Noting tomorrow’s 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on Sunday’s Today show, former NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw claimed East Germans were “still adjusting to the harsh economic realities” of life after communism. But a recent poll of former East bloc countries by the Pew Research Center actually discovered that the people of what was East Germany are actually the biggest enthusiasts of the shift to capitalism, with 82% approving, higher than any other ex-communist country.
Brokaw did note, however, that the current “center-right” Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, was “born and raised in East Germany,” implicitly acknowledging that her youth spent under communism obviously did not make her a fan of leftist economic policies.
The suggestion that capitalism is somehow “harsh” compared to communism echoes what many liberal journalists argued after the fall of the Berlin Wall 20 years ago. “The transition from communism to capitalism is making more people more miserable every day,” CBS reporter Bert Quint argued in 1990.
“After four decades of standing in communism’s food lines, capitalism has created a new place to wait: at the unemployment office,” NBC’s Mike Boettcher claimed later that same year. For a full run-down of how the media reacted to the fall of communism, check out the MRC’s new Special Report, “Better Off Red?”
After Brokaw — who was in Berlin this morning — related what he saw 20 years ago as an eyewitness to the Wall coming down, co-host Lester Holt asked him, “how do Germans today remember that event and the reunification that followed?”
Brokaw replied:
Well, you have to remember that there's a whole new generation of Germans who have been born since then. Those who were alive at the time — they're still finding their way, trying to find their way into a new Germany in the 21st century. Many who were raised in the East are still adjusting to the harsh economic realities, especially during this economic downturn. What was once West Germany decided to have a unified Germany -- that was a big economic burden for everyone. So I think that this is a country still in search of its identification, and as a result is looking more inward than it is outward.
A few minutes later, Brokaw stumbled as he announced the list of VIPs who will take part in the ceremonies tomorrow:
There'll be the leaders of the present and the past. Mikhail Gorbachev — whom I saw last night — will be here. Dmitri Medvedev, who is the new president of Russia, obviously; Harold Brown from Germany — pardon me, from Great Britain; Hillary Clinton will represent President Obama here, President Sarkozy of France; of course, Angela Merkel from Germany, the first woman to be chancellor of this country, born and raised in East Germany, now a center-right politician. So it will be an all-star line up as they take stock of where we've been, where we are now, and maybe even try to determine where we may be headed from here.
Of course, Harold Brown was Jimmy Carter's Secretary of Defense in the 1970s. Britain's Prime Minister is Gordon Brown, and he will be among the speakers in Berlin tomorrow. Merkel invited President Obama, but he is sending Clinton instead.
—Rich Noyes is Research Director at the Media Research Center.
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Comments Policy
A Disease
November 8, 2009 - 13:07 ET by iveseenitall"Liberalism" truly is a disease which affects the ability to think clearly. Most teachers are "liberals". Maybe that's why they don't teach students to "think" any longer. How possibly could a rich man such as Brokaw condemn capitalism? Either he can't think logically, or he is among some of the biggest hypocrites on earth. Methinks it is the latter.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Only in America...
November 8, 2009 - 13:55 ET by Mitch NJcould a speech-impaired idiot get paid millions
to read the news.
To which we can thank the "Greatest Generation".
Mentally-impaired
November 8, 2009 - 14:08 ET by pickerseniorIn addition to speech-impaired idiot.
"If liberals didn't live it, it doesn't exist." There is an exception who should know better - Tom Brokaw!"
Brokaw is against capitalism
November 8, 2009 - 14:18 ET by Kat Outta the BagBrokaw is against capitalism because it has an "l" in it and he can't properly pronounce that letter to save his life. Much easier to say "communism".
The question remains: Where
November 8, 2009 - 16:06 ET by troglodytThe question remains: Where in his piece did he condemn capitalism? I don't bother you with a lecture about "thinking".
Many who were raised in the
November 8, 2009 - 16:33 ET by motherbeltMany who were raised in the East [under Communism,] are still adjusting to the harsh economic realities, [of capitalism] especially during this economic downturn.
Saying people have to "adjust" to something (harsh economic realities) implies it is a new experience.
Apparently there were no harsh economic realities under Communism.
Still he didn't condemn
November 8, 2009 - 16:58 ET by troglodytStill he didn't condemn anyting.
Meanwhile, Brokaw seeing
November 8, 2009 - 13:08 ET by bse5150Meanwhile, Brokaw seeing FoxNews' ratings, is in tears and is adjusting to their harsh reality.
Who the hell even watches this tool?
