saw?”. Cas 9 means CRIS- is hit. Similarly, CRISPR Cas 9 carries The Swiss referendum on the PR associated Sequence 9. out a search for certain gene domains Reproductive Medicine Act (RMA) in the DNA and replaces them with oth- and CRISPR Cas 9 Background ers. CRISPR Cas 9 consists of three sub- A special political relevance of CRIS- units: (1) a target RNA, equivalent to the PR Cas 9 results from the Swiss legisla- A few years ago researchers found CRIS- genetic sequence which is to be changed, tive proposal on the Reproductive Med- PR Cas 9 in bacteria and identified it as a (2) another RNA sequence, connected to icine Act (RMA) which will be decided bacterial anti-viral immune system. In the the molecular scissors, and (3) the cutting on in the referendum on 5 June. The so- process of analysing this defense system it enzyme Cas 9. This way CRISPR Cas 9 called germline cells connected with pre- became clear that it constitutes an instru- searches the DNA and finds the sequence implantation diagnostics are especially ment of gene technology if applied to other in question, cuts it out and may replace it important here. In humans these include cell types. Ever since and increasingly so, by another sequence if wanted. sperm and egg cells as well as embryos. CRISPR Cas 9 has been used world-wide. To this day they are protected by law, in- Analogous terms for CRISPR Cas 9 are ge- More than just a new method cluding the Swiss constitution, and strictly netic scissors, gene surgery, genome edit- This recently developed biochemical-ge- speaking they are not subject of the refer- ing or precision medicine. netic method appears to be an efficient endum on 5 June 2016. However, in case This article deals with the way of func- tool to remove, alter or amend certain ge- the proposed RMA law was to be accept- tion including examples in humans, plants netic sequences. Researchers interfere sig- ed by the Swiss electorate, a high number and animals, as well as the risks of this nificantly with the genes and therefore the of “superfluous” embryos suddenly would new CRISPS Cas 9 technology, especial- genomes of plants, animals and human become available. Many interest groups ly regarding its socio-political and ethical (somatic) as well as embryonic (germ­ would focus on these embryos and they consequences. line) cells by means of CRISPR Cas 9. would be interesting as material for CRIS- The technology is “attractive” for being PR-Cas 9-technology in the long run. In How does CRISPR Cas 9 work easy to perform, fast and cheap. England CRISPR Cas 9 experiments with The nuclei of all body cells contain our Long-term consequences of these human embryos have already been al- genetic information, encoded in desox- genes being irreversibly altered may be lowed and from the history of similar law yribonucleic acid (DNA) as genes in the huge, since this is a massive interference revisions in the last 15 years one may sus- chromosomes. The sum of all genes de- with nature. The risks for future genera- pect that Switzerland might be pressured fining our selves is referred to as the ge- tions are incalculable. into legally accepting universal uncon- nome. By means of CRISPR Cas 9 a ge- A moratorium for the protection of the trolled CRISPR Cas 9 procedures on dif- netic reprogramming may be achieved genome is therefore necessary. Any un- here. Metaphorically speaking this may controlled tampering with the genome continued on page 4

2 De Rycke M., Belva F., Goossens V., Moutou C., ”10 reasons for a No …” cause instead of research for new thera- SenGupta SB, Traeger-Synodinos J., Coonen E., continued from page 2 pies, any disabled and sick people would ESHRE PGD Consortium data collection XIII: be sorted out. Not the suffering would be cycles from January to December 2010 with preg- nancy follow-up to October 2011. Hum Reprod 30 The PGD process additionally exacerbates alleviated, but the suffering person itself (2015) 1763–1789 these risks. would be prevented. 3 Harton G., Braude P., Lashwood A., Schmutzler It is also wrong to do prenatal tests as A., Traeger, Synodinos J., Wilton L., Harper J.C: a justification for the unrestricted selec- 10. Draw responsible limits ESHRE PGD consortium best practice guidelines tion of embryos. As with a striking test re- Even if in some places abroad large selec- for organization of a PGD centre for PGD/preim- plantation genetic screening. Hum Reprod 26 (2011) sult during pregnancy a pregnancy conflict tion is done already, this does not mean 14–24, quotation: “Current evidence suggests that may occur all, too frivolous decisions are that we have to commit the same mistakes PGS at cleavage stages is ineffective, but whether possible using PGD. The PGD is a techni- in our country. A “No” enables a broad so- PGS at the blastocyst stage or on polar bodies might show improved delivery rates is still unclear.” Scott cal selection process, where the laborato- cial debate on a more restrictive law. KL, Hong KH, Scott RT Jr., Selecting the optimal ry decides between “worth of living» and time to perform biopsy for preimplantation genetic “not worth of living”. Only that embryo NO to RMA testing. Fertil Steril 100 (2013) 608–614, quotation: on 5 June 2016 “Two of every five that have day-3 blastomere biopsy is selected which meets the demands and will be harmed to a sufficient extent to yield them complies with the “standard”. incapable of implanting and progressing to term.” 1 Rexhaj E. et al., Assisted reproduction: a novel 9. Rather healing than sculling 4 Rexhaj E. et al., Assisted reproduction: a novel car- cardiovascular risk factor. Cardiovasc Med 18 diovascular risk factor. Cardiovasc Med 18 (2015) The medical task mainly involves the pre- (2015) 115–119. “Fertility treatment and child- 115-119. “Fertility treatment and childhood cancer vention and cure of diseases and the alle- hood cancer risk: a systematic meta-analysis.” risk: a systematic meta-analysis.” Hargreave, Marie Hargreave, Marie et al.; Fertility and Sterili- et al.; Fertility and Sterility, Volume 100, Issue 1, viation of suffering where no cure is pos- ty, Volume 100, Issue 1, 150–161, July 2013 see 150–161, July 2013 sible. The creativity of science is inhibited www.srf.ch/sendungen/puls/sendungen (15 Feb. Further information: www.vielfalt-statt-selektion. by the Reproductive Medicine Act, be- 2016) ch and www.pid-stoppen.ch No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 4

”CRISPR Cas9 – ’We are far from …‘” uncontrolled practice in several countries ganisms (GMO). This is not the case in continued from page 3 in appropriate wording. This moratorium a genetically modified mushroom, for- has to make sure that the employment of instance, which was manufactured by ferent cell types and genetic sequences in methods CRISPR Cas 9 is safe, transpar- means of CRISPR Cas 9 in the US re- future. ent and conducted according to ethical cently. It has already made its way into A clear No of the people to the RMA standard. Any tampering with the human the vegetable counter and therefore the proposal is therefore crucial. This would germline has to remain banned. food chain. stop any uncritical und uncontrolled use Therefore: An international morato- of CRISPR Cas 9. rium for the protection of the human ge- More uncritical employment nome is crucial. Uncontrolled “access” of of CRISPR Cas 9 in animals CRISPR Cas 9 in somatic the human genome has to be stopped, to Mosquitoes, acting as malaria vectors, may versus germline cells prevent potentially fatal and irreversible be subject to population changes by means Efforts to potentially learn how to treat consequences for the human nature. of introgression of new genes into their genetic diseases with CRISPR Cas 9 (to There must be no employment of germline using CRISPR Cas 9, which ren- this day there is still a long way to go!) in CRISPR Cas 9 in human germline cells, der the mosquitoes resistant to the plas- affected children or adults may be justi- until potential risks are entirely clear. modium species causing malaria. This ge- fied, since such specific interference with Genetic germline changes are irrevers- netic change prevents the next generation somatic cells is associated with an “indi- ible! mosquitoes from transmitting malaria to vidual risk” only. These changes would Chinese scientists have already exper- humans. The genetically modified mos- not be inherited by the progeny of the pa- imented on human embryos “left over” quitoes are supposed to eventually replace tient. Nevertheless a careful investigation from in vitro fertilisation. The results the non-modified ones in the ecosystem in of efficacy, possible adverse affects and caused tremendous alarm and irritation the course of a “mutagenic chain reaction”. risks of such potential therapy attempts is in the international scientific community. Due to their fast reproduction rates, that required. The intended changes occurred only in a could be the case within one season. De- Genetic tampering with germline small portion of treated embryos. On the spite no field trial has ever been conducted cells, on the other hand, would be given other hand, several changes were caused there are already researchers calling for a to the next generation and therefore con- in other parts of the genome that had not release of such GMO mosquitoes into the stitutes an unwarranted risk. Potentially been targeted. Such unintended results wild. Nobody can predict, however, how it could cause irreversible changes in the are referred to as “Off target effects”. these mosquitoes might in turn change the human genome, which defines all of us. The gene scissors CRISPR Cas 9 seems eco-system. Long-term consequences might be grave, to cut not only where it is supposed to. There are already dogs rendered more resulting in massive irreversible damag- Obviously, the hailed precision may fail. muscular and Cashmere goats with longer es in the human nature and the sequelae Moreover, inherent repair mechanisms of hair, thanks to CRISPR Cas 9 gene modifi- of future generations cannot be foreseen the cell are effective enough to reduce ef- cation. Obviously an economic impetus is today. fectiveness of CRISPR Cas 9. driving these efforts. At Harvard Medical School 62 genes have already been altered A clear moratorium is needed So-called “nature-identical” successfully in pigs. International awareness of the grave inse- genetic engineering – curities and dangers arising from this new consequences for agriculture Conclusion technology of CRISPR Cas 9, as well as It has to be stressed that genetic chang- After the discovery of the DNA double possible social and ethical consequenc- es due to CRISPR Cas 9 cannot be helix (1953) and the design of the poly- es, is insufficient at present. Some scien- proven afterwards which undermines merase chain reaction method for the se- tists who helped to establish this method any post-hoc control. This is important quencing of the genome (1983), CRIS- are already campaigning for a moratori- for gene food, which was manufactured PR Cas 9 and its employment in the first um. Recently the Leopoldina, i.e. the Na- using CRISPR Cas 9 and which are eu- attempt of Chinese researchers (2013) tional Academy of Science in Germany, phemistically referred to as “nature- to edit human DNA seems to be a third warned: “We are still far form under- identical”. “milestone” in risk to develop into a dan- standing the concert of the genes in the The moratorium therefore has to gerous, if ruthlessly un-reflected technol- human genome.” make sure that food and crops genetical- ogy with nightmarish potentials. A clear A clear moratorium is needed, which ly modified by CRISPR Cas 9 have to be moratorium is what we need to prevent should address the currently more or less declared to be genetically modified Or- that from happening! • No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 5 No to halving of the Swiss Armed Forces Referendum against the WEA (“Weiterentwicklung der Armee” – Armed Forces Development) by Dr iur Marianne Wüthrich As reported in “Current Concerns”, the National Council rejected a motion to exit “If the Development of the Swiss Armed Forces (WEA) is to be imple- from the NATO programme “Partnership mented in the same way as was the reform “Army XXI”, Switzerland will for Peace” in its spring session – although soon be defenceless and not live according to the precept of Armed Neu- neutral Switzerland really and truly has no place in the NATO war exercises directed trality any longer. Fantasies about security through international coopera- against the East. Simultaneously the eu- tion will not help. Which foreign country or organisation would agree to phemistically named “Armed Forces De- stand by a Switzerland that, despite its unique prosperity, is not ready to velopment” (WEA) was – after long de- raise an adequate portion of public expenditure for its own security?” bates – adopted with a clear margin by both chambers of Parliament in the final vote of Dr iur Carlo Jagmetti, former Swiss Ambassador to the US, former Lieutenant Colonel on 18 March (see Current Concerns No 8 from the General Staff in “Wohin steuert die schweizerische Sicherheitspolitik 2016? 12 April 2016). (Where is the Swiss security going in 2016)” The “Citizens Committee for our Securi- in Pro Militia No 1/2016 ty – NO to halving of the Swiss Armed Forc- es” has launched a referendum against “What was at the beginning of this Armed Forces Development? It is very WEA with the support of the “Group Gi- important to recall this. At the beginning of this Armed Forces develop- ardino” and other citizens groups. The ref- ment it was de facto cut in half. Today we have an army of 200,000 men, erendum deadline is on 7 July. The Com- including the reserve, and the future army will have 100,000 men – and mittees are calling for the observance of the that at a time when the threat around us is getting ever greater and when constitutional cornerstones of Swiss secu- rity policy and thus for an army that must other states are instead increasing their armies”. once more be able to protect the territory Ueli Maurer, Federal Councillor, verbatim record Nation Council, and the population of Switzerland. summer session 2015, 18 June 2015 Defense army instead of NATO compatibility What the Swiss population needs and – In a memorable referendum of 26 No- How would you explain that for about must exact, is a battle-compatible and eas- vember 1989 voters rejected the GSoA 25 years, the Swiss army has not only been ily mobilisable army that is large enough (Group for a Switzerland without armed reduced in a series of successive stages but and perfectly equipped in order to protect forces) demand for the abolishment the has at the same time been and still is being the country and its population – not a core army (1), with 64.4 per cent of votes reorganised from scratch? Fact is that after troop by the grace of NATO. against (at a record high turnout of more the dissolution of the Eastern Bloc, the US than 69 per cent). did not set about shutting down the NATO, The Swiss people adheres to armed – The popular initiative “Save on the but rather used the opportunity to involve neutrality and a defense army army and national defense” was reject- not only the former Eastern Bloc countries Everlasting armed neutrality has extraordi- ed on 26 November 2000 by 62.4 per in Partnership for Peace (PfP), but also to narily deep roots in the entire Swiss popu- cent of voters. inveigle the neutral European countries into lation. It has after all been developed and – On 18 May 2003, the nation voted with participating – contrary to its former pledg- consolidated over centuries, until it was fi- 76 per cent in favour of “Army XXI” es. The PfP programmes are, in fact ,train- nally acknowledged in writing by the great and thus for an army personnel of ing camps which are intended to prepare European powers at the Congress of Vien- 220,000 persons. the Member States for NATO membership. na in 1815 as an important component of – The Federal popular initiative “For the When the Swiss PfP participation came to European peace and security. protection against armed violence”, was the Swiss population’s notice, the matter According to the annual survey of the launched because supposedly hundreds had long been accomplished and in imple- Swiss population by the ETH Zurich, the of suicides and crimes were being com- mentation. Under Federal Councillors Adolf principle of neutrality receives an impres- mitted annually with army weapons Ogi and Samuel Schmid, the Swiss army has sive affirmation of over 90% every time. (which is not corroborated because in- over the years been rebuilt in all areas so as Thus also in 2015 the survey results in “an fantry rifles can also be bought private- to be NATO compatible, starting from the extremely high popular support: 95% of ly). The initiative was an attack on the commands being given in the English lan- Swiss citizens are in favour of maintaining relationship of trust between citizen (sol- guage through to the sorts of fuel used and neutrality. […] The strong consensus in fa- dier) and state. For since time immemo- to equipment and weaponry. Since costly for- vour of neutrality manifests itself across rial, every Swiss soldier or officer has eign missions and participation in NATO ex- all age groups, all education and income been keeping his gun at home – and with ercises also appertain to PfP members’ du- levels, in all three language regions as well few exceptions, it is carefully and duti- ties, savings have to be made at home. The as across the political spectrum and irre- fully handled. On 13 February 2011 56.3 Swiss have also been taught for years that in spective of sex.” (ETH Zurich, “Sicherheit per cent of voters said no to the abolition the “peaceful” Europe of today Switzerland 2015”, Security: The Trend of Opinions of this arrangement. “The Swiss will not will need only a small force for disaster relief on Foreign, Security, and Defense Policy, allow themselves to be disarmed“, said and the like. Given the increasing migrant in- p. 115 – translation by Current Concerns) “Blick” in its headline the next day. flux and the risk of terrorist attacks – for ex- In addition, citizens have in any refer- – On 21 September 2013 73.2 per cent of ample on transport infrastructure (airports, endum on the subject of army matters in voters and all cantons rejected the GsoA- transit routes by road and rail) – this line of recent years clearly declared for maintain- launched Federal popular initiative “Yes argument is not very convincing. ing a strong army rooted in the people. continued on page 6 No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 6

