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They're auctioning the signatures of the pilots as war memorabilia. I think that part's beyond any defense. Even if you kill someone for a legitimate reason (I'

They're auctioning the signatures of the pilots as war memorabilia. I think that part's beyond any defense. Even if you kill someone for a legitimate reason (I'm side-stepping that), it's not moral to glorify the killing, and monetize the killing, in this way. It's just ghoulish!

netsharc 3y ago
Reminds me of meeting a girl whose last name is associated with executioners (axe-wielding ones) in her home country (like Smiths were blacksmiths)... she was not enthusiastic about it. I also feel the same, owning a book with Oppenheimer's and Einstein's signatures in it would be cool, but the Enola Gay bombers? No thanks. I suppose it's the distance, the same girl above, if she was associated with the ruler that ordered the execution instead of the actual executioner, would probably not be that ashamed of the last name.
jedberg 3y ago
The Holocaust museum has pieces with Hitler's signature that someone had to buy and donate. They are still important historical pieces. The money is for the historical significance, not glorification of the act.
- perihelions 3y ago
  - "The Holocaust museum has pieces with Hitler's signature that someone had to buy and donate. They are still important historical pieces." Then, would you approve of someone auctioning Hitler signatures to private collectors, like we're seeing here? That would be a serious crime in many countries. The context matters here, and I'm not impressed that the context of this auction is a respectful and sober one—that they can hide behind "for historical purposes". E.g. - "among these are 14 scientists awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics or Chemistry for their monumental achievements, as well as pioneering nuclear researchers, military personnel, and Manhattan Project organizers." - "This remarkable compendium of autographs of the scientists and military men that played a role in the development of the bomb is an absolutely one-of-a-kind piece—an irreplaceable relic of the most momentous development of the 20th century." This plainly glorifies the nuclear bombings. I don't agree with your comparing this auction to Holocaust museum exhibits. They don't look similar.

netsharc 3y ago

Reminds me of meeting a girl whose last name is associated with executioners (axe-wielding ones) in her home country (like Smiths were blacksmiths)... she was not enthusiastic about it. I also feel the same, owning a book with Oppenheimer's and Einstein's signatures in it would be cool, but the Enola Gay bombers? No thanks. I suppose it's the distance, the same girl above, if she was associated with the ruler that ordered the execution instead of the actual executioner, would probably not be that ashamed of the last name.

jedberg 3y ago

The Holocaust museum has pieces with Hitler's signature that someone had to buy and donate. They are still important historical pieces. The money is for the historical significance, not glorification of the act.

perihelions 3y ago
- "The Holocaust museum has pieces with Hitler's signature that someone had to buy and donate. They are still important historical pieces." Then, would you approve of someone auctioning Hitler signatures to private collectors, like we're seeing here? That would be a serious crime in many countries. The context matters here, and I'm not impressed that the context of this auction is a respectful and sober one—that they can hide behind "for historical purposes". E.g. - "among these are 14 scientists awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics or Chemistry for their monumental achievements, as well as pioneering nuclear researchers, military personnel, and Manhattan Project organizers." - "This remarkable compendium of autographs of the scientists and military men that played a role in the development of the bomb is an absolutely one-of-a-kind piece—an irreplaceable relic of the most momentous development of the 20th century." This plainly glorifies the nuclear bombings. I don't agree with your comparing this auction to Holocaust museum exhibits. They don't look similar.