German magazine sparks furore with image of Trump beheading Statue of Liberty

[rooster59]

German magazine sparks furore with image of Trump beheading Statue of Liberty

by Paul Carrel

 

U. S. President Donald Trump is depicted beheading the Statue of Liberty in this illustration on the cover of the latest issue of German news magazine Der Spiegel. Spiegel/Handout via REUTERS

 

BERLIN (Reuters) - German weekly magazine Der Spiegel sparked controversy at home and abroad on Saturday with a front cover illustration of U.S. President Donald Trump beheading the Statue of Liberty.

It depicts a cartoon figure of Trump with a bloodied knife in one hand and the statue's head, dripping with blood, in the other. It carries the caption: "America First".

The artist who designed the cover, Edel Rodriguez, a Cuban who came to the United States in 1980 as a political refugee, told The Washington Post: "It's a beheading of democracy, a beheading of a sacred symbol."

The cover set off a debate on Twitter and in German and international media, with Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, a member of Germany's Free Democrats (FDP) and vice president of the European Parliament, describing it as "tasteless".

The cover follows a series of attacks on Berlin's policies by Trump and his aides, marking a rapid deterioration in German relations with the United States. Chancellor Angela Merkel was the go-to European ally for former U.S. president Barack Obama, who praised her as "an outstanding partner".

Last month, Trump said Merkel had made a "catastrophic mistake" with her open-door migration policy, and this week his top trade adviser said Germany was using a "grossly undervalued" euro to gain advantage over the United States and its European partners.

No one was available for comment on the Spiegel cover at the U.S. embassy in Berlin.

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2017-02-05

[selftaopath]

The world understand the popular-vote LOOSER better than most Americans. He is only interested in enhancing his wealth and power. That's why he admires the little dictator Putin so much (IMO).

[thai3]

if was interested in enhancing his wealth why is he not taking the salary?

[mikebike]

if was interested in enhancing his wealth why is he not taking the salary?

Because the salary is a pittance compared to what he will reap with full-bore crony capitalism released. And it's a nice distraction for his base to say, "if [he] was interested in enhancing his wealth why is he not taking the salary?"

[ezzra]

 

The German people has to shut up and sit very quietly when talking about

killing democracy, although it has been 70 years since, the world hasn't

forgotten how they massacred democracy, literally.....

 

[Credo]

9 minutes ago, ezzra said:

 

The German people has to shut up and sit very quietly when talking about

killing democracy, although it has been 70 years since, the world hasn't

forgotten how they massacred democracy, literally.....

 

So the Germans are very well placed to understand and make such a commentary.   They are also probably correct.   

[jollyhangmon]

35 minutes ago, Credo said:

So the Germans are very well placed to understand and make such a commentary.   They are also probably correct.   

Well put, sir!

 

Plus they've got a bunch of rigid & very efficient laws that would permit anything like the Nazis from rising it's ugly head again.

 

Not so at all in the USofA obviously, just for an instance, as clearly that's where i see those fullnutters march up now in black & red & swastikas, - or white rags & hoods for that matter - totally unhindered as it seems ... 

[mtls2005]

"Liberty's Flameout"

 

 

[The Old Bull]

1 hour ago, thai3 said:

if was interested in enhancing his wealth why is he not taking the salary?

You notice he did not ban anybody from places where he has business interests such as Saudi Arabia ,Egypt and the Emarates and they were the 9/11 guys. Can't tell me he is not feeding from the trough.

[wprime]

1 hour ago, selftaopath said:

The world understand the popular-vote LOOSER better than most Americans. He is only interested in enhancing his wealth and power. That's why he admires the little dictator Putin so much (IMO).

 

That's what I thought as well but his insistence on the immigration bans and it's becoming apparent that the wall plan was serious - both of these are detrimental to his business interests as a real estate mogul and investor so I thought these were just lies he used to get stupid people to support him.

 

It now looks more like he wanted the power, not the wealth and the power comes from being admired by the masses which he is desperately trying to achieve (and it looks like it will work - never underestimate how stupid the masses are - that's not meant as an insult to Americans but as a general comment about the human condition).