”No to the halving of the Swiss Army” continued from page 5 Constitutional obligation

to the abolition of compulsory military FC Art. 2 Aims 3 The deployment of the armed forces is 1 The Swiss Confederation shall protect the responsibility of the Confederation. service” and so rallied behind the militia the liberty and rights of the people and army, which is deeply rooted in the peo- FC Art. 59 Military service and alternative safeguard the independence and secu- servive ple, and to which in principle every male rity of the country. 1 Every Swiss man is required to do mili- should belong. (cf. FC, Art. 59, see box). FC Art. 58 Armed forces tary service. Alternative civilian service – Today, in the year 2016, responsible 1 Switzerland shall have armed forces. shall be provided for by law. citizens are demanding a referendum In principle, the armed forces shall be 2 Military service is voluntary for Swiss on the WEA in order to put a stop to organised as a militia. women. the dismantlement of our army, which 2 The armed forces serve to prevent war 3 Any Swiss man who does not do military has been going on for years, and to de- and to maintain peace; they defend the or alternative service is liable to pay a mand a defense force of sufficient size country and its population. They shall tax. This tax is levied by the Confeder- and equipment to be able to fulfill its support the civilian authorities in safe- ation and assessed and collected by the constitutional mandate. guarding the country against serious Cantons. […] • threats to internal security and in deal- ing with exceptional situations. Further Federal Constitution 1 Federal popular initiative “For a Switzerland with- of the Swiss Confederation out an army and a comprehensive peace policy” duties may be provided for by law. Main arguments for the referendum

“The ‘Citizens’ Committee for our Securi- Bericht 2010’ (Report on Security Policy sociation […] and the Society of Swiss ty – No to halving the Swiss Armed Forc- 2010). Since then the military and stra- Officers. es’ takes the referendum against the al- tegic threat situation has degraded also Logic consequence: ‘WEA’ has to be leged ‘development” of the Armed Forces in Europe fundamentally and massive- rejected. (WEA) […] What are the main reasons ly. The Federal Council is trying in vain The referendum period runs until 7 July why this referendum is necessary? to make some improvements in the ‘Si- 2016. It is a matter of collecting 50,000 cherheitspolitischer Bericht 2016’ and signatures so that ‘WEA’ has to be submit- Halving of the personnel strength to justify by that the proposition ‘WEA’. ted to the vote by the people.” • down to 100,000 members of the army Significant participants in the legislative Source: http://armee-halbierung-nein.ch […] With this fourth reform of the army process by consultation are rejecting the 1 In the early 90ies, there were appr. 800,000 AdA within 25 years – after Armee95, Armee­ report, for example the Swiss Trade As- (Translation Current Concerns) XXI, Entwicklungsschritt 2008/2011 – the authorised personnel strength would be halved already for the third time – down to a remainder of 100,000 mem- Referendum for security in uncertain times bers of the Swiss Armed Forces (AdA)1. Approximately 24,000 of those would be In all new projects of the administration was a preferred topic in big scale exercis- combat troops. For constant operations the progressive sounding PR word “devel- es simulating air land attack there because during 265 days around the clock, for ex- opment” is used but it’s describing actual- of his great start and landing capacities in ample to protect vital objects, there would ly abolition. So as well in the WEA-Project the back of the NATO defence-lines. At be only left 1,200 AdA for the Swiss ter- (Development of the Swiss Armed Forces), that time, NATO signaled that when the ritory all over. which should rightly say “ongoing abolition Swiss defence in the Greater Zurich Area Logic consequence: ‘WEA’ has to be of the army”. In 2003 Swiss people have would fail, it could suffer heavy, possibly rejected! by their vote on the “Army XXl” approved nuclear fire. The airport regiment No 4 in a size of the army of 220,000 soldiers and Kloten could readily mobilise 3,400 man Violation of the Federal Constitution voted clearly in favour of the compulsory 365 days a year within 2–3 hours. An army that would be halved could not military service. Nevertheless, the Swiss By the WEA, the size of 100,000 sol- carry out the tasks that it is responsible for Armed Forces must currently undertake diers would be reduced to less than halve, and which it is charged of by our Federal enormous efforts to deploy, in case needed, of which just about 24,000 soldiers were Constitution. According to Article 1 of our just 2300 soldiers on average throughout combat troops. Spread over the whole Federal Constitution the army has to “pro- the year. With this minimum size, the army year one could deploy a maximum of tect the ‘liberty, independence, security’. Ac- should not only defend Switzerland, accord- 1,200 men. That would even no longer be cording to Article 58 the army has got the ing to the Federal Constitution but also cope enough for the airport and important facil- task to ‘defend the country and its popula- with immigrants and refugees and provide ities such as nuclear power plants, dams, tion and the civil authorities against threats’. protection-, control- and accommodation or- etc. remained unprotected. An army that is halved and consists of ders as a result of the increased terror risk. The people must demonstrate to the 100,000 members of the army, would not cor- In 2003 Federal Council and Parlia- Parliament by the WEA referendum until respond any more to the constitutional prin- ment dropped the alarm forces at the air- 7 July that it must put the Federal Council ciple of militia, neither to armed neutrality. ports of Zurich, Berne and Geneva with and GSoA (Group for a Switzerland with- Logic consequence: ‘WEA’ has to be re- 5,000 militiamen off. In a benchmark out an Army) finally in the constitutional jected. study of the American military expert barriers. Signature sheets are available at Kevin D. Stringer the defensive strategy www.armee-halbierung-nein.ch. Outdated foundations of the Zurich Airport regiment was char- from 2010 and before acterised as the world’s finest and most Peter Aebersold, Zurich The proposition is supported by outdated cost-effective. Already in the 1980s mil- documents as the ‘Sicherheitspolitischer itary plans, Kloten International Airport (Translation Current Concerns) No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 7 German media, Russia and the “anti missile shield” – PR and politics by Dr Heinz Loquai, retired Brigadier General, Meckenheim, first published 7 May 2007 cc. Heinz Loquai was Brigadier Gener- The article below deals with the way the point, and unmistakably criticised US al of the German “Bundeswehr” until German leading media “processed” in substance and style of politics. US Sena- his retirement. During his engagements a popagandistic way the new missile de- tor John McCain spoke of the most ag- with the German Defence Ministry, with fence sytem and the Russian reactions to gressive speech ever delivered by a Rus- NATO institutions and finally as a Ger- it. They have become the exension of US sian president since the end of the “Cold man representative at the OSCE in Vi- war policy. And that’s why it is best to call War”. Eckart von Klaeden, foreign policy enna he was closely familiar with NATO out to them as well: “You can walk out!” spokesman of the CDU/CSU, judged Pu- politics. In two of his books he submit- tin’s speech as an “undisguised claim to ted NATO’s war on Yugoslavia in 1999, At first there was an awkward silence a super power”. With this statement von which had violated international law, a when at the Munich Conference for Se- Klaeden showed once and for all his in- profound criticism. This war was not the curity Policy [in the year 2007] Russia’s sufficient powers of political discrimina- last breach of international law, it was President Wladimir Putin had complet- tion. […] only a first sinister climax. In fact it is ed his inaugural speech to this select cir- going on up to these very days and one cle. Putin had set out his position to the must fear the worst. most important issues of foreign policy to continued on page 8

“Our freedom is not threatened from the outside, from other states, but from inside, from our society and state of mind” An obituary on retiered Brigadier General Dr Heinz Loquai Heinz Loquai was published his insights in two documen- speech in 2001: “Not only do we need an brigadier gener- tations: “Der Kosovo-Konflikt – Wege in intelligent policy, we are also in need of al of the German einen vermeidbaren Krieg”, (“The Ko- an honest policy. We need an honest pol- “Bundeswehr”; sovo-conflict – ways into an avoidable icy, which is aimed at peace, which does from 1996 to war”, 2000) und “Weichenstellungen not revitalize, but ban war. And I tell you 2000, he worked für einen Krieg. Internationales Krisen- that, as strange as it may sound, even as as a German rep- management und die OSZE im Kosovo- a former soldier...” resentative for the Konflikt” (“Setting the course for a war. Heinz Loquai had a great appreciation OSCE in Vienna. International crisis management and the for the Swiss government model that he His area of respon- OSCE in the conflict of Kosovo”, 2003, had got to know by good Swiss friends sibility was the Bal- both Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft). and associates in the OSCE for many kans. He became For his civil courage he got the “Clara years: “Seen from the outside, this Swiss Heinz Loquai well known be- Immerwahr Prize” 2001. In his accept- model – particularly if you look at other (picture ma) cause of his found- ance speech, he said: “Our freedom is countries – would be an export article. It ed and brave criti- not threatened from the outside, from is invaluable, what Switzerland could in cism concerning the NATO war against foreign states, but from inside, from our an exemplary manner in matter of peace Yugoslavia among other things. He was society and state of mind.” techniques, of democracy for others ... one of the few who had gone public We became acquainted with Heinz languages, direct democracy, but also to with war critical insights already in 1999, Loquai as a courageous fighter for free- stand up for defence of the own country, and who had been engaged for a pub- dom, as a sincere, honest fellow with a I can see equally realized in Switzerland. lic debate concerning the background high ethos and as a keen thinker. Keep and use this export article better.” of the aggression war against Yugosla- Since his first lecture in Switzerland in On 21 February 2016, Dr Heinz Rudolf via, which contravened the principles of 2001, he has been the guest at Current Loquai died after a long and severe ill- international law. Loquai, highly appre- Concerns several times and had been ness at the age of 78 years. ciated by his colleagues, had, initiated well-known by his substantiated, en- With the following (slightly short- by the Ministry of Defence, to leave the gaged contributions for the readership ened) reprint of his 2007 published con- OSCE in 2000, because he publicly men- of Current Concerns ever since. Even his tribution in Current Concerns, which is tioned, that “the Defence Minister [Ru- participation in several conferen­ces of highly relevant today, too, we again let dolf Scharping] didn’t tell the truth in “Mut zur Ethik” was an important en- him have his say. what he said concerning the ‘Hufeisen- richment to the discussion of the pend- Dr Eva- Maria Föllmer- Müller plan’”. The former German ambassador ing issues. His plea, that there is always even managed, that Loquai could not an alternative to war, runs like a golden once enter the rooms of the OSCE any thread through his contributions, marked more – an incredible process. After own by an honest and sincere love for peace. thorough investigation and lots of dis- He could not accept the fact that German cussions Heinz Loquai had to come to policy (again) had taken part in a war of the conclusion that, before NATO war aggression in such a dishonest way. For had started, there hadn’t been any case Loquai the question of war and peace be- of genocide, which might have justified longed to the existential questions of a the attacks on Yugoslavia. human community. It was his aim to find Even then, he branded this interpreta- out the reasons of war in order to draw tion as western war propaganda. He lessons for the future. Conclusion of his No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 8

