Freedom in Shackles

Introduction

The topic I will be covering is on post WWII events that have been prevalent in our everyday lives. My topic is about Ex-Nazis who immigrated to other countries and continents after the war, seeking refuge in fear of being caught and killed. Countries such as the Soviet Union had death threats out for these men. I am presenting this to you all because I feel these events that have been taking place for decades should've been addressed and handled better then they were.

Argument

WWII happened over 70 years ago and the effects of the war still impact many communities today. It was a time of global freight and genocide. Most of this was caused by Hitler and his Nazi army of German citizens. Hitler was so determined that he created a boot camp for 10 year old children so they could be recruited and trained as to one day be soldiers themselves.

Most did not have a choice of joining this army because they would've been in risk of them or their family getting killed or imprisoned. Most were drafted and had no desire to do so. Because of this decision made for them, they live out their lives hiding and trying to repent for the things they were forced to do. The Ex-Soldiers then had to leave their old lives behind and start new ones far away as to not get caught and killed for their war crimes.

Rationale

The Hunting down and prosecuting of Ex-Nazis uses too many resources and money to find these people. Most of these men are in their 90’s and close to their death beds.

Cost inefficiency

It costs the average elderly inmate $70,000 a year to house in a prison and take care of them; compared to younger inmates who cost about $35,000 a year. That is about $192 a day. Not accounting for all the illnesses and prescription medication that comes along with the old age. 

A Cold Existence

Not many refugees are left in the world today. Lazlo Csatary who was an Ex-Nazi soldier, died of pneumonia in the middle of his prosecution process at 98 years old in 2011. His charges were accusations of torturing and executing Jews. He had been chased down by and interrogated daily after being discovered. He was also harassed constantly by news crews while facing up to his charges until his passing.

Gifts Not Wasted

 Most of these people had been contributing citizens living peaceful lives for decades. These people had taken on many professions from simple carpenters and waiters all the way up to scientists. President Truman gave the okay on allowing about 500 Nazi scientists into the country without proper immigration paperwork. He made this choice because, “it was felt in the interests of National Security to bring them to the U.S” (Macmillon Journals, 1979). Some of these scientists were known to have been a part of the League of National Socialist German Physicians and to have worked in the Nazi Chemical Warfare unit. Allowing these dangerous, and potentially unstable, people into the country was taking a huge risk; however, despite that, during their service to the U.S. some of them were responsible in helping the first successful satellite launch in 1958.

Tragic Misrepresentation

With all of these feats set above most of the Nazi's who have immigrated over, there have been many cases that have never had to be solved before. One such example is of a Nazi who had American citizenship and lived there for 8 years causing no trouble, yet having a death threat from the Soviet Union. The man's name was Karl Linnas in 1987 he was discovered and brought to the Soviet Union where he was wanted and was to be sentenced to death. The U.S. government revoked his citizenship and sent him off to face his untimely demise. 

Actions like these break our countries 8th Amendment which gives U.S. citizens the right to not endure cruel and unusual punishment such as being given away to another country and put to death. Though this man had committed heinous crimes, he had to do it because he was a soldier who had given his freedom to Nazi Germany. Linnas probably would have been killed for insubordination if he had not followed any orders given to him. All he wanted to do was move on and start a new life in a country that allows freedom of choice and he should’ve been considered a U.S. citizen and protected by the constitution.

Problems With Communication

This newly unified world had to deal with many new concepts. They had never dealt with treaties that reached several continents before. Technology had increased and continued to advance. The world was especially dealing with large amounts of dispersed criminals who have committed no crimes in their new lives and have bounties on their heads.