Freedom
November 8, 2009 - 13:27 ET by iveseenitallRight on, bse5150. Not many people are watching or listening to these old time "liberals" any longer. People wish to be free, but the old "liberals" (collectivists) want them to continue to be ecomomic, politcal slaves forever. This is the very battle we are now fighting with health care. Personal responsibilty and personal freedom are not in their vocabulary. After all, these are principles upon which America was founded--- principles which respect the individual. God forbid! I remember watching those reporters who seemed not to want the Berlin Wall to fall. I thought at the time what cowards they all were. Now we hear this clown Brokaw spouting the same line---we need a tryannical, nanny state, even if it is brutal and confining. "We, the people" simply can't handle being free, can we? Disgusting!
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Meanwhile,
November 8, 2009 - 13:52 ET by UpNorthBrokaw is having trouble adjusting to the "harsh reality" that he and the State Run Media are approaching, or are at, irrelevancy.
I don't know which R representative made the point last night, paraphrasing, that where in the Constitution does it say that the government can force citizens to buy insurance? No answer last night, no answer today, there will be none in the days ahead, either. But, this abomination of a bill can't be challenged until it achieves law status, something that hopefully, does not happen.
The "Harsh Reality" was West Germany's
November 8, 2009 - 13:22 ET by GalvanicWhen the DDR dissolved, the Federal Republic of Germany took it upon themselves to absorb the wreckage of the Commuist east, from its rust belt industries, to its crumbling infrastructure, to its toxic environmental mess, to a population whose work ethic had withered under decades of Communism.
The transition cost billions of Deutsch Marks from the pockets of West Germans, and it certainly wasn't easy, but it has been enormously successful. There are certainly some rough spots yet to overcome, but the tremendous success can't be ignored. Economic progress is hampered as much by global recession than anything else (and maybe EU policies, too).
I'm sure there are many older "Osties" who long for the old days when they didn't have to make choices or have an incentive to work, but as the poll indicates, the vast majority of Osties don't want a return to the DDR days.
Gal.. and to add to your
November 8, 2009 - 13:40 ET by celatorGal.. and to add to your excellent post, Germany has the strongest economy in the European Union, which is the largest consumer market (in terms of available, spendable dollars) in the world.
France and Germany are trying to figure out how to create some sort of economic force working together, details have to be worked out.
China is coming up fast, but their issue right now is relatively low available, spendable consumer cash--that will change. A lot of our Stimulus Bill and TARP money went to Asian banks and financial houses to make that happen--increased consumer loans and spending. That's one reason the Feds won't tell us "where the money went", and why so little money has thus far been spent in the US. The money has been shipped overseas. Bye bye.
Hence, we hear, "Gosh, we need another Stimulus Bill" That's Asian banks putting pressure on certain bought-off members of Congress. Oh, yeah. It's a dirty business.
No citizen's right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, or property is safe as long as Obama is President of the United States.
"There are certainly some
November 8, 2009 - 17:10 ET by troglodyt"There are certainly some rough spots yet to overcome, but the tremendous success can't be ignored."
Well it depends on how you define success. An east german industry of some degree of importance is virtually nonexisting. Unemployment rates are double than those in the west. With few exceptions economic development has not really happened. The success you can see (i.e. nice looking towns etc.) was paid by taxpayers money.
BTW: It should be "Ossi"!
Guidance for how to react
November 8, 2009 - 13:24 ET by celatorGuidance for how to react when Brokaw, the NYT, Obama/Pelosi/Reid, WAPO, etc., say or write anything: the truth is the exact opposite of what they are telling us.
That is all. Back to your stations.
No citizen's right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, or property is safe as long as Obama is President of the United States.
The "harsh adjustment" is
November 8, 2009 - 13:24 ET by Radical1979The "harsh adjustment" is due to the total destruction of the economy that came under communism. My husband hires (legal) workers from Poland, and visited there last summer. They are THRILLED to be capitalist and allowed to make money and acquire wealth. Brokaw is probably talking to communist party officials who now cannot resort to threats and intimidation and outright thuggery to succeed. Loser.
Radical~~
November 8, 2009 - 14:21 ET by Kat Outta the Bag"Brokaw is probably talking to communist party officials who now cannot resort to threats and intimidation and outright thuggery to succeed."
Sounds like...dare I say it?
Kat yes, it does sound like
November 8, 2009 - 15:26 ET by Radical1979Kat yes, it does sound like him.
Brokaw
November 8, 2009 - 13:34 ET by BobPDXBobPDX
Let's see know Tom, harsh realities of capitalism you say?
How about communism?
Like no freedom of choice, 3 hour lines at the store, no hope and prosperity, fear of brown shirts beating you up, fear in general, poverty, dispair, imprisonment ie the "wall".
Smeone needs to put some new batteries in Tom.