”German media, Russia and …” connection with the political debate about weapons but a very fundamental political continued from page 7 the Iranian nuclear programme is evident. dispute? Did nobody ever raise the question how the USA would react if Russia wanted Raising anti-Russian reflexes in order German services: Helping to install anti missile rockets in Mexico or to divert from factual problems to make a bogeyman out of Iran Cuba? What is the USA’s intention if they In the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” Stefan Kor- On 5 December 2006 Dr Hans Rühle now push a new round of NATO expansion nelius, head of the foreign policy province raised his voice in the “Frankfurter Allge- in direction of Georgia and the Ukraine? of this newspaper attacks Putin, “who had meine Zeitung”. Who is Dr Hans Rühle? In this context we should take note of a decided not to be nice”. (12 February 2007). In the 80ies he was head of the planning contribution of the “Norddeutscher Rund- The speech had been an attack to “throw staff of the Federal Ministry of Defence. In funk” with the following conclusion: Re- the USA and the West off their guard”, he this function he had excellent connections tired Airforce Brigade General Dr Her- claimed and Putin, he went on, who had to the BND (Bundesnachrichtendienst = mann Hagena said that everything points “sufficient experience – as had the Ameri- German Intelligence Service) as well as to the fact that “an anti missile defence sys- can Secretary of Defence Gates – from his to the CIA and to the US Defence Minis- tem is the most expensive and at the same service to the Soviet Intelligence Service in try. In the Defence Ministry CDU mem- time the most insecure defence” against a the art of grimacing and playacting“. Putin, ber Rühle looked after US interests; he did threat by Iranian atomic missiles. But what who “had grinned sneeringly“ had “pushed so very efficiently in this fine-meshed Ger- is this program supposed to serve, really? the others into the defensive”. man-American network. Now Rühle is co- Berthold Kohler, co-editor of the “Frank- working on the composition of the bogey- NATO as a diplomatic furter Allgemeine Zeitung” knew for cer- man Iran. His conclusion: Iran might have procedure placebo tain that Putin “had tried to denounce the the possibility to obtain sufficient weapons- For the last five years NATO has been deal- Americans as the source of all evil in the grade plutonium within less than two years ing with a missile supported defence system world and drive a wedge between the mem- in order to build 40 to 50 atomic bombs. for the alliance. The introduction of such a bers of the Atlantic Alliance” (12 February […] The propagandistic assault is direct- system is basically settled. A so-called fea- 2007). Even two months later Nikolaus ed against the “rogue state” Iran in order sibility study is supposed to test how this Busse is still looking back on Putin’s to legitimise the American anti missile basic agreement can be transformed into a speech: President Putin, he writes, can have program in view of the many critics of this program. This NATO-project must be dis- some glasses of Krim champagne to cele- program in Germany […] and of course it tinguished from the US national project to brate his success. “With only one speech is useful for the composition of the bogey- install a “National Missile Defence” in Po- he incited more unrest and embarrassment man image of Iran. By combining “Iranian land and Tschechia for the protection of in the western alliance than all Soviet tank long range missiles” and “atomic bombs” American strategic facilities (for example divisions were able to in former times. So he creates such a serious threat that in the the extensive radar facilities in Great Brit- easy it is to divide the NATO” (“Frankfurt- end not only an American anti missile ain and Greenland). The protection of Eu- er allgemeine Zeitung” of 10 April 2007). shield in Europe but a preventive attack on rope by this defence system is not the main Die Zeit presents the Russian president as a Iran might be justified as well. objective but an subordinate objective serv- “yobbo in his oil delirium” shortly after the Again in the “Frankfurter Allgemeine ing the legitimising of its installation. It is Munich Conference (15 February 2007). Zeitung” Michael Rühle, head of the plan- the much more advanced US project, not the The commentaries in leading German ning staff of the political department of the NATO plan that has become the topic of po- newspapers confirm what Putin said in NATO, speaks of a “renaissance” of the litical debate and controversial discussion. his Munich speech about the “Cold War”: “almost forgotten” “anti missile shield” Germany is now trying to adopt a me- “And just as any war the Cold War as well of the USA (“Frankfurter Allgemeine Zei- diator position. At first some cautious criti- leaves behind some ammunition still live” tung”, 9 February 2007). Nikolaus Busse cism of Washington’s style was to be heard to use an image here. I am talking about the explains to the readers of the “Frankfurt- from the foreign affairs office. The German ideological clichés, the measuring with two er Allgemeine Zeitung”, what Washing- Government took some effort to place the different measuring rods and other charac- ton‘s intention really is, namely “defence project under the NATO’s roof. The argu- teristic aspects that are typical of the square against rogue states” (“Frankfurter Allge- ment ran that in this case the necessary con- way of thinking during the Cold War.” The meine Zeitung”, 22 February 2007). A sultations with Russia could be made up for anti Russian reflexes of German media few weeks later Busse blames the German within the NATO-Russia Council. Chan- focus on the person of the Russian Presi- political class for not asking the “pivot- cellor Merkel’s original sound: “We pre- dent in such a spiteful language that is rath- al question”: “Does not Germany need an fer […] a solution within the framework of er typical for a not so very cold war. anti missile defence as well?” (“Frankfurt- the NATO and also an open dialogue with A rather small part of Putin’s Munich er Allgemeine Zeitung”, 10 April 2007). Russia on the matter.” (“Frankfurter Allge- speech was devoted to the intended expan- Needless to say that this is merely a rheto- meine Zeitung”, 14 March 2007). Does this sion of certain “elements of the anti missile ric question for Busse. preference, however, open up real chances defence system onto Europe“. Putin asked: Also “Die Zeit” proved to be a forum for a solution of the political conflicts? “Who needs a new step towards something for a, however, controversial debate about Hardly so. For the USA have made it that would surely lead to a new arms race the American anti missile shield. As one clear several times in the past, that they under the given conditions? I gravely doubt would have expected, co-editor Josef Joffe will grant nobody a say in the decision that the Europeans themselves have need of presented himself as the advocate of the that concerns US national security. A such a thing.“ It is in this context that Putin American project. Under the headline say in the debate all right but no say in assessed the “NATO expansion” as a “seri- “Taken in by Putin” Joffe writes that the the decision! Russia will not accept this, ous provocation”, “which will reduce mu- SPD (German Social Democratic Party) since it is already dissatisfied with the tual trust.” But already before the Munich considered the US anti missile plans an af- dummy consultations in the NATO-Rus- Security Conference the plans of the US front against Russia: “Technique and range sia Council. And neither the Poles or – government to install elements of an Amer- of these weapons prove the opposite” (29 Tschechs, obsequious vassals of the USA ican anti missile defence system in Poland March 2007). Has nobody in the editorial seem eager to assemble under the NATO and Tschechia were prominent on the Ger- offices realised so far that the issue here is roof, since both countries expect to gain man political and media agenda. […] The certainly not the “technique and range” of continued on page 9 No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 9 Again German tanks 150 km away from Leningrad? Berlin is the capital of the Orwellian “Newspeak” by Willy Wimmer Berlin seems to be tion to the nuances. Why then should the sian Federation which has demolished this developing into the legitimate feelings of others be respected? whole “peace framework” and wrecked it. world’s capital of Particularly if these people belong to our The United States have obviously seen criminal histori- largest neighbouring nation, the Russians. that nothing is more harmful to their inter- cal amnesia. With- The new decisions of NATO or what ests on the Euro-Asian continent as a fruit- out any sense for the seems to be in preparation, are a clear ful cooperation between the nations in this thoughtfulness pre- message deliberately playing with the ter- territory. With the war against Belgrade, sent in the German rible images of the past: Our tanks are the US have brought war back to Europe people and with- again 150 km from Leningrad and thus and its recent decisions will likely make it out concern for our from the present St. Petersburg. For years, grow into a global dimension. It is obvi- Willy Wimmer eastern neighbours, St. Petersburg has spruced up itself, turn- ous that in the Russian Federation, how- (picture uk) they behave as loud- ing into a shining metropolis and a place ever, thoughts of the “Great Patriotic War” mouths again. This is demonstrated by of longing for cruise tourists and other are mobilised. Exactly these considera- statements from senior German officers travellers. The city copes with all that, is tions reveal the fateful direction in which in the name of a NATO mission, made full of life and thinks European, because we are moving due to the activities of our on the well-known battlefields in East- one belongs to Europe and wants to be- own government. Why not use the imag- ern Europe. But it is going much further. long to it. For years, the Russian Feder- es of this war for the own actions? Exact- While the political party NPD is judged ation has been targeted by the West’s in- ly this clearly shows the perversion of the here by the German Federal Constitu- tense agitation. This alone is hard to take. Western approach. It is not even necessary tional Court and, facing a ban due to the But what kind of a signal is the West giv- to pull up the historical images of George horrible past, these forces of the past are ing this city which in World War II be- Friedman dating from his Stratfor time, commanded under broad support from the came a symbol of suffering like no other but now there are those forces at the Rus- German Government to the corruption-in- city: NATO tanks are brought up at its sian border representing – from a Russian fected Ukraine at the border of the Rus- city borders? Have they in Russia been perspective – a highly fateful combination sian neighbour. Already in spring 2014, so wrong about us and others, when the of former allies and wartime enemies. after American mercenaries had stirred end of the Cold War was heralded together up the Eastern Ukraine, sparking a civil with us, when the division of Europe was The Obama war council in Hanover war, the West and the Ukrainian leader- over and the people from Neuss and Halle will go down in history ship unleashed the battalions of the West- could again embrace each other? Since time immemorial, the image of a ern Ukraine, reminiscent not only in Rus- The justifications for the NATO troop fair – and especially that of Hannover – is sia for the worst of times. After Israeli build-up are far-fetched and only serve the connected to the idea of peaceful cooper- specialists had been seen in Kiev it was American idea of supremacy. Without any ation. Also here, the Russians have been unbelievable who had made a local peace hesitation, our German soldiers will be pulled over the barrel. The cooperation in with these ghosts of the past. sacrificed to this aim. the WTO is intended to serve the business Berlin is also the capital of the Orwelli- by more intense cooperation and intercon- Why again German tanks an “Newspeak”. Anyone who could see nection of economies, but also the peace. near of Leningrad? the end of the Cold War knows about the Everything prospered magnificent- There seems to be a clear line in our coun- mechanisms that have been able to bring ly, even Düsseldorfs’ armaments group try. The horrors of the past are relevant about the end of this dramatic conflict. “Rheinmetall” was working for the Rus- only to as far as they may be useful for The negotiations and the use of appropri- sian armed forces. After everybody had ad- the own purposes. Quite opportunistic and ate negotiating structures made it possible. justed to a future cooperation even in sensi- certainly a career asset, if one pays atten- In the subsequent years it was not the Rus- tive areas, the noose was tightened on them in form of sanctions in order to cause the ”German media, Russia and …” their anti Russian attitude. The conflicts greatest possible damage. Everybody is left continued from page 9 within the alliance would be whitewashed speechless, but is powerless when Washing- by formal compromises. Certain imminent ton’s warmongers whistle. Here, soon there national prestige and material advantag- rifts within the EU, in particular with re- will be a secret agent behind every mosque, es by their direct co-operation and special spect to a common foreign and security pol- but no one dares to ask why it is that we are relationship with the USA. icy will not worry Washington much, since in a process of complete governmental dis- It cannot be ruled out that the USA its two bilateral European partners Poland solution? Soon, if the daily provocations do will – finally agree to a debate within the and Tschechia that it has chosen will re- not stop, we won’t have to wonder anymore NATO. That way they might supply the sist a strengthening of the EU. Neither will why everything went fatally wrong. The US German Government with an argument for American politics bother much about Rus- are playing undauntedly the games known them to use in home politics. The coalition sia’s state of affairs, since they are already from the times of the Cold War, which are government could then point to “consulta- planning a new round of NATO expansion aimed at the enemy – here Russia – to en- tions” with the allies and claim this as a towards Georgia and the Ukraine. That way tice him to the one wrong reaction, which success of the German effort to find a so- the Nato would expand to former Soviet re- would justify the big strike. lution. However, this NATO-ization of the publics and would cross a red political line. Since what happened in the port of Ha- project would be nothing but a diplomatic But such “lines” don’t mean a limit for the vana in the late 19th century, one knows procedure placebo. “only super power” when it comes to fenc- how to deal with it. The German Govern- Under the NATO roof the USA can even ing in potential political rivals. Last not ment is now supporting this, aware that we count on greater consent, especially from least this is shown by Washington’s policy the countries of the “new” Europe with of national anti missile defence. • continued on page 10 No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 10

After the AfD party convention – Germany in a craze for campaigns? by Karl Müller On their federal party convention on AfD. This is about requirements of polit- details, not all topics and subtopics, not all 30 April, the still young party “Alterna- ical culture. In Germany, political barba- areas of political discourse, but the frame tive für Deutschland” (AfD, Alternative rism is spreading. Just read the comment- of party ideology has to be marked very for Germany) has passed its basic pro- sand politicians’ statements in the German clearly. This includes, for example, saying gramme. The programme, which has over media after the convention. something about Europe, about migration, 70 pages, is starting, after a preamble, There had been a guest speaker at the about the continuously growing regulari- with the chapter “democracy and basic party convention: the former President of sation and manipulation not only of our values”, followed by the chapter “Euro the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus. He is economy but also of our private life, about and Europe” and the chapters “inner se- not really liked in the EU mainstream be- the devastating attacks on our traditions, curity and justice”, “foreign and secu- cause he has his own will, because he has customs, practices and values which are rity policy”, “job market and social pol- a critical view of the EU and the euro and part of us, which we have inherited from icy”, “family and children”, “culture, because he has hesitated for a long while our parents and grandparents. You have to language and identity”, “school, univer- before signing the Lisbon Treaty. On this describe the hopeless impasse of the cur- sity and research”, “immigration, integra- occasion, Martin Schulz (SPD) and Dan- rent European development and show us tion and asylum”, “economy, digital world iel Cohn-Bendit (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) a way out.” and consumer protection”, “finance and had travelled to the Hradcany Castle in It is not relevant here if the AfD has taxes”, “energy policy”, “nature and envi- Prague in order to put the President mas- succeeded in this. But Vaclav Klaus is ronmental protection, agriculture and for- sively under pressure. This is how they starting from an analysis which should estry” and finally “value preservation be- demonstrated their understanding of the make us sit up and take notice. And he fore modernisation and new construction”. sovereignty of a state and the independ- characterises a political style of conduct All these issues could be reported on; ence of a head of state. This Lisbon Trea- which has lost all decorum and all demo- there can, may and should be other opin- ty was nearly the same as the one rejected cratic foundation. ions; there should be discussions, factual in referenda by majorities of the citizens Now the “Bild” newspaper reported and controversial. But in mainstream Ger- of France and the Netherlands. The EU on 3 May: “In face of the AfD’s elector- many, this is not the case. Instead there are had widely left the text intact, gave it an- al successes, CDU leader Angela Merkel dismissive labels like “clumsy populism” other name and stopped letting people was for the first time hinting at a change (Gerda Hasselfeldt, CSU), “confused right vote over it – except the Irish, since Ire- of course. ‘Bild’ heard: According to par- wing party” (Ralf Stegner, SPD), “reac- land is the only EU country where this is ticipants, Merkel said in the CDU head- tionary” (Katrin Göring-Eckardt, Bünd- mandatory. At first, the Irish had reject- quarters that the party had to come again nis 90/Die Grünen). To prevent misunder- ed also this text. Then the screws were towards conservative voters at the right standings: this is no advertisement for the put on the Irish, also with a massive cam- of the political centre. It would not make paign against the Catholic Church there. sense to permanently lambast the AfD and ”Again German tanks …” Not completely unjustified, but the tim- its voters. This would only lead to solidar- continued from page 9 ing was pretty suspicious. The Irish sur- isation effects.” rendered and had to say yes. A new tactics in view of the disastrous will not survive this perverse practice as a So this Vaclav Klaus was guest speaker election results of the past months? nation. And our alleged allies in Eastern at the AfD in Germany. What he said is However: only one day later, the Europe? Finally, with our economic and thought-provoking: mainly not with respect “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” report- the American military potential, they can to the AfD but with respect to Germany. ed that the Chancellor had been misquot- puff up their cheeks to sock it to “the Rus- The former President of the Czech Re- ed: “[The news agency] AFP was told by sians”. How degenerated has Berlin be- public said: “The level of demonisation of participants [of the CDU meeting] that the come to approve this behaviour? your party in German politics, in the Ger- statements cited [by ‘Bild’] had not been After the Washington speech of po- man media and in the academic and in- made. The CDU headquarter confirmed tential Republican presidential candi- tellectual sphere is absurd and excessive, also: ‘There is no change of course.’” date Trump, the German Foreign Minis- wrong and fraudulent, but unfortunately Thus the upshot is: Just like in some ter could think of nothing better than to effective with many people.” And he fur- other European countries, the hitherto evaluate this speech. After all, Berlin has ther stated: “The brutality of the assaults dominant political circles also in Germa- sufficient experience to fail superbly with demonstrates that you are right and that ny do not really know how to deal with that kind of behaviour, being obliged to your critics are frightened. These people citizens who are no longer willing to fol- kowtow later, in case he gets elected, in do not want a plurality of thoughts and no low them. All defamations have failed to order improve the conditions. No wonder democracy. This is why you have to fight prevent that more and more citizens do that Minister Steinmeier scourges Trump’s for plurality, which is the basis of democ- no longer trust the “lack of alternatives” speech about making “America first” as racy and for the justification of various, of current politics and start to look for al- the yardstick. Of course, a “Germany first” even controversial views. Your party has ternatives. “Cudgel in the sack” towards is unthinkable in Berlin, even if we should to reject the devastating political correct- these positions beyond the “political cor- be anxious about the “absence of war” on ness. It needs to label the current de-de- rectness” is no longer well received. This the common continent. In future we would mocratisation of the German society as the kind of politics will harm also Germany definitely recommend the “Obersalzberg” fatal threat to civil freedom in Germany.” and bring about severe losses: in reputa- for meetings like the Hanover meeting. • And then: “Your congress of today has tion, but also in inner peace. Can anyone (Translation Current Concerns) […] to say fundamental things. Not all the have an interest in this? • No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 11 Fulfil the journalistic professional ethics and the political culture of democracy by Urs Knoblauch, cultural publicist, Fruthwilen (Switzerland)

