Germany‘s in big huff because Pete Doherty sang their national anthem – all of it, including its first verse, which contains the “Deutschland Uber Alles” refrain. That translates to “Germany above everything,” which sounds appropriate for a national anthem, but is closely tied to Third Reich sentiment and has been accordingly excised since WWII didn’t turn out as planned. Germans start at verse three now. Is that any better? It’s not like the rest of the German national anthem doesn’t have Nazi overtones – IT’S THE GERMAN NATIONAL ANTHEM. Write a new one or change it to “99 Red Balloons.”
Pete’s performance was jeered and he was escorted from the stage five songs later. He has since apologized, claiming he was unaware of the controversy surrounding the first verse. He also says he’s of Jewish descent. Since “Doherty” is an Anglican surname, I’m guessing he’s got a Jew mom somewhere down the line, and it only takes one to be a full-fledged member. Quit apologizing, Pete; start demanding reparations.
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