[Usernames]

34 minutes ago, jollyhangmon said:

Plus they've got a bunch of rigid & very efficient laws that would permit anything like the Nazis from rising it's ugly head again.

In other words, no free speech, freedom of assembly, or the right to organize into the political party of one's choice. That is "understanding democracy?"

[steve187]

1 hour ago, mikebike said:

Because the salary is a pittance compared to what he will reap with full-bore crony capitalism released. And it's a nice distraction for his base to say, "if [he] was interested in enhancing his wealth why is he not taking the salary?"

why would anyone spend millions to get a job worth thousands, all out to feather their own nest in some way

[thai3]

what are his business interests in Saudi, the Emirates and Egypt etc? sounds like fake news

 

 

Edited February 5, 2017 by thai3

[canuckamuck]

So how has he destroyed liberty, by putting a temporary ban on visas for 7 countries?

By doing what he said he would do.

By keeping a career criminal Clinton out of the Whitehouse.

 

The world is full off into hyperbolic paranoia. Trump's just doing his job.

[jollyhangmon]

20 minutes ago, Usernames said:

In other words, no free speech, freedom of assembly, or the right to organize into the political party of one's choice. That is "understanding democracy?"

Bullcrap!

Assemble as much as you will, say what you will - ask Sultan Erdogan, remember? well, didn't think so - organize as you like, just shove your super-far right nazi-paroles, -insignia & -ideas.

Rarely a country with more freedom of speech apart from the above mentioned, with good reason.

[Grouse]

2 hours ago, thai3 said:

if was interested in enhancing his wealth why is he not taking the salary?

Because it's peanuts compared to the "benefits" he will gain. At the same time, it makes him "look" like a decent man. 10/10 for knowing how to play the media and his sycophants 

[Grouse]

2 hours ago, ezzra said:

 

The German people has to shut up and sit very quietly when talking about

killing democracy, although it has been 70 years since, the world hasn't

forgotten how they massacred democracy, literally.....

 

Tosh! Hitler was elected democratically

[Grouse]

Who ever said the German's have no sense of humour? 

 

The cartoon is terrific ( if that's the appropriate phrase)

[Opl]

2 hours ago, thai3 said:

if was interested in enhancing his wealth why is he not taking the salary?

Trust Records Show Trump Is Still Closely Tied to His Empire

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/03/us/politics/donald-trump-business.html

 

 

 

[puck2]

1 hour ago, ezzra said:

 

The German people has to shut up and sit very quietly when talking about

killing democracy, although it has been 70 years since, the world hasn't

forgotten how they massacred democracy, literally.....

 

Shut up for ever ??? If you think so, a lot of nations should shut up because of their previous history, especially within the last 7 decades.... .

 

It seems you won't recognise that there is a difference between the German democracy of today and the dictatorship of 70 years ago. If you open your eyes without mindcuffs you will detect signs the USA are going into the direction where Germany has been 70  years ago.

Do you need examples? Read all the Trump TV threads unbiasedly.

 

This image above symbolises the potential and danger of the actual situation in the USA and that of the near future under Trump and his cronies. That is not a reason to play the old Nazi-game. The world would like the USA to have the same rules as Germany to avoid such a sick character as Trump.

 

BTW, is that a real democracy when the President is not chosen by the majority of the votes?

 

 

 

 

 

[luk AJ]

Who ever said the German's have no sense of humour? 
 
The cartoon is terrific ( if that's the appropriate phrase)

The cartoon is horrible


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

[jollyhangmon]

3 minutes ago, puck2 said:

Shut up for ever ??? If you think so, a lot of nations should shut up because of their previous history, especially within the last 7 decades.... .

 

It seems you won't recognise that there is a difference between the German democracy of today and the dictatorship of 70 years ago. If you open your eyes without mindcuffs you will detect signs the USA are going into the direction where Germany has been 70  years ago.

Do you need examples? Read all the Trump TV threads unbiasedly.

 

This image above symbolises the potential and danger of the actual situation in the USA and that of the near future under Trump and his cronies. That is not a reason to play the old Nazi-game. The world would like the USA to have the same rules as Germany to avoid such a sick character as Trump.

 

BTW, is that a real democracy when the President is not chosen by the majority of the votes?

