“W e didn’t use chemical weapons in World War II. You know, you had a, you know, someone as despicable as Hitler who didn’t even sink to using chemical weapons,” Sean Spicer — who is the press secretary for the White House — said. “So you have to if you’re Russia, ask yourself: Is this a country that you, and a regime, that you want to align yourself with? You have previously signed onto international agreements, rightfully acknowledging that the use of chemical weapons should be out of bounds by every country.”
“Hitler…Didn’t Even Sink to Using Chemical Weapons”? Yeah. Right.
Multiple sources in the media — such as this article written by Jenna Johnson and Ashley Parker of The Washington Post as one of many examples — not only contain that quote; but also have video showing Spicer actually saying it.
I suppose that Zyklon B — which consisted of hydrogen cyanide, amongst other ingredients for use as a pesticide — was not used as a chemical weapon when it literally showered thousands of Jewish people in concentration camps such as Dachau…
…although being cremated in an oven after being killed certainly does not count as a chemical weapon; so it cannot be that bad — right?
Summary
I have said many times that travel is the best form of education. Had Sean Spicer personally visited former concentration camps such as Dachau — I believe that he has not actually traveled to them to have said such a ridiculous statement; and to the press, no less — he would have thought better.
Spicer is working his way around the media to formally apologize for his gaffe…
…but if you are reading this article, Sean Spicer, then please read my trip report pertaining to my visit to Dachau in these two articles, split into part one and part two.
All photographs ©2006 by Brian Cohen.
