Sixty years ago today, East German workers rose against their government - an event which is being marked extensively in the German media.
The uprising (quickly put down) is nowadays best known for a short poem written by Bert Brecht at the time - which was not however published until 1959 after his death in 1956.
Die Lösung
|
The
Solution
|
Nach
dem Aufstand des 17. Juni
Ließ der Sekretär des Schriftstellerverbands In der Stalinallee Flugblätter verteilen Auf denen zu lesen war, daß das Volk Das Vertrauen der Regierung verscherzt habe Und es nur durch verdoppelte Arbeit zurückerobern könne. Wäre es da Nicht doch einfacher, die Regierung Löste das Volk auf und Wählte ein anderes? |
After the uprising of the 17th of June
The Secretary of the Writers’ Union Had leaflets distributed in the Stalinallee Stating that the people Had forfeited the confidence of the government And could win it back only By redoubled efforts. Would it not be easier In that case for the government To dissolve the people And elect another? |
Although I am a great admirer of Brecht's poetry, I readily admit he was not the most admirable of human beings...
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