When visiting the Book Fair in on leading media and Alpha-journalists - programme advisory board of the ARD Leipzig one does not only come a critical network analysis’ was published (‘Consortium’ – of the public-law broad- across valuable new publica- in 2013 in the book series of the Institut casting institutions of the Federal Repub- tions but can also meet with für praktische Journalismus- und Kom- lic of Germany) had to admit that, for ex- the authors and the interest- munikationsforschung (IPJ). ample in the Ukraine crisis in June 2014, ed public. So the book presen- His newly published book dwells very ‘the reporting in the German TV chan- tation of Uwe Krüger’s new book ‘Main- differentiated on the rightful loss of con- nel ARD, The First, gave the impression stream – Warum wir den Medien nicht fidence and the problematic labour- and of bias and had a tendency against Rus- mehr trauen’ (Mainstream – why we no interdependencies of today’s journal- sia and the Russian positions’ (p. 14). By longer trust the media) gave a current ism. Likewise, the political and econom- numerous examples Uwe Krüger’s book insight into the transatlantic embedded ic involvements of elites and mainstream states the aims and the background of leading media and into the related work- media are illustrated very clearly. Uwe these transatlantic controlled information ing conditions of journalists. Uwe Krüger Krüger gets to the bottom of the alarming and political campaign journalism. also pointed to the growing number of mainstream effect, showing “how lobby- critical users of media. ing networks, confidential background cir- Dangerous lockstep cles, the social background of journalists of the leading media Uwe Krüger is a research associate of the and the dramatic deterioration of working Media elites regularly come together in Department of Journalism at the Univer- conditions in the sector, restrict the range familiar coteries. Furthermore, they are sity of Leipzig. His doctoral thesis of 2011 of views “ (blurb). From the few exclusive welcomed within the Federal Chancel- ‘Power of opinion – the influence of elites journalism schools the suitable candidates lery and, by the way, ‘informed’ and ori- are recruited for the mainstream leading ented on current political issues according media and elite training centres. Serious to government’s wishes. Critical and in- researching journalists suffer from these dependent voices are not desired. Numer- conditions, requirements, time pressure ous media workers who do not drop their and the increasing influence of PR-actors. professional ethics have to bear the conse- If you believe an opinion poll of De- quences. Especially young journalists are cember 2014 for Zeit online, ‘then 47 under the burden of great social insecuri- percent of the Germans think that their ty. ‘According to the Federal Employment media report unilaterally. By now many Agency about 5,000 journalists and edi- people have the impression that they are tors in Germany are unemployed.’ (p. 49) reading the same everywhere ‘(blurb). In the ‘reports of the mainstream The fact that people turn more and more media’ on the occasion of the Ukraine cri- away from this largely manipulative media sis, former Minister of Culture and pre- scene and looking for independent and al- ternative media, is a good sign. Even the continued on page 12

Angela and Barack in Hanover

One would think that the meeting of the But Obama has also got problems in outshined by these two shining lights and most powerful man of the world and the his domestic policy and would like to get strangely underexposed in our media, most powerful woman of Europe – glam- the TTIP contract – very important to the there was an immense demonstration orously prepared by the media – would interests of the USA – in the bag at the against TTIP: A thunderbolt of 90,000 be a win-win-situation. As our chancel- end of his term of office. In this matter demonstrating people who came from all lor can well use the praise and support of he has got a “reliable” and “strong” part- parts of the country! Once more, it mani- the highest authority after her disastrous ner, our chancellor: so far the flawed win- fests in a dramatic way the inner turmoil, solo run in the refugee crisis. For other win-game. the instability of our country. And this European states are registering the Ger- According, however, to the point of cleft, the sorrow of the people does not man boundless solo run with dismay and view “unveiled” through standards of real- only exist regarding the issue of TTIP, but scorn. They do not think to commit them- politik, German domestic and foreign pol- also regarding the management of the ref- selves to contingents. Also at home her icies are committed to strict guidelines of ugee crisis and the consequences for the popularity is in free fall. The people feel our transatlantic playmakers. And this re- future of the whole of our country. ignored as to existential questions of their gards particularly our chancellor – more future and the communities are moaning than anyone else – is serving these inter- Dr med Horst A. Hoffmann, Kiel, because of challenges they can hardly rise ests, therefore strengthening her position specialist for children’s and to. And there is the presidents “I am proud is the very own interest of the USA. youth medicine, psychotherapist of the German population” so to speak Against this background it seems just balm for the German soul. spooky when at the same time and place, (Translation Curent Concerns) No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 12

Abysses located in reality Novel by Middle East expert Michael Lüders “Never say anything – NSA”

mk/wvb. At least since Ed- and almost a victim of a massacre com- pursuit Sophie, to make her fall and to get ward Snowden posted extensive mitted in a Moroccan town. After got- her out of the way. American Secret Service docu- ten away alive, she starts researching the The reader holds his breath as Lüders ments on the Internet and took backgrounds of this brutal attack and gets realistically and clearly displays what is himself under protection by the on to the track of volatile global political already possible today. Russian Federation, every schoolkid can power interdependences. As she tries to After reading this lecture, nobody can comprehend that there is something like publish her research in the newspaper, a say that federal or intelligential surveil- data preservation, or that every financial roller-coaster starts: She is granted high- lance is no problem because he or she has transaction is recorded, that flight or other est attention by the world media, but as got nothing to hide. The revelations of personal data is registered and if there is things are getting hotter, the pro-American Lüders get to the substance of every cit- need, these can be used anywhere by an- editorship tries to sweep it under the car- izen and free human being. Even more yone. pet and is urging Sophie to drop the topic. clearly as most of the novel takes place Currents of refugees from the Middle In this example, Lüders realistically in Berlin, a city we are used to, not some- East and Africa, set in scene for the media, shows how media is manipulated, how peo- where “behind Turkey”. remind us on a daily basis that war has be- ple try to force journalists on a political- When the reader eventually realises that come almost a common method for poli- ly correct line and, if they cling on to the he is likely to be watched with the common tics. We can close our eyes, look away or, if truth, how they are slowly neutralised and mobile phones and computers, he also sees that does not work anymore, ask the ques- shoved to one side. But Sophie keeps on that he cannot set himself free of the facts tion what we possibly could do about it. going, she searches and finds ways to pub- described, that he is already in the midst of In his novel “Never say anything – lish her research, even if the mainstream the same plot and that he has to make a se- NSA”, Michael Lüders is masterfully media is boycotting her. Things heat up and rious decision. And finally he also sees that showing us that we are living in this world are getting more and more dangerous for he cannot close his eyes anymore, against too and that each and every one of us has a Sophie, she is being followed, strange “ac- all the propaganda on every media channel. certain responsibility towards our history cidents” happen, she is the target of intelli- The book challenges the reader to search and the forthcoming generations. gence actions and attacks. for his own solutions, solutions that would The protagonist of the novel, journal- Middle East expert Lüders inserts lead out of the logic of war. And he even ist Sophie, becomes an immanent witness knowledge in the form of a novel which he hints to an escape plan: What if we would might could not publish as a journalist. He cooperate with those that we wage war is doing so by skillful use of literary de- against, with economy, with sanctions, with sign, so that the reader identifies himself weapons – what if we would cooperate? with Sophie. He feels and suffers with her, Wouldn’t it be possible to see the East mainly because Sophie is staying true to from this point of view? To proceed as is, as herself and her journalistic duty of finding the novel clearly points out, is a dead end. out the truth. This is – despite the abysses To make a long story short, the novel is that the novel reveals, which are obvious- a must-read, it forces the reader to pick a ly located in reality – a hopeful sight: As side. For this, Lüders’ book is a contribu- long as there are people like Sophie and tion against turning a blind eye. And last those who still continue to help her, even but not least, it is breathtakingly thrilling.• in the darkest of hours, the world is not yet Michael Lüders. Never say anything – NSA. lost. Even when all techniques of modern C.H.Beck, München 2016 ISBN 973-3- 406- surveillance and persecution are used to 68892- 8

”Fulfil the journalistic professional…” text: ‘In a developed democracy however, tacle.’ On ‘this political stage real pol- continued from page 11 one may expect […] a certain critical dis- icy is made behind closed doors’, and tance towards NATO- and CIA-controlled prepared by networks of elites (p. 132). information.’ (p. 18). Citizens have a right to honest informa- sent professor of philosophy Julian Ni- With a strategy of double standards, tion. In a democracy, people need to rely da-Rümelin criticizes that important chancellor Merkel’s formula of a ‘market- on true information by media and poli- questions are not asked and that ‘the jour- conforming democracy’ (p. 128) or con- tics. It has always been by means of disin- nalistic precepts of carefulness and com- cepts such as ‘humanitarian intervention’, formation, lies and propaganda that wars pleteness, distance and objectivity are the real political and economic intentions have been possible. However, it is based violated’ (p. 17). Therefore, he recom- are concealed to the citizens. Uwe Krüger on good faith that coexistence in peace is mends, ‘In order to have a complete pic- refers in this context to the British political possible. In the field of media and journal- ture, one is well advised to rely not only scientist Colin Crouch, who, with the con- ism, ethics and civic responsibility for the on the mainstream media, but also to use cept of “post-democracy”, describes a de- common good form the essential basis. • further sources of information.’ Especial- ception of citizens in democratic elections. ly the big media show ‘striking little re- Through ‘competing teams of profes- sistance with regard to an ideologization sional PR experts the public debate during Uwe Krüger. Mainstream. Warum wir den Medi- of Western foreign policy’ (pp. 17). Addi- election campaigns is controlled in such a en nicht mehr trauen. C.H.Beck, München 2016, tionally, Nida-Rümelin states in this con- way that they deteriorate into a pure spec- ISBN 978-3-406-68851-5 No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 13 Curriculum 21, competencies orientation, self-directed learning: The cantons are in the process of reforming schools fundamentally Switzerland must not destroy its educational system by Thomas Dähler Nobody would maintain that Switzerland’s then learning a second national lan- education system is not part of its success guage. Curriculum 21 continues in story. On the contrary: our elementary this spirit, which was anchored in school, dedicated to a sound general educa- Zurich at that time. Teachers are tion, nowadays prepares our children per- understood as providers of servic- fectly both for an academic career as well es and parents and students as cus- as for a career based on an apprenticeship. tomers – so this is a kind of school It prepares our children for life. But mean- for which supply and demand have while the schools in Switzerland are being become a maxim, as is usual in the covered by an unprecedented wave of re- industry sector. forms, which has the potential to destroy Curriculum 21 focuses on com- Switzerland’s successful federalist educa- petencies and self-directed learn- tional landscape. Switzerland is jeopardis- ing, on examinations and tests, and ing its high level of education based on gen- not on knowledge and subject ma- eral education in elementary school and on terial. Quite some time ago for- a dual vocational training system through mer SBB CEO Benedikt Weibel these numerous reforms – and in the final already criticised the abandon- analysis it is thus jeopardising its economic ment of the maxim “knowledge prosperity and standard of living. is power” as an “education pol- icy going in a very bad direc- Whether they are technocrats or experts: tion”. Curriculum 21 is oriented The troop of reformers invariably justi- towards competencies that are to fies its radical transformation of the ele- be acquired through useful knowl- mentary school with the reorganisation edge and applicable skills and can of education which the Swiss voted into be checked and measured by uni- the Federal Constitution in 2006, with a form tests. In this way, in the final 4th extended edition March 2016. yes-proportion of 85 pe cent. The cantons’ analysis the schools’ educational To be ordered by Alain Pichard, [email protected] obligation to harmonise their school sys- mandate is falling by the wayside. tems “in the area of school entrance age Teacher personalities with a form- Unclear concept of competence and compulsory education, of duration ative influence, who are concerned about and objectives of levels of education and the welfare of their students and who en- Outsiders became suspicious as early of their transitions as well as of the rec- courage their development, are no long- as when Curriculum 21 was in its early ognition of qualifications,” was incorpo- er needed. They mutate to controllers of stages of development. Initially teachers rated in the Constitution by the popular students, who independently develop, an- and journalists were denied access to the vote at that time. If the cantons fail to do alyse and perfect their level of competen- planned contents of curriculum 21. The so, the Federal government is authorised cies, in order to be able to mark the right top-down project was obviously intend- to intervene. crosses on the test forms. ed to be accomplished without any crit- At that time, however, no one suspect- But a school is not a company. Resist- ical monitoring. Only when of the draft ed that this timid attempt at more similari- ance against the plethora of reforms that was published could any criticism be of- ties in the cantons’ school systems would obviously do not make schools better is fered. The result was a variety of wishes be abused to put the stamp of democrat- growing. So school harmonisation is turn- for correction when the legislative pro- ic legitimacy on far-reaching reforms. The ing into a flop. cess of consultation took place. This ulti- German Swiss Curriculum 21 is just one Numerous cantons have not even joined mately led to the cobbled-up job adopted of the mosaic particles of the profound the HarmoS Concordat. Even the concept by the German-Swiss Ministers of Edu- “reformitis”, although an important one. of teaching two foreign languages early - cation. You can tell from looking at it, in primary school – is crumbling. And in that there is patchwork involved: the sub- School seen as a company several of the 21 cantons popular initiatives jects are treated in quite different ways. Reorganisation away from traditional hu- against the Curriculum 21 have been filed. The concept of competence is unclear. It manist education principles to a utilitar- Even cantons who accept Curricu- covers a mix of knowledge, learning ob- ian instrumentalisation of education was lum 21 subvert it at the same time: In jectives and actual competencies. already initiated in the 90’s, when Zu- Appenzell, for example, the cantonal as- “Pupils can do per cent calculations rich Government Councillor, Head of the sembly backed Curriculum 21 only after using their calculator” has a completely Department of Education, Ernst Buschor the government had stated that it would different dimension than “Pupils are able forced New Public Management on school adapt it to local needs and entirely re- to classify information and sources of in- administration in his canton. linquish self-directed learning – the so- formation about the soil as a resource, to He declared the schools to be corpo- called learning environments. This is a draw conclusions for its sustainable use rate identities and gave priority to “Früh- use of Curriculum 21, which might – for- and to evaluate these.” While in some englisch” (learning English from an early tunately – be anything but in the interest subjects contents are quite prescriptive, in age) which was apparently more useful of its inventors. continued on page 14 No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 14 The “tablet” family