 

 

 

 

 

Excellent, mein Herr!

[geriatrickid]

2 hours ago, selftaopath said:

The world understand the popular-vote LOOSER better than most Americans. He is only interested in enhancing his wealth and power. That's why he admires the little dictator Putin so much (IMO).

There was nothing  loose (sic) about the  electoral win.

Trump was elected in accordance with the  long established and accepted voting rules in the USA.  The electoral college format is intended ot prevent a regional domination.  It is no different    in its intent than the first past the post  format  used by parliamentary democracies. This is how governments with a minority of the popular  vote have been elected in Canada and the UK.

Are you now claiming that the PM of   the UK must resign as well because the conservatives only ontained 36.9% of votes cast in the 2015 election?

 

The  whinging about the election result is pathetic.  If  all the people   in the USA sobbing now had got off their lard butts and voted Democrat, the reuults would be very different. They didn't and now they must live with the results of their refusal to vote. 

[puck2]

27 minutes ago, Grouse said:

Tosh! Hitler was elected democratically

And Trump, too.

It seems they have something in common. Trump has very "nice words" for all who don't agree with him, a typical Hitler reaction. The USA now on the same way?  The future will tell us. Der Spiegel gave only a warning, and so many rightists are embarrassed!

 

Somebody told me the people of the USA - except Trump and his cronies - like and defend the free speech.

[mikebike]

1 hour ago, thai3 said:

what are his business interests in Saudi, the Emirates and Egypt etc? sounds like fake news

 

According to Forbes:

In Turkey, Trump has a licensing deal allowing his name to be used on two luxury buildings, earning him $5 million in 2015.

In Indonesia two resorts having the Trump name are in the midst of being constructed.

Trump has a number of business ties in the United Arab Emirates, including luxury villas and a golf course.

Plans to build a hotel in Saudi Arabia have been cancelled. However, Trump has had business dealings with Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Alsaud in the past.

[Credo]

20 minutes ago, geriatrickid said:

There was nothing  loose (sic) about the  electoral win.

Trump was elected in accordance with the  long established and accepted voting rules in the USA.  The electoral college format is intended ot prevent a regional domination.  It is no different    in its intent than the first past the post  format  used by parliamentary democracies. This is how governments with a minority of the popular  vote have been elected in Canada and the UK.

Are you now claiming that the PM of   the UK must resign as well because the conservatives only ontained 36.9% of votes cast in the 2015 election?

 

The  whinging about the election result is pathetic.  If  all the people   in the USA sobbing now had got off their lard butts and voted Democrat, the reuults would be very different. They didn't and now they must live with the results of their refusal to vote. 

Although I can't totally disagree with you, the problem is that it is the rest of the world that also must live with whatever insane actions he takes.   

[Grouse]

47 minutes ago, luk AJ said:

The cartoon is horrible


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

Yes it is

 

But it nicely represents our many of us feel and also the irony of the situation.

[jollyhangmon]

30 minutes ago, geriatrickid said:

There was nothing  loose (sic) about the  electoral win.

Trump was elected in accordance with the  long established and accepted voting rules in the USA.  The electoral college format is intended ot prevent a regional domination.  It is no different    in its intent than the first past the post  format  used by parliamentary democracies. This is how governments with a minority of the popular  vote have been elected in Canada and the UK.

Are you now claiming that the PM of   the UK must resign as well because the conservatives only ontained 36.9% of votes cast in the 2015 election?

 

The  whinging about the election result is pathetic.  If  all the people   in the USA sobbing now had got off their lard butts and voted Democrat, the reuults would be very different. They didn't and now they must live with the results of their refusal to vote. 

... good you bring that up, always wanted to ask about that weird system, never seen a clear & logic explanation.

 

What's a 'regional domination'? Ain't that kasperle elected for all of the US?
How exactly are less votes a majority let alone lead to winning a vote & how would that be 'direct democracy'?
Why does it seem to always benefit the right holier-than-thou combo?

 

Not only in the US, well, fine, just doesn't make it any more transparent or logical.
And there's a big difference as the other nations which according to you 'vote' that way aren't usually pestering the rest of the head-shaking world with the questionable outcome.
 

