Assignment #2

Broghan
6890

Harvery St.
Kelowna, B.C.
V2A 4G8

April, 13, 2011

Jim Smith
Mayor
Smalltown, British Columbia

Dear Sir,

Thank you for confiding in me with this dreadful matter, I am aware of the effect it must have on you. However, as Marquis de Sade once said, “All universal moral principles are idle fancies”. I regret to say that despite the misgivings one cannot inform the community of Mr. Grass’s illicit and sinister past.

Such information would rip the community to pieces; and leave it’s’ people in a violent state of shock. They had trusted Mr. Grass as their mayor, to hear such news would be devastating. Mistrust would spread among your community like wild fire, harming the prosperity of its inhabitants. Those of whom had received aid from Mr. Grass would presumably think of it as blood money and would refuse to use it; therefore refusing themselves access to their basic needs. It’s possible that workers at Mr. Grass’s prosperous plant would feel ethically wrong working for such a man. If they were to hear of his treachery it’s possible that they would feel the need to quiet. Mr. Grass’s secret could harm the town’s economy.

I understand that this evidence is absolute. That being said, WWII was a time where one was given the choice to follow orders or die. It is possible that Mr. Grass was threatened on a daily basis and if he were killed another would simply take his position. Perhaps Mr. Grass had done all that was possible to save the prisoners, suppose he had been secretly trying to save one life per 100. I would suggest one to talk to Mr. Grass; the deaths of men are undeniable and inexcusable, yet it is always beneficial to be aware of all sides in a statistical number. What if you were in such a situation, would you be a coward and chose death because it was the easier thing? Or would you try to stay alive and save the few from a worse commander and fate.

One must also consider the survivors of the hells of Hitler’s regime. For each who wishes to know the face beyond Grass’s rank, there are perhaps three who prefer to not raise ghosts of the past. Imagine if you had lived through such an ordeal and had managed to find yourself again, 50 years later could you deal with such a reminder? I am concerned for those who had been determined live again. Strength is hard to gain and quickly lost.

Whilst I commend your determination for justice, I implore you to think of your community. Mr. Grass’s past must stay hidden.

Sincerely,

Broghan