In more and more families conversation phone. The mother and son do not take dren knowingly stupid.”1 In an interview at meals is withering away because eve- part in that either. They all seem turned Spitzer states, “this is after all about the ryone is busy with an electronic device. off, bored. “All three are lonely togeth- most valuable companies in the world and er” writes Moritz Nestor about a simi- their turnover: Google, Microsoft, Apple, mk. A family of four in a hotel dining lar “digitised” family (Current Concerns IBM, Facebook. Since every household is room: mother and father, a son about the No 15/16 2015) and elaborates what it equipped with three computers, the chal- age of 12, a baby sitting at the table in a means for infants and for their personal lenge now is that schools and kindergar- stroller. The breakfast takes place very development when they are emotionally tens also acquire information technolo- quietly; we cannot hear at the next table abandoned in an irrational, not explica- gy. And this is what I advise against. […] anything but the constant blaring of some ble and tangible world, instead of expe- Computers in schools are learning preven- silly programme for babies. This blaring riencing relationships and emotional echo tion equipment.” comes from a tablet that the mother care- in the real world. The neuroscientist Man- Question of the journalist: “If the dig- fully placed in front of the baby. While fred Spitzer points to “digital dementia” ital media are really so dangerous – isn’t the baby silently stares at the screen, the in this context. At the “Kölner Bildungs­ it sensible that children learn to deal with remaining members of the family are eat- kongress” “Lernen erfolgreich gestalten” these dangers?” ing their breakfast, equally soundless. (educational congress in Cologne, “Make Spitzer: “No, it hurts them! Alcohol is Namely, they do not talk to each other, learning successful”), he postulates: “It part of our culture. Alcohol is addictive. but everyone stares at their own screen. is criminal to put babies before screens, Sometimes the father talks on his mobile and anybody promoting this makes chil- continued on page 15

The German Government advertises computer games for small children mk. Dorothee Bär is a passionate com- weave of politics and the game industry, in this area, as much as possible realistic, puter game player – and member of the a weave, which in other areas would lead naturalistic and brutal. “Bundestag” (Lower House of German to an outcry in the media. This founda- Parliament) for the party CSU and a Sec- tion can get its way so that the German France takes other steps retary of State for the Ministry of Trans- computer game prize is no longer award- By the way: France takes very differ- port. She has already organised two LAN ed only for “culturally and educationally ent steps: “the broadcasting of televi- parties in the house of the German Parlia- valuable computer games”, it is “also real sion programmes for children under the ment. She advocates offensively for “chil- games” will be awarded – killer games. age of three was made forbidden. “Tel- dren to be introduced to digital games at “Culturally valuable” is only a ‘can‘-crite- evision consumption for infants is high- the age of three”1. Last autumn she or- ria. Even digital games for small children ly detrimental”, decided the French ganised a conference with the topic “Dig- must not be “educationally valuable” in media authority, CSA (Conseil supérieur ital games in children‘s hands”. At the po- order to get an award. de l‘audiovisuel). In addition, for pro- dium there were only those in favour of Bär reveals this about herself, that grammes for children at the age of three this concept. Bär works closely with the she engages herself “with great pas- or older, a required warning has been representatives of the game industry: in sion, encountering prejudices against introduced by the CSA: “Television can the foundation for Digital Game Culture computer games”.2 For this purpose, she impede children in their development. are the representatives of the union of founded the German computer game It can cause passivity, speech problems, game manufacturers, ‘Game‘ and the As- prize. This was the first step to turn killer nervousness, sleep disruption, concentra- sociation for interactive entertainment games and training programmes in tor- tion difficulties and dependency.“3 software. Besides them, representatives turing and killing into “culturally valua- of the Federal Ministry of Transport and ble” goods. Now it is permitted that this 1 Die Welt from 10. April 2016 for Family Affairs as well as members of desguise be taken off, now everything 2 Dorothee Bär. Why computer games are good for public authorities, are members of this can receive an award, the main thing is Germany. Focus online from 12. April 2014. foundation. In this way, there is a tight that it is “well made” – and that means 3 Andrea Hennis in FOCUS from 30. March 2009

”Curriculum 21, competencies …” ment of Higher Education of the Univer- by be largely relieved from their educa- continued from page 13 sity of Berne, considers precisely this im- tional functions and also from their mis- balance between content and skills as the sion to encourage the schoolgirls and other subjects the contents depend entire- weakness of Curriculum 21. Bonati thinks schoolboys to think critically. They are ly on the ways in which the competence a young teacher having little experience meant to become henchmen to the edu- is to be acquired. In the subject “spaces, will have difficulties in finding the order cation experts. times, societies”, for instance, the Holo- of the teaching contents he needs to reach A democratic debate about the func- caust is only listed just as one of several the competencies. tions our society assigns to its primary events in the “age of extremes”: “The pu- school is not provided for. If it were not pils are able to analyse selected phenome- Henchmen of the education experts for those citizens who have launched initi- na in the history of the 20th and 21st centu- So Curriculum 21 and the many asso- atives and collected signatures, our prima- ry and to explain the relevance these have ciated reforms are not simply designed ry school would be transformed without today,” it says. Thus it is not about an ob- to harmonise the cantons’ school sys- any consultation of the people. But this jective engagement with the Holocaust, as tems, as was specified. Instead, it is more must not happen. The successful Swiss this event is just one of several selected about the transformation of schools into education sytem must not be buried clan- phenomena helping to acquire the skill to test factories where it is the teachers’ destinely. • classify them historically. only duty to control whether their pupils Source: Basler Zeitung from 30 April 2016 Peter Bonati, who I once met and learnt and students are working on the given to appreciate as a lecturer at the Depart- objectives. The teaching staff will there- (Translation Current Concerns) No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 15

”The ’tablet‘ family” do not talk to each other. But is that har- understood if we take the idea of the com- continued from page 14 mony? munity as a starting point.”3

Do we therefore practice alcohol educa- The significance of The country needs new media tion in kindergartens and primary schools? eating at the family table Actually, the knowledge of the impor- No! Because the consumption of alcohol Do this parents know what they are doing tance of creating relationships especial- is harmful for the development of young and what they are missing? Everyone ly with babies should be common knowl- people. And it is also proven that early needs relationships, conversation with edge. Obviously it is not. Family scenes consumption of media affects them. We the fellow human being, the exchange of like the one described here can be encoun- know that media consumption up to the ideas, responses. How much more does a tered virtually anywhere. second, third birthday leads to develop- baby need this? Communal meals at the This ignorance could be easily reme- mental language disorders. We know that family table would be the best opportuni- died: every day there could be small con- media consumption in kindergartens sig- ty. Alfred Adler already emphasised how tributions on this topic to educate parents, nificantly adversely affects the education- important it is that parents create a good on the radio, on television, on Facebook, al biography and that it leads to attention family atmosphere, a friendly conversa- with Apps. Most parents want the best problems at school. We know that a play- tion for the whole family at the dinner for their child, many would take the mes- station in primary school leads to school table. The family table is an irreplacea- sage seriously and draw the consequenc- problems and a massive decline in read- ble opportunity for the development of re- es. This way, one could make good use of ing and writing. We know that a comput- lations and the community in the family. the media. But the mainstream media ob- er in the bedroom – shown, for instance, Adler warned against spoiling everything viously show little interest in such mean- by the PISA data – impairs school perfor- with a bad mood – for example, by talking ingful information. mance. All this is supported by good sci- about problems in school. The child then Maybe we need to take the initiative entific studies.”2 wishes that the meal was over as quick- ourselves: produce relevant posts, place, However, this family practices this at- ly as possible. Adler did not know today’s maybe even develop a channel. Why not? omised media consumption at each meal media, but what he says about the forma- After all, the revolution of the Internet has and exposes the baby to it. The baby tion of the community is today still valid, meant that more and more people turn seems well provided for, it is always with because it belongs to the nature of man. away from the mainstream media and start the parents, it has a child-friendly seat- This is not fundamentally changed by the looking for alternative coverage. So why ing, its parents also take care of its “en- new media. Talking to each other remains not pick up on such issues? • tertainment”. The family does not argue, indispensable. Adler states: “Speaking es- 1 Focus, 30 March 2009. obviously all agree, at least with regard tablishes significant bonds between peo- 2 Interview with Manfred Spitzer in Kölner Stadt­ to how common meals should pass. There ple and also creates coexistence. The psy- anzeiger from 9 August 2012 is no reason for disagreement since they chology of speech and language is only 3 Alfred Adler. Kindererziehung, Frankfurt/M 1976, p. 70

Panama Once again, a little insight into our Those who are born today will bare- to immediately step on the brakes and set despicable monetary system was al- ly have a chance of becoming a hundred up an earth for humans, animals, nature and lowed. years old, if not a humane monetary sys- not for the Golden Calf. This is the more the The rich get richer and the poor get tem will be installed in the near future. case, as can be assumed that the world will poorer. A few super-rich control and It is high time to reconsider Leo Tolstoy’s be rejigged at an even more spanking pace command the way things should be like short story “How much land does a man in the future. in this world. They own the media, and need?” in order to debate his ideas on princi- Goethe’s “Sorcerer’s Apprentice”: “Oh, politicians are their puppets. The piles ples. Otherwise, our world will be uninhabita- here comes my master! Help me Lord, I of rubbish are growing, suppression and ble in a near future, and it might even go fast- plead! Spirits I have conjured, no longer destruction of nature increases. At cer- er if any crazy ruler detonates a nuclear bomb. pay me heed.” tain locations, the oceans are already like These ideas may sound too pessimistic. slurry. The armament industries balloon. However, if we bring to our minds to what Oskar Meier, Bazenheid, Switzerland All this happens in the name of money, extent our world has changed during the last yield, shareholder value, the unlimited hundred years – and especially since the Sec- economic growth. ond World War – there is not much time left (Translation Current Concerns) No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 16 The tunnel-driver

The little volcanic craters, which show out of the soil, reveal the mole’s attendance. This intriguing digger feels comfortable where the soil is healthy and fertile. The tunnel-boring machine at the Gott­ hard was more than 400 metres long and weighed 2,700 tons. The mole in our meadows and woods is 10 to 17 centime- tres long and weighs 60 to 120 grammes. Nevertheless, it wins the race: The tunnel- boring machine needs an hour per metre – in the best case 1.6 metres – the mole makes seven metres in the same time. Of course, the stone at the Gotthard is harder, but that shall not diminish the small dig- ger’s performance. Moles are droll powerhouses. Potent muscles connect both arm-bones and shoulder girdle with the body. This vests an extraordinary arm bar in it. The fore- paws are real excavator shovel – an extra- “thumb”, consisting of sickle-shaped bones – additionally extends the digging The word “mole” for the hidden digger as a type of a small burrowing mammal dates surface. The cylindrical body pushes itself from the mid-14th century, probably from the obsolete “moldwarp”, literally “earth- like a digger through the soil. The spoil thrower”, which is still retained in the German word “Maulwurf”. regularly is disposed of. Moles are able to (picture caro) move soil weighing 24 times as much as itself. A welcome side effect of the dig- age 1,200 earthworms and 18 cockchaf- Contact: Dr Elena Havlicek, Federal Office for the ging is the optimising of the aeration and er grubs were counted that weighed two Environment FOEN, e-mail: [email protected] loosening of the soil. kilo grammes! Source: Federal Office for the Environment FOEN. A helpful hunter Special features www.boden2015.ch The volcano-shaped spoil hills are the The family of the moles includes 35 spe- only visible evidences of the presence of cies in Eurasia and Northern America and Current Concerns moles. However, they are the reason for is a biome of the superlative: the North American star-nosed mole is able to lo- The international journal for independent the bad record of this helpful animal. thought, ethical standards, moral responsibility, They especially drive devotees of sterile cate its prey optimally, because it is able and for the promotion and respect (“English”) lawn to desperation. Farmers to smell stereo. The same species has the of public international law, human rights bewail the soil hills within the grassland most sensitive skin area within the en- and humanitarian law that dirt hay and silage and damage the tire realm of mammals: The star-shaped Publisher: Zeit-Fragen Cooperative mowers’ blades. Although the mole’s dig- snout contains the highest density of nerve Editor: Erika Vögeli ging activity loosens and aerates the soil, endings. The Swiss indigenous mole is a Address: Current Concerns, also voles can inhabit it. Hence, it is not sensitive being, too: By means of differ- P.O. Box, CH-8044 Zurich very popular in vegetable gardening and ent sensory organs, it is able to sense even Phone: +41 (0)44 350 65 50 fruit cultivation, as well. slightest differences in pressure and air Fax: +41 (0)44 350 65 51 Different from the voles the mole currents within the tunnel system. Even E-Mail: [email protected] never feeds on roots or tubers. This black its tail is equipped with an extraordinary Subscription details: companion is not a rodent. It lives on tactile sense – the mole uses it like a blind published regularly electronically as PDF file nothing but animalistic food, especially man’s stick. In order not to be poisoned by Annual subscription rate of on insects and earthworms; accordingly carbon dioxide, the moles’ blood contains SFr. 40,-, € 30,-, £ 25,-, $ 40,- for the following countries: the presence of the mole shows healthy eminently many red blood cells (haemo- Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, and fertile soil. The mole not only regu- globin). These convey the oxygen from the Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, lates the population of the earthworms, lung – which is particularly large in the Greece, Hongkong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Nether- but also that of cockchafer grubs, wire- mole – all over the body and reship car- lands, New Zealand, Norway, Qatar, Singapore, worms, weevils, and snails that lead to bon dioxide in the opposite direction. The Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab ­Emirates, harvest losses. silken fur is one of densest of the whole United Kingdom, USA The extended burrow-system serves animal kingdom with 200 hairs per square Annual subscription rate of SFr. 20,-, € 15,-, £ 12,50, $ 20,- the mole as a trap. All three to four hours millimetre. Neither soil nor water can per- for all other countries. it patrols the whole burrow-system. meate it. The hair is flexible towards any Account: Postscheck-Konto: PC 87-644472-4 There it collects the soil animals, which direction, which allows the mole to move The editors reserve the right to shorten letters to have entered its tunnel. One part of the forwards and backwards within the nar- the editor. Letters to the editor do not necessarily preys the mole temporarily stores in its row tunnels. It reaches the speed of until reflect the views and opinions of Current Concerns. food store. A well-aimed bit paralyses four kilometres per hour inclusive. This © 2011. All rights reserved. No reproduction, copy or insects and worms. In fertile soils, these race it also wins against the tunnel-boring transmission of this publication may be made without written permission. pantries are well filled: in one single stor- machine. • No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 17