[geriatrickid]

57 minutes ago, puck2 said:

Shut up for ever ??? If you think so, a lot of nations should shut up because of their previous history, especially within the last 7 decades.... .

 

It seems you won't recognise that there is a difference between the German democracy of today and the dictatorship of 70 years ago. If you open your eyes without mindcuffs you will detect signs the USA are going into the direction where Germany has been 70  years ago.

Do you need examples? Read all the Trump TV threads unbiasedly.

 

This image above symbolises the potential and danger of the actual situation in the USA and that of the near future under Trump and his cronies. That is not a reason to play the old Nazi-game. The world would like the USA to have the same rules as Germany to avoid such a sick character as Trump.

 

BTW, is that a real democracy when the President is not chosen by the majority of the votes?

 

 

It is obvious  that you do not understand the electoral system of the US presidential election. However, that does not excuse your attempt to use the  election result as evidence of an injustice. The electoral college system is intended to preserve democracy and it can easily be argued that the format acts to protect the rights of all regions and to not just serve the interests of the 5 largest states.  If you are too lazy to make an effort to understand the intent and the  format of the electoral college system, you merit the  contempt you receive herein.

 

I'm all for bashing Trump, as I do not like the man, nor care for his politics. However,  the Germans have zero credibility to lecture the USA on morality or in doing the right thing. Know why? Because Germany  is guilty of the same faults they now hurl at the USA.   Need some reminders? Tobacco  is a good illustration.

 

Germany is the world's largest exporter of cigarettes. It's the country's dirty secret and boy how the Germans love to export their cancer sticks to the developing  and impoverished parts of the world.  Germany  played with the EU's  tax system to ensure that anyone trying to bring cigarettes into its market  was hit with a 57.6% import duty.  When Trump talks about the USA getting banged up in trade arrangements, the German tobacco trickery is a screaming  illustration. You know how Germans  like to rant about the lack of science basis in Trump's denial of a global climate change? Well, he's a cynic because he believes the  data was manipulated. I disagree with that position, but I understand why some people  are cynical. Germany has a track record of of suspect meddling and manipulation of  scientific undertakings.  Again, tobacco provides an illustration.   When  there was an attempt to undertake and to disseminate the  scientific evidence  on tobacco smoke harm, the German tobacco industry with support from government, interfered with the attempt to move forward on the issue, squashing attempts by the European Agency to move on the issue.

 

The fact that the Germans are unable to control their borders and need to excuse the mess that their own incompetence caused doesn't fool anyone.  The Germans are hypocrites when it comes to Russia. On one hand they bleat on about human rights and saving the Ukraine,  but on the other love their Russian gas. The Germans will toss anyone under the bus to keep their gas  supply.

 

 

 

Edited February 5, 2017 by geriatrickid

[JB300]

Shut up for ever ??? If you think so, a lot of nations should shut up because of their previous history, especially within the last 7 decades.... .

 

It seems you won't recognise that there is a difference between the German democracy of today and the dictatorship of 70 years ago. If you open your eyes without mindcuffs you will detect signs the USA are going into the direction where Germany has been 70  years ago.

Do you need examples? Read all the Trump TV threads unbiasedly.

 

This image above symbolises the potential and danger of the actual situation in the USA and that of the near future under Trump and his cronies. That is not a reason to play the old Nazi-game. The world would like the USA to have the same rules as Germany to avoid such a sick character as Trump.

 

BTW, is that a real democracy when the President is not chosen by the majority of the votes?

 

 

 

 

 

I don't know how long is long enough but apparently it's not long enough for us Brits yet so the Germans have a fair way to go I'd guess...

Point being this is a major magazine in one of the World's largest economies criticising somebody before he's even had time to unpack.

Yeah, I don't agree with what he's done but at the same time I wish the UK would ban any citizen from any country where's it's common practise to burn our flag on the streets. Might impact some innocents but better they're impacted (peacefully) there than innocents are impacted here.

Edit And before re-hashing how this is an attack against Muslims, check out the numbers/percentages of countries that weren't included in the order https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_by_country

I'm sure Trump has massive interests in Indonesia, Pakistan & Afghanistan that he's protecting (doesn't sound as sexy as Saudi Arabia, UAE does it).