Troxler Commemorative Year 2016 Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler and the Aarau Education Association How a private educational institution made a decisive impact on the development of democracy in Switzerland by René Roca, PhD Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler (1780– he accompanied Rütti- 1866) was a medical practitioner, mann to Berne, the centre philosopher, educator, and politi- of Helvetic power. Troxler cian. His manifold activities consist- however began to recog- ently reflected a balance of theory nise the Republic’s Janus and practice. Particularly as edu- face: freedom and equality cator and politician, Troxler vehe- on paper on the one side, mently promoted the establishment on the other directives and and development of public educa- decrees often issued from tion, especially with regard to the above in an un-democratic tertiary level. His fundamental ped- manner and enforced with agogical considerations as well as the armed support of for- his own political efforts helped to eign bayonets. establish secondary and higher ed- “Although on the out- ucation in Swiss education policy. side very successful, on His work in the Aargau school asso- the inside I felt empty ciation was undertaken within this and shameful for being so context. Unlike some of his other lib- young and inexperienced eral colleagues, Troxler did not pro- with governing and help- mote an elitist approach, but was ing to determine the fate instead clearly convinced that good of a nation. The yearn- schools are essential to a function- ing burned in me again ing and evolving democratic state. to study and learn, the ar- Only good education allows indi- bitrariness and duplici- viduals to become mature and inde- ty, as well as the erratical- pendent citizens. ly diplomacy and politics began to fill me with hor- Troxler – ror and disgust. I also the skeptical Helvetic Republican clearly perceived then the (1798–1814/15) re-emerging, if vague, out- lines of the old aristocra- As early as the Helvetic Repub- cy […].”3 lic (1798–1803) Troxler – barely In September 1800 18 years old at the time – was ac- Troxler-Portrait from Iduna Belke, Beromünster 1948. Troxler made a decision. tively involved in turning Switzer- artist and date unknown. Instead of continuing to land into a unified state with a demo- (picture “Initiativkreis Troxler”) pursue a political career, cratic constitution. Later in a biographical supported Ignaz Heinrich von Wessen- he went to Jena and Göttingen to study note he described the time of the Helvet- berg, General Vicar of Constance, in his medicine and philosophy. Afterwards he ic Republic: church reform efforts. On the other hand, worked in Vienna, his native city of Ber- “My attention [was directed] to the Franz Regis Krauer (1739–1806), who omunster and Aarau as a medical practi- great event of the French revolution and its was professor for rhetoric and poetry the tioner. His first experience with the “re- consequences for my fatherland. I began Jesuit College in Lucerne as of 1769, also emerging old aristocracy” took place in to feel towards the universal and think on had a strong impact on Troxler’s educa- Lucerne when he criticised the insuffi- it on my own, I read German and French tion. When the Jesuit order was dissolved cient medical conditions during an epi- daily newspapers, my love of freedom was in 1773 Krauer continued to teach at the demic there. His arrest was immediately awakened […].”1 newly nationalised Lyceum, where Ignaz ordered, forcing him to flee for the first Troxler adopted the ideas of the revo- Paul Vital Troxler (1780–1866), like Mül- time to Aarau.4 lution with enthusiasm. They became his ler, endeavoured to promote modern ed- lifelong guiding principles. Two teachers ucation as a supporter of the Catholic Lucerne teaching years (1814–1821) influenced his liberal convictions. After Enlightenment. Krauer was the one to rec- Vinzenz Rüttimann, Troxler’s former em- completing his secondary education in ommend employing the 18-year-old Trox- ployer during the Helvetic Republic suc- Solothurn he attended the Lyceum in Lu- ler as a civil servant of the Helvetic Re- cessfully organised a coup in Lucerne in cerne where he was instructed on the one public to Governor Vinzenz Rüttimann.2 April 1814 after Napoleon’s fall, bringing hand by Thaddäus Müller (1763–1828), Troxler did become a civil servant of the aristocracy back to power. In contrast who taught rhetoric there from 1789 to the new Republic and, still a young man, to Rüttiman, Troxler remained loyal to the 1796 before holding the office of city pas- was appointed War Commissioner for the ideals of the French revolution and Helvetic tor in Lucerne. Müller was a representa- Munster District (Beromunster) as well tive of the Catholic Enlightenment and as Secretary to the vice governor. Later continued on page 18 No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 18

”Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler and …” extended contact, and his “Bürgerlicher ginning of September 1819 a public an- continued from page 17 Lehrerverein (Civic Education Associa- nouncement was issued calling for the tion)” founded in 1819. first course enrolment. Participants were confederation. He submitted a petition and addressed as “learning fellows” or “com- became a vocal proponent of Swiss national The “Civic Education Association” in rades” intimating they were no longer pu- 9 sovereignty. Troxler saw the Lucerne coup Aarau – A “Miniature University” pils or students in the traditional sense but – as also that of the other cantons – as a As a young Canton composed of various members of a shared cooperative associa- temporary aristocratic-oligarchic consoli- regions, Aarau was in need of establishing tion. With the principle of the cooperative, dation until freedom could be re-attained. good educational institutions that would the association’s founders wanted to em- From that point on, he endeavoured to bring successfully reinforce its coalescence. phasise deliberately this important Swiss the confederate traditions of Switzerland to- In order to fulfil this goal, Heinrich Zs- tradition and to establish, for the very first gether with the ideals of the French revo- chokke, senior civil servant Johann Nep- time, an educational institution based on lution. The concept of connecting tradition omuk von Schmiel and the publisher Hein- cooperative-democratic fundamentals. with modernity was one that remained a de- rich Remigius Sauerländer, among others, Each learning fellow was assigned a termining factor in Troxler’s thinking.5 founded the “Gesellschaft für vaterländis- tutor, and if not a native resident, was pro- In 1819 Eduard Pfyffer (1782–1834), che Kultur” (“Society for Patriotic Cul- vided a list of private accommodations to as educational policy-maker, reformed the ture”) on 2 March 1811. Just two years choose from. Forty learning colleagues secondary schools (Gymnasium and Lyce- after its founding, the “Cultural Society” enrolled for the first semester, which was um) in Lucerne by transforming them into already counted 130 members consisting a great success. Zschokke volunteered a a small academy and installing new profes- of representatives from political parties as floor in his house in Aarau as a venue.14 sorships. Pfyffer was successful in engag- well as religious leaders from both Chris- At first, instruction was given only dur- ing Troxler, a former student of the Lyce- tian denominations. Its aim was to “pro- ing the winter semester. In the first semes- um himself, as professor of philosophy as mote all things leading to a more exact ter twelve courses were offered, of which well as of World- and Swiss history. This knowledge of the history, nature, national each learning fellow was to take at least marked the beginning of Troxler’s politi- power of as well as to scholarship, art and three. Lectures were held on civic edu- cal-educational career, where he impart- prosperity in the fatherland”.10 In the spirit cation, history and law, always with ref- ed theoretical knowledge coupled with the and tradition of the “Helvetic Society” of erence to Switzerland, as well on the necessary practical relevance. This peda- the 18th century the cultural society began technological and natural sciences. The gogical concept became decisive in the fu- in 1814 to host general annual assemblies curriculum developed by Zschokke was ture forming of Switzerland. Immediate- in Bad Schinznach. Moreover, many local headed by the “History of the Swiss Con- ly after entering employment in Lucerne, branches of the society were established federation”, followed by “Natural Law Troxler published an article in 1819 titled in the various districts of Aarau. Over the and Knowledge of the Constitutions and “Fürst und Volk nach Buchanan’s und Mil- years, its activity produced local savings Laws of the Fatherland”.15 In these two ton’s Lehre”6 (“Prince and People in Bu- banks, girls’ schools, institutes for the courses in particular, attended by many of chanan and Milton’s Thought”). In it Trox- disabled and orphaned children as well as the learning fellows, basic national politi- ler translated and commented on tractates many welfare organisations. In particular, cal knowledge was imparted and national by George Buchanan (1506–1582) and the promotion of youth education and de- awareness promoted. John Milton (1608–1674) written during velopment of the school system remained Other courses were public economy the English civil wars of the 17th century. a main concern of the cultural society.11 (forestry, mining, statistics), police sci- Buchanan, Scottish humanist and his- In 1802 enlightened Aarau private citi- ence (welfare, public health and insurance torian, defended peoples’ sovereignty and zens founded a school of higher civic ed- industry), defence and war sciences, road- justified tyrannicide. The English poet Mil- ucation that developed into the humanist building and water engineering, chemis- ton advocated peoples’ sovereignty, the su- “Gymnasium”, which was nationalised try, mineralogy, mechanics, measuring, preme rule of law and limiting royal pow- in 1813. To Zschokke, however, this in graphic design, as well as training in writ- ers based on religious and legal grounds.7 no way meant the completion of the Aar- ing and holding public speeches. Accord- Troxler’s essay was primarily direct- gau education system. His concern was ing to Zschokke, his main concern was to ed against the Berne aristocrat Karl Lud- to close any respective “gaps” the system impart informed practical knowledge. De- wig von Haller (1768–1854), who with evinced over the next years. One such gap fence and war sciences as well as chem- his major work “Restauration der Staats­ was to be filled by a private institute of ed- istry were dropped early on, as for these wissenschaft” (“Restoration of political ucation: “[…] young people without the too less students enrolled. They were re- science”) (1816–1834) gave the epoch its actual desire to achieve scholarship may placed over the years with other cours- name. Haller outlined in it his own con- receive instruction in those sciences and es such as world history, European histo- cept of peoples’ sovereignty. Troxler coun- fields of knowledge which would be nec- ry, geology, geometry and practical field tered in 1821 by directly attacking Haller’s essary or even highly advantageous to the measurement applications, law of humani- essay “Über die Constitution der spanis- manufacturer, craftsman, agricultural- ty (in the context of Natural Law), interna- chen Cortes” (On the Constitution of the ist, and anyone who in the future may be tional law, constitutional law and church Spanish Cortes). This angered the primar- employed with dignity as servant of the law, and studies in “classical literature of ily restorative Lucerne government, result- state”.12 ancient and modern nations”.16 The curric- ing in Troxler’s immediate dismissal on Under Zschokke’s direction a few ulum concept was, as becomes obvious, 17 September 1821.8 “scholars holding offices” in the cultural far from rigid. Troxler subsequently returned to Aarau society founded the “civic education as- Besides the lectures, which the learning for the second time, taking up his previ- sociation” in order to “augment what is fellows took down and augmented by their ously interrupted medical practice while missing through gratuitous instruction”.13 own reading material, tutorials were given searching intensely for further opportu- The education association’s aim was to on, for instance, writing papers or giving nities to hold philosophical lectures. One guarantee that young persons from the age “well ordered lectures”.17 such fortunate opportunity came in the of 18 to 30 years old not going to univer- form of Heinrich Zschokke (1771–1848), sity may receive reliable national political with whom Troxler had already been in and civic orientation. Already by the be- continued on page 19 No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 19

”Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler and …” beyond the Canton’s borders. Troxler him- ing able individuals through his educa- continued from page 18 self provided the second solution. tion association. In the year before, Troxler, as presi- From a methodical-didactic perspec- dent of the Helvetic Society, held his pres- Troxler’s work in tive, the decisive elements for the found- idential speech – “What is lost, what to be the Education Association (1823–1829) ing members entailed the learning materi- gained” – in which he clearly outlined his Paralell to his work as a medical practi- al’s essential practical application as well educational policy program. His speech tioner from 1823–1830, Troxler volun- as the teacher’s personality. The “civic equalled a call for a rejuvenation of the teered at the education association, four education association’s” curriculum was spirit of the Swiss Confederation itself and years of which, from 1823–1827, he acted unique in Switzerland and exceeded this established the basis for his work in the as its director. He describes this period as era’s imagination of what a learning insti- education association from 1823 on. Trox- the zenith of his pedagogical activity. tution could do. In comparison to the state ler called for a state to be created which Already in the beginning, Troxler de- school, learning fellows enjoyed great- fulfils the fundamental principles of hu- scribed the significance of the association, er liberties, which with time also needed manity and which is sustained by the pow- now called the “Education Association for to be more clearly regulated, for exam- ers that formed the Old Swiss Confedera- Young Swiss Men”, as follows: ple with regard to visiting the tavern: “No cy: “Therefore the state, that great human “The pupil will be directed through his comrade is allowed to visit a tavern before association, will not be conceived with a inner motivations, which will awaken his 5 o’clock in the evening and remain longer different essence than human nature as it understanding of himself and the world - than 9 o’clock in the evening.”18 develops within each individual.”21 through the observation, supervision, and At the end, learning colleagues received He continues: influence of his teachers, finally through a certificate documenting the three re- “A truly humane state therefore re- the (Aarau) public, which in its educa- quired courses taken as well as the quality quires the people’s public and free life; tion and artistic diligence, its prosperity of the comrade’s application to his studies and this life can only come into being and activity has found no lesser warranty and his moral behaviour. In the beginning, through the union of what one calls polit- against idleness and brutality, against im- the cultural society supervised the educa- ical and civic freedom, in general and in morality and debauchery.”24 tion association until in 1823, school pol- all its parts […] The power of the nation Troxler decided to pursue the enlarge- icy law was changed and the government alone is [its] true source of life.” 22 ment and re-direction begun by Zschokke: placed the private institution it support- Troxler already formed his politi- “In 1823 the education association […] ed, transferring direction to Troxler at this cal vision in the era of the Helvetic Re- suffered a major change and took on a dif- time, under the jurisdiction of the Canton public. He wanted to help Switzerland ferent form and aim than originally estab- school department.19 become a unified country under consti- lished. A number of new teachers were Although the school had enjoyed great- tutional law. According to his person- added to the existing ones; the institution er regulatory liberties, there were some al view of humanity, human rights were was linked to the Canton state school and disadvantages: a course was organized to to be formulated on a natural law basis. could be considered a continuation of it, fill only one semester and therefore lacked For him human rights include those that since the education association to a certain any structure beyond. Registering for the go beyond the mere right to vote. Togeth- extent replaced the Lyceum, thus filling the courses was possible with every new se- er with other likeminded individuals, he large gap between the “Gymnasium” – re- mester without having to fulfil any great- recognized early on that a federal concept spectively Canton state school in its actual er obligation.20 represented an appropriate solution after condition – and the university. The conse- Four years after its establishment, se- the painful experiences of the Helvet- quence of this was that the education asso- rious problems developed with regard to ic era. To Troxler, a federal constitution, ciation institute was provided greater schol- student numbers: While 40 students were created by an elected constitutional coun- arship character than the civic association enrolled in 1819 the number was cut al- cil and approved by popular referendum, enjoyed, thus transforming into a prepara- most in half to only 21 students. One solu- would be representative of a modern con- tory middle school for university and life.”25 tion to the problem was quickly found by stitution par excellence.23 This is the goal opening the institution’s doors to students Troxler was working toward by educat- continued on page 20

Troxler Commemorative Year 2016 ro. 150 years ago, on 6 March 1866, forgotten too much, but whose think- Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler died (b. 1780). ing has lost nothing in timeliness and He was physician, philosopher, educa- depth. tor and politician and was outstanding Within the framework of the com- in all of these areas. Various events are memorative year, the book about dedicated to Troxler during the Com- Troxler by Max Widmer of Futurum memorative Year: after a meeting at Publishers has been launched again. the University of Basel (3-5 March) to The volume contains Max Widmer’s the focal points and contexts of his Troxler biography in a new edition philosophy, a ceremony took place in with an additional list of sources as Aarau on 6 March. On 19 May, a sym- well as a study of Franz Lohri about posium took place in the former mon- Troxler’s varied activities. astery St. Urban. The meeting reports and programs are to be found under Max Widmer/Franz Lohri: Ignaz Paul Vital www.troxlergedenkjahr2016.ch. It is Troxler. Schweizer Arzt, Philosoph, Päda- goge und Politiker. Mit einem Geleitwort the merit of the Association “Troxler von alt Bundesrat Kaspar Villiger (Ignaz Commemorative Year” and especially Paul Troxler. Swiss physician, philosopher, of Franz Lohri that the events acknowl- educator and politician), Futurum Verlag, edge a Swiss personality that has been Basel 2016. ISBN 978-3-85636-249-2 No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 20

”Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler and …” Overall, the course program included cator, which can only lead to respect and continued from page 19 58 scientific disciplines. Extending the love. Those who want to develop morality course programme therefore involved an must have more the heart than those who As seven students followed Troxler from increase of the teaching staff. Troxler was want to influence the mind. The latter re- Lucerne to Aarau, the association regis- able to recruit new teachers, gradually dis- quires the teacher’s superiority and extorts tered 30 pupils once again. Student num- placing the practitioners and lay teachers. the inner purpose. For the former, howev- bers continued to increase as “learning fel- In the winter semester 1823/24 five of the er, in order for the pupil to feel this need, lows” from other cantons became admitted. ten teachers employed were political ref- must become aware of the educator’s In addition, courses were now offered year ugees from Germany including Friedrich goodwill and yield to his guidance. This is round in summer and winter.26 List (1789–1846), an important national of greatest importance since it is the only Troxler felt that “men of young age” economist employed as professor for state way to become independent. It must be re- were important because in these years, economy and state practice in Tübingen leased at some point, at least to engage in education and personal development, up- until 1822.29 private dealings, by leaving school to go bringing and self-discipline had the pro- In order to manage the increasing ex- out into the world, or to enter university. pensity to intersect. Youth, according to penses – for instance due to large expendi- Having not attained his independence he is Troxler, is a pivotal point in life. It is a tures building a new library – wealthy stu- nothing more than a freed slave.”33 time of choosing a career, concomitantly dents were required to pay tuition.30 The learning fellows were between the also a time of becoming actively incorpo- When Troxler became director, Can- ages of 18 and 30. Troxler understood this rated into human society: as nascent pro- tonal supervision was established. This “young age” to be path breaking for estab- fessionals and future citizens. Upbringing was no coincidence – the Aargau author- lishing political awareness: and education that correspond to human ities were very familiar with Lucerne’s “The age of youth is therefore not the nature prepare able and responsible indi- troubles dealing with this critical spirit. end of education, as superficial opinion viduals for civic life without which the The Canton school inspector as supervis- may lead to this strange assumption. Ed- state – as a republic – would not be able ing body wrote that it was necessary “to ucation, which usually ends at the age of to exist. order detailed and uninterrupted supervi- youth, is only a part of the true human ed- Troxler radically reformulated the cur- sion [of the education association]. Very ucation, that being the external one, only riculum. In place of the practical courses, proper control could comprise visiting lec- the positively visible education. Not con- he put philosophy at its centre, becoming tures from time to time unannounced on trary to it, but hidden in it, forming its the heart of education, since practical util- the part of members of the Canton school principle and orientation, lies an inner in- ity for a future profession was not signif- board, and that annual or half-annual ex- visible education which should become icant but rather the insight that individu- aminations could be arranged”.31 evident in the youth and active in the al subjects were the vehicles of education It is important to note that the educa- adult: his own free self-development. […] and training used by the soul. One’s na- tion association did not give cause for The age of youth is the bridge between tive tongue and philosophy are given ex- problems and that it continued to enjoy a being educated and educating one’s self.”34 ceptional significance in this respect as the great deal of support from the authorities. This thought is still valid today. Troxler “anchor and sail for all education”: The official side remarked positively that saw the central necessity to keep school “Our reality and the present now, which now they also issued testimonials. completely independent of the state and must guide us in educating according to Moreover, Troxler provided the im- the church: natural necessity, is our native tongue, pulse to develop the Swiss schoolbook “Education is free when it purely and the view to the eternal and divine – no programme. It entailed a new type of strives toward human personal develop- matter how it has been misjudged and dis- small brochure, which mostly also includ- ment in all things, and in its striving does torted – is philosophy. These two, let me ed an annual report of, or announcements not accept or suffer any obstacles toward call them the anchor and sail for all ed- for, papers on education science. Trox- this goal.”35 ucation, are the ones that have supplant- ler used this framework to reflect on the Troxler considered this free and public ed, perhaps not completely, the prevailing fundamental principles of pedagogy and education as “an essential requirement and theory of education, yet still succeeded commented on current issues of education basic condition of the republic”.36 to constrain it to the point of impropriety policy. These programmatic “announce- Under Troxler’s direction, the educa- while ultimately seeking to supplant it.”27 ments” often appeared at the end of the tion association became a magnet for the As a consequence, Troxler augment- semester. Swiss of all Cantons, also for foreign- ed the curriculum with philosophy, phi- A central aspect of Troxler’s theoretical ers.37 Many learning fellows enrolled for a lology and the study of classical antiqui- approach was the emphasis on a harmon- number of semesters and planned to attend ty. He personally taught natural law and ic relationship between the student and his university after concluding their studies. logic, metaphysics, anthropology and mo- teacher, where in contrast a blind obedi- While relations between the Canton state rality in the context of philosophical in- ence destroys the learning process: school in Aarau were friendly at the be- struction. During his time at the education “Nothing is more contrary to education ginning, over time it became a direct com- association, Troxler compiled his philo- [Erziehen und Bilden], even more so ba- petitor due to its equally positive devel- sophical lectures into two major volumes sically destructive, than command and co- opment. Quarrelling ultimately destroyed of work, the first was titled “Naturlehre ercion. Only with free will can the path of the amicable atmosphere and Troxler fell des menschlichen Erkennens, oder Met- moral change be taken, and man learns far out with the director of the Canton state aphysik” (1828) (“Natural law of human more easily than he follows.”32 school, Rudolf Rauchenstein. When a vo- knowledge, or metaphysics”), and the sec- Certainly, this learning process does cational school opened in 1826 as well, ond was titled “Logik, die Wissenschaft need discipline and obedience, as well the education association came under con- des Denkens und Kritik aller Erkenntnis” as the acceptance and appreciation of the siderable pressure, which was reflected in (1829) (“Logic, the science of thought and teacher’s expertise, on the part of the stu- the decreasing number of enrolments.38 critique of all cognition”). Besides philos- dent. Only then does he become independ- The end of the education association, ophy, Troxler also taught world history, ent and free: however, was not characterised by crises human history, and the encyclopaedia of “The pupil’s will itself must submit to sciences.28 the leadership and guidance of the edu- continued on page 21 No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 21

”Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler and …” continued from page 20 or dissolution of the school community. When Troxler was called to take the chair in philosophy at the University of Basle, he was forced to cease his instruction at the association in the spring of 1830.39 The political shifts taking place in many Swiss Cantons revealed that the educa- tion association had fulfilled an important mission. Practical politics was now being called for. The Teaching Association’s impact and its significance for democratising Switzerland Troxler’s personality The education association would never had the sustained impact on Switzerland it had if Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler had not given this institution distinction. Trox- ler had an extraordinary military nature. The Example of Canton Aargau life. Disbelief and suspicion against the His straightforwardness and trustworthi- Canton Aargau also witnessed the will to people, shying away from and disregard- ness were convincing, and in pursuing reform as of 1830, even coalescing into a ing the people is the greatest sin a repub- his projects, he evinced a great measure revolutionary head. When on 27 Septem- lican can make and represents the actual of personal commitment. With his open ber 1830 the Aargau government received foundation for church and worldly aristoc- and caring demeanour toward youths a petition, it included signatures from racy, or better oligarchy.”45 and his students in particular, he provid- Karl Rudolf Tanner (1794–1849) and ed them with the enthusiastic conviction Gottlieb Hagnauer (1796–1880), who The example of Canton Basle that they were an integral part of form- had both been teachers at the education The education association also played a ing the future. Repeatedly he called them association.42 They represented the core crucial role in the democratic development to become politically active and take on group of the “Lenzburg Association”. and secession of Canton Basle. It began the task of making necessary reforms in Later former learning colleagues, such with the former learning fellow and later Switzerland happen. as Eduard Ignaz Dorer and the brothers solicitor Stephan Gutzwiller (1802–1875). The great empathy with which Troxler Johann Peter and Kaspar Leonz Bruggis- In 1830 he was even member of the Grand was connected to his students is evident ser followed them. On 7 November 1830, Council and – dissatisfied with the condi- in the speeches given by learning com- a legendary assembly in Wohlenschwil tions in his Canton – formulated a peti- rades at the end of each semester. These took place, which Troxler actively sup- tion to the city leaders. The petition was speeches show a deep faith in progress and ported from his residence in Basle. Out handed to the mayor on 26 October 1830 in the good of mankind, the demand for of gratitude for this, he was later reward- and triggered a development that led to the enlightenment and public education, lib- ed citizenship of Wohlenschwil. This separation between Basel-Landschaft and eral views on church and state as well as grass roots movement in Canton Aargau the Basel Stadt. With the support of Gut- enthusiasm for Swiss history and love of culminated in the “Freiämter Sturm” (an zwiller, Basel-Landschaft received a lib- one’s country.40 Under Troxlers direction assault in the region “Freiamt” near Can- eral-representative constitution, which fol- an association of Zofinger-friends was ton Aargau) on 6 December 1830, which lowing St. Gallen even entailed a veto law, founded, which established a pan-confed- had a revolutionary impact on the Can- the predecessor to the facultative referen- erate union and further promoted the idea ton, decisively placing it in the camp of dum. Basel-Landschaft therefore became of a federal union. Cantons pursuing liberal regeneration.43 a forerunner for the development of Swiss The Canton Aargau assembly accepted direct democracy.46 The education association as motor the demand on 10 December 1830 to in- Barely just settling in Basle, Troxler as for Swiss regeneration stall an elected constitutional council to usual did not limit his activity to teach- Troxler’s calling to Basle coincided with formulate a new constitution. While the ing. He supported Basel Landschaft’s le- the beginning of the Swiss Regeneration. constitutional council formulated a new gitimate claims, in his opinion, against the As became evident after 1830, the asso- constitution, the population was given city and actively helped his former student ciation was one of the most important in- the opportunity to influence the process Gutzwiller. His political activity, however, stitutions to provide political impulse in through petition. The new, liberal-repre- once again cost him his job. this era. Some of the over two hundred sentative constitution that finally took ef- In other Cantons as well, former learn- learning comrades played central roles fect in 1831 was the first Canton constitu- ing fellows or teachers of the education as teachers, civil servant, and politicians tion, which was accepted by plebiscite in association actively supported the revo- during the regeneration era and beyond. Canton Aargau.44 lutionary causes and rural political move- They helped to overcome the restauration A few years later Troxler wrote: ments. In this regard, Troxler, together policies, quenched the leftovers of aristo- “History and experience has shown us with other former students, also became cratic policies in many areas thereby pro- that only greater and more immediate in- a key figure in Canton Lucerne’s over- moting a liberal reformation of Switzer- fluence on public issues allows us a more throw.47 On the whole, as of 1830 a repub- land.41 Two examples are outlined in the popular direction of the same, guarantee- following. ing a happy development of our general continued on page 22 No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 22

”Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler and …” The Curriculum 21 nowadays represents 18 quoted from Ort, Schweiz, p. 245. continued from page 21 a controversial reform that takes us back- 19 cf. Halder, Geschichte, p. 318. ward in educational policy. A change of 20 cf. Ort, Schweiz, p. 245. 21 lican foundation for a federal state was paradigm is to ensure that a humanist edu- Troxler, Ignaz Paul Vital: Was verloren ist, was zu gewinnen. Rede in der Versammlung laid and a movement toward representa- cational ideal – as developed and promot- der Helvetischen Gesellschaft, 8 May 1822, in: tive democracy initiated which made the ed by Troxler and others – is abandoned Rohr, Troxler, Volume I, p. 45. further development toward direct democ- and be replaced by an orientation toward 22 Troxler, Rede, 8 May 1822, p. 47, 60. racy possible. “competencies”, which merely involves 23 cf. Roca, Troxler, p. 63. and fails to go beyond a utilitarian appli- 24 Troxler, quoted from Halder, Geschichte, p. 319. The topicality of Troxler’s thought cation of knowledge.50 25 Troxler, quoted from Drack, Lehrverein, p. 54. “It is the free, noble, republican spirit […] The current discussion would be given 26 Furrer, Troxler, p. 341 f. 27 which lives in the society of patriotic cul- more breadth and depth in scope if more Troxler, Ignaz Paul Vital: Neunte Anzeige des Lehrvereins zu Aarau, 1826, quoted from ture, and applies its interest towards the consideration would be given to those Spiess, Troxler, p. 314. common public interest, which recognis- early thinkers of public primary, second- 28 cf. Drack, Lehrverein, p. 75. es that those who desire freedom must ary and higher education such as Pestaloz- 29 cf. Ort, Zschokke, p. 442. want the rule of reason and thus places zi51 as well as Troxler and their pedagogi- 30 cf. Drack, Lehrverein, p. 58–60. all weight on spiritual and moral devel- cal concepts. • 31 quoted from Ort, Schweiz, p. 248 opment.”48 32 Troxler, Ignaz Paul Vital: Fünfte Anzeige des Troxler’s quote from the education as- 1 Troxler, Ignaz Paul Vital: Einige Hauptmo- Lehrvereins zu Aarau, 1824, quoted from Rohr, sociation’s sixth announcement summa- mente aus meinem Leben (1830), in: Rohr, Schriften, p.121. Adolf (Hg.): Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler (1780– 33 Troxler, ibid. p. 121 f. rises his anthropological approach as well 1866). Politische Schriften in Auswahl, Volume 34 Troxler, Ignaz Paul Vital: Siebente Anzeige as his personalist view well. For Troxler, I, Berne 1989, p. 389. des Lehrvereins zu Aarau, 1825, quoted from fighting for and securing political freedom 2 cf. Roca, René: Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler und seine Spiess, Emil: Troxler. p. 313. meant that all citizens be provided com- Auseinandersetzung mit der Helvetik. Von der 35 Troxler, quoted from von Wartburg, Wolfgang: repräsentativen zur direkten Demokratie, in: Arlet- Die grossen Helvetiker. Bedeutende Persönli- prehensive education and spiritual-moral taz, Silvia et al. (ed.): Menschenrechte und mod- chkeiten in bewegter Zeit 1798–1815, Schaff- enhancement. This view, which is deeply erne Verfassung. Die Schweiz im Übergang vom 18. zum 19. Jahrhundert. Akten des Kolloquiums hausen 1997, p. 256. informed by Enlightenment thought, had 36 an der Universität Freiburg/Schweiz, 18.–20. No- Troxler, Ignaz Paul Vital: Achte Anzeige des to assert itself against utilitarian tenden- vember 2010, p. 97–106. Lehrvereins zu Aarau, 1825, zit. nach Rohr, Schrif- th ten, p. 129. cies in the 19 century. 3 Troxler, Hauptmomente, p. 390 ff. 37 Von Wartburg, Troxler, p. 253–256. After his dismissal from this Basle 4 Vgl. Furrer, Daniel: Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler 38 professorship, Troxler returned once cf. Halder, Geschichte, p. 321. (1780–1866). Der Mann mit Eigenschaften, 39 cf. Ort, Zschokke, p. 443. more to Aarau. Because of his great sup- Zurich 2010, p. 9f. 40 cf. Staatsarchiv Aarau: Archiv des Kantonsschul- port of the Aargau regeneration and and 5 cf. Rohr, Adolf: Einleitung zu Troxlers politi- rates, Lv. Akten (Akten des Lehrvereins 1823– the people’s assembly in Wohlenschwil, schem Schrifttum, in: Rohr, Troxler, Volume I, 1830); Matrikel- und Protokollbuch des Lehrver- Troxler received honorary citizenship, p. 24. eins 1823–1830. 41 making him eligible for election to the 6 cf. Troxler, Ignaz Paul Vital: Fürst und Volk cf. Drack, Lehrverein, p. 147–167: Liste aller nach Buchanan’s und Milton’s Lehre, in: Rohr, Schüler. Great Assembly, which occurred in 42 Troxler, Volume I, p. 24–33. cf. Drack, Lehrverein, p. 143–146: Liste aller Lehr- 1832. As member of the Great Assembly er. 7 cf. Rohr, Troxler, Volume I, p. 33–38. 43 cf. Drack, Lehrverein, p. 103 f. Troxler diligently formulated the new 8 Aargau education law. It encompassed cf. Roca, René: Wenn die Volkssouveränität 44 cf. Halder, Geschichte, p.351–355. wirklich zu einer Wahrheit werden soll … Die 45 Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler, “Ein wahres Wort über the essence of his pedagogical views, schweizerische direkte Demokratie in Theorie das jetzige Vaterland, mit Rücksicht auf eine which to date are expressed in the law’s und Praxis – Das Beispiel des Kantons Luzern, Schmähschrift namenloser Verläumder, 1839”, in preamble: Zurich 2012, p. 92 f. A. Rohr, Troxler, Volume II, op. cit., p. 468. 9 Ort, Werner: Der modernen Schweiz entgegen. 46 cf. Roca, René: Die Einführung des Vetos im Kan- Heinrich Zschokke prägt den Aargau, Baden ton Baselland. Ein wichtiger Schritt für die En- “The Great Assembly of the Canton Aar- twicklung der direkten Demokratie in der Schweiz, gau, supported by §§ 28–35 and 38 of 2003, p. 250. 10 in: Baselbieter Heimatblätter, Nr. 1/78, Liestal Zweckartikel der Gesellschaft für vaterländis- 2013, p. 1–12. the Canton constitution, che Kultur, quoted from Drack, Markus T.: Der with the purpose to provide schools to 47 cf. Roca, Volkssouveränität, p. 111–134. Lehrverein zu Aarau 1819–1830, Aarau 1967, p. 48 the Canton Aargau, 12. Troxler, Ignaz Paul Vital: Sechste Anzeige des Lehrvereins zu Aarau, 1824, quoted from Rohr, in which youths are educated to honor 11 cf. Drack, Lehrverein, p. 11–18. Schriften, p. 125. the divine and respect one’s fellow men 12 Zschokke, quoted from Halder, Nold: Ge- 49 Schulgesetz vom 17. März 1981 (Stand 1. Janu- and environment, schichte des Kantons Aargau 1803–1953 in ar 2011), Kanton Aargau, 401 100 (www.gesetzes- to become independent and responsible zwei Bänden, Volume I: Grundung, Aufbau, sammlungen.ag.ch). Festigung 1803–1830, Aarau 1953, p. 318. 50 cf. www.lehrplan.ch. citizens, 51 13 quoted from Halder, Geschichte, p. 318. cf. Brühlmeier, Arthur: Menschen bilden. 27 Mo- to become active and mature members saiksteine: Impulse zur Gestaltung des Bildung- 14 of the society, cf. Ort, Werner: Heinrich Zschokke 1771–1848. swesens nach den Grundsätzen von Johann Hein- in which youths are capable of develop- Eine Biographie, Baden 2013, p. 441. rich Pestalozzi, second, minorly modified edition, 15 Baden 2008. ing their creative skills and where they cf. Drack, Lehrverein, p. 30 f. 16 quoted from Drack, Lehrverein, p. 31. First printed in : Argovia, Jahresschrift der His- become acquainted with the world of torischen Gesellschaft des Kantons Aargau, 17 knowledge and work.”49 cf. Ort, Zschokke, p. 441 f. Band 126, Aarau 2014, p. 140–154 No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 23

Direct democracy in the 19th century cc. Direct democracy is an integral part of The research results are gathered in and volume 3 is dedicated to the early So- the political culture in Switzerland as in the present volume. Thus, it establishes cialists. This actual trilogy illuminates the no other country, but historically still lit- a new scientific series that wants to pub- emergence and development of direct de- tle explored. For this reason, the Research lish contributions to the study of democ- mocracy in Switzerland from different po- Institute Direct Democracy (www.fidd.ch) racy. Volume 2 will deal with the theme litical perspectives. It will be a basis for was founded which wants to close the re- of “Liberalism and Modern Switzerland” further research questions and projects, search gaps with scientific conferences, such as theoretical questions about direct publications and presentations. democracy. • On 17 October 2014, the first scientific Table of contents volume 1 Conference of the Research Institute was René Roca, Beiträge des Katholizis- held in Schwyz under the title “Contribu- mus zur modernen Schweiz. Eine Ein- tions of Catholicism to modern Switzer- leitung land”. The meeting was devoted to the lat- Paul Oberholzer, Die katholische est findings of democracy – and education Kirche in Schwyz zwischen tridenti- nischem Reformkatholizismus und research in two subject areas. Based on the kommunaler Selbstverwaltung panel “Catholicism and Direct Democra- René Roca, Der Beitrag des Katholizis- cy”, and “Catholicism and Education”, the mus und der Katholisch-Konserva- speakers from the fields of history, histo- tiven für die direkte Demokratie in ry of the Church (theology) and education der Schweiz – Die Kantone Schwyz presented their research results. So the und St. Gallen topics underwent an interdisciplinary ap- Heinrich Richard Schmidt, Bildungs- proach and lit up new aspects of research. vorsprung des Schweizer Katholizis- The speakers could show that Catholicism mus um 1800? contributed important and fundamental Carlo Moos, Zur Bedeutung der Schulschwestern in der Innerschweiz- elements to the development of modern René (Hrsg.). Schwabe Verlag 2016. Switzerland, especially as regards the di- Fr./Euro 48.- ISBN 978 3 7965 3498 0 rect democracy as well as elementary and secondary schools.

Current Concerns The international journal for independent thought, ethical standards, moral responsibility, and for the promotion and respect of public international law, human rights and humanitarian law Subscribe to Current Concerns – The journal of an independent cooperative The cooperative Zeit-Fragen is a politically and financially independent organisation. All of its mem­bers work on a voluntary and honorary basis. The journal does not accept commercial advertisements of any kind and receives no financial support from business organisations. The journal Current Concerns is financed exclusively by its subscribers. We warmly recommend our model of free and independent press coverage to other journals. Annual subscription rate of CHF 40,-; Euro 30,-; USD 40,-; GBP 25,- for the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hongkong, Iceland, Ireland, Is- rael, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Swit- zerland, United Arab ­Emirates, United Kingdom, USA Annual subscription rate of CHF 20,-; Euro 15,-; USD 20,-; GBP 12,50 for all other countries. Please choose one of the following ways of payment: - send a cheque to Current Concerns, P. O. Box, CH-8044 Zurich, or - send us your credit card details (only Visa), or - pay into one of the following accounts: CH: Postscheck-Konto (CHF): 87-644472-4 IBAN CH91 0900 0000 8764 4472 4 BIC POFICHBEXXX CH: Postscheck-Konto (Euro): 91-738798-6 IBAN CH83 0900 0000 9173 8798 6 BIC POFICHBEXXX D: Volksbank Tübingen, Kto. 67 517 005, BLZ 64190110 IBAN DE12 6419 0110 0067 5170 05 BIC GENODES1TUE A: Raiffeisen Landesbank, Kto. 1-05.713.599, BLZ 37000 IBAN AT55 3700 0001 0571 3599 BIC RVVGAT2B No 10/11 25 May 2016 Current Concerns Page 24

In memory of Professor Dr Hans-Georg Bandi by René Roca*

sponse these protests triggered caused as well as all around the world the im- Professor Bandi to establish the associa- pression of a greedy and selfish Swit- tion “Arbeitskreis Gelebte Geschichte — zerland at the time of world War II is AGG” (Living History Working Group) cemented due to the one-sided Bergier at the end of the year 1998. The asso- reports and the self-destructive ten- ciation soon had about 500 members. dencies of our mass media. Nor should Thanks to his large network of contacts the Swiss people simply skip over to the Professor Bandi was able to win many agenda and thus historical facts are al- personalities for the society, who had lowed to become caricatures. [...] Do been bearers of responsibility during not allow Switzerland to be slandered, the World War and at the postwar time; in contradiction of provable facts, and these included senior diplomats, gov- more harm to be done international- Professor Dr Hans-Georg Bandi ernment officials, business leaders, his- ly to the reputation of our country. By (picture University of Berne. torians, military commanders (among all means, the war generation has no Institute for archaeological sciences) others corps commanders, staff offic- cause to be ashamed that, with great ers, major generals) and parliamentar- sacrifices, it succeeded, to spare our On 5 February 2016 Professor Dr Hans- ians. They all had profound in-depth country the war!” Georg Bandi died at the great age of 95 knowledge of the real situation of our Under the title “Switzerland extort- years. He was full professor of prehisto- country, the political, military and eco- ed” the Working Group in 2002 pub- ry and paleo-ethnography at the Uni- nomic facts and connections as well as lished impressions and evaluations of versity of Bern from 1956 to 1985, and the mood of the population. contemporary witnesses – a valuable he carried on his research and taught The Bergier Commission, which was collection of documents. The AGG with great commitment. In 1993 he re- created due to an urgent federal decree thus counterbalanced the work of the ceived an honorary doctorate from the in December 1996, was commissioned Bergier Commission, which brought to University of Neuchâtel (see also the by the Federal Council to carry out a full light nothing decisively new, but only obituary notice of his scientific achieve- investigation of Switzerland in WW2. accused the active service generation ments by Professor Dr Albert Hafner of Government and parliament even part- and compliantly supported unobjec- the University of Berne). ly suspended banking secrecy and data tive foreign attacks. In 2005 the sec- I met Professor Bandi in connection protection in favour of the Commission ond major publication of the AGG fol- with the dispute over Switzerland’s and granted the historians exclusive ac- lowed: “We take stock”. conduct during the World Wars and cess to sources of public and private in- Professor Bandi and the AGG cre- over the reports of the Bergier Com- stitutions and companies. Most of the ated lasting values with the publica- mission. He was co-initiator and co- sources they had used were then again tion of books and articles, and it will president of the “Ar­beitskreis Gelebte “sealed”, rather than being deposited in be our task to continue work on the Geschichte – AGG” (Living History the Federal Archives where they would corrective to the “results” of the Ber- Working Group). be available for free research and the gier Commission. It was notably Pro- What was the purpose of this review of the Bergier Commission re- fessor Bandi who contributed deci- “working group”? sults, as was urged by Professor Bandi sively in order to convey a realistic From the mid-1990s on, Switzerland and the AGG. In view of national poli- picture of Switzerland during the Sec- was attacked ever more insolently by cy, this was an incredible process and si- ond World War to the younger gen- the United States (Clinton administra- multaneously a low point in Swiss his- erations. The working group was dis- tion and World Jewish Congress, WJC). toriography! In this way the – officially banded in 2008. Its extensive archive It was about the role Switzerland had privileged – historians of the Bergier of correspondence and publications played during the Second World War. Commission took a role that was not with the Swiss and the American Press So Switzerland was for example held due to them, namely that of being the was – what a contrast to Bergier! – to be responsible for making the war judges. The truths sanctioned by them placed in the Library Am Guisanplatz, last longer. When the Federal Council became the guidelines for laws or judi- the former Federal Military Library, so as well as several Swiss parliamentar- cial decrees, and it was in their power as to be available for historical studies. ians gave way more and more to this to force politicians’ hands (see the Fed- Two years I last met Hage – that massive pressure, increasing protest eral Council of the time!) However, his- is what I was allowed to call him – in was raised by the population. Much of torians’ judgments may not be based on Berne. We went to the Federal Ar- what occupies Switzerland today and is power but must rely on science and the chives together and looked at files of increasingly driving it into a tight spot attempt at finding the truth. the Second World War. I will never for- (eg “financial center”, to name just one Even though Professor Bandi and the get the meetings and conversations I keyword), has its roots in that time. AGG urged that contemporary witness- had with him. Hage will remain en- Courageously then Professor Bandi es should be questioned, this request graved on my memory as an honest joined up with other like-minded con- was rejected by the Federal Council. historian and a courageous, upright temporary witnesses of the time of ac- The Bergier Commission wanted to ex- contemporary witness. With others, I tive duty and began, by means of pub- clusively rely on documentary sources. will carry on with his legacy. lications, to make a stand against the To counter this, the AGG released their *René Roca has a doctorate in history, increasing vilification of our country own publications and pointed out that, he is a high school teacher and the inadequate correction thereof “it is unacceptable that both among and head of the Research Institute by the Federal Council. The positive re- the younger generation in Switzerland of Direct Democracy (www.fidd.ch)