Brokaw Wouldn't Have Been Called Out For This Years Ago
November 8, 2009 - 13:39 ET by rammingspeedAn unintended consequence of the bounty of America, created by capitalism: People live soft, cushy lives where they don't face the kind of pressures people have in communist countries. We certainly don't have to worry about having a weak national defense, where we're easily invaded. The Tom Brokaws of America can dream their dreams and theorize and sound smart 'til their little hearts content. Who's to counter them, in there cloistered space, where their beliefs are reality just because they say so?
Brokaw is a sickening pseudo-intellectual, an example of the fact that brain power and wisdom are not synonymous.
Yes, as oppossed to the
November 8, 2009 - 13:45 ET by PeskyDaneYes, as oppossed to the "harsh realities" of the Stasi coming to pay you a polite social call.
Tom has me confused
November 8, 2009 - 14:16 ET by cajun2Let me get this straight. Working at a job you choose, becoming independant, self reliant has become a "harsh reality"? Save us from "useful idiots". Brokaw has now been enrolled as #12 on my list of T-SOU-I. One of these days Tommy, you and others of your ilk will be tarred and feathered.
I hope he fails, soon.
After the fall of The Wall
November 8, 2009 - 14:29 ET by ekslibthe folks in W. Germany had to adjust to the hard reality that they had to shoulder most of the cost of rebuilding a united Germany.
E. Germany and E. Berlin were very depressing when I saw them in 1967. Some sections of E. Berlin probably hadn't changed since they were damaged during WWII.
Ditto,eks,
November 8, 2009 - 17:00 ET by UpNorththe whole of East Germany was drab, like not enough light ever got through over beyond the fence, walls, machine gun towers and mine fields. Thought the same thing, just very depressing.
And the East Germans must have liked what WWII did to their half of Germany, they seemed determined to make it look like Germany in 1945, falling down, dilapidated.
The East, and light
November 9, 2009 - 12:20 ET by UnsaneIn East Germany, you could easily locate West Berlin in the night. It was virtually the only city within the confines of East Germany with plenty of lights at night.
"CONSUMED DEMOCRACY RETURNS A SOCIALIST REGIME" - Slayer, "Fictional Reality", from Divine Intervention (1994)
Cuddle up with your bank
November 8, 2009 - 14:55 ET by Dim BulbCuddle up with your bank account and shut your pie hole.
Libs have a real affection for tyranny...
November 8, 2009 - 15:10 ET by wnaegeleSigh!
I've often wondered
November 8, 2009 - 15:27 ET by 10ksnookerDo others see nany Pelosi as an East German border gaurd like I do?
It seems most Democrats have trouble with freedom too.
The Volkskammer
November 9, 2009 - 12:26 ET by UnsaneNo. I don't see Pelosi as a Grenzetruppe. I DO see her and all of Congress as a Volkskammer. In fact, in response to the House's passage of a bill to slit the throat of the U.S. economy and to baby/enslave the U.S population, they will henceforth be referred to this here poster as the Volkskammer.
It is ironic that here on this day, which marked the beginning of the end of the country in which the Volkskammer could be found, that a democratic instutition like Congress so badly wants to be a Volkskammer and not a Congress. The East Germans were running from the Volkskammer, and America today, I fear, is running towards and eagerly embracing the Volkskammer.
"CONSUMED DEMOCRACY RETURNS A SOCIALIST REGIME" - Slayer, "Fictional Reality", from Divine Intervention (1994)
The Leftist Cause Lives In Brokaw
November 8, 2009 - 16:16 ET by DoktorFrankenWe've known now for quite a few months that the Left believes that they are more empowered than ever. They can spew whatever Anti-American garbage they want with, seemingly, no reprisals.
But they have awoken that sleeping bear Yamamoto spoke of so long ago. True, America and Americans were very different back then. But true Americans today will not stand for a complete takeover any more than we allowed Germany, Italy, and Japan to enslave the world in the 40s.
Plus, we will remember the ones who were our enemy's mouthpieces and workers for the Leftist cause.
JMHO, you understand.
If Saul Alinsky owned a news channel it would be MSNBC. ---- Me
Not to be picky, but it was
November 8, 2009 - 16:37 ET by motherbeltNot to be picky, but it was a sleeping giant.
And I love the rest of his quote: and fill him with a terrible wrath!
Of course, that's from the movie Tora! Tora! Tora! so who knows if he actually said it. ;-)
But I like it anyway!
Yamamoto---
November 8, 2009 - 20:06 ET by matthewdeanmb:
Yeah, he said it in real life.
Read a biography about Isoroku Yamamoto some years back.
One thing that stuck in my mind:
Yamamotos' father was 58 years of age when his son was born, so he named his son "Isoroku", which in English means fifty-eight.
MD
"There is no distinctly American criminal class - except Congress."
Mark Twain (1835-1910)
Oh for crying out loud,
November 8, 2009 - 17:36 ET by msh1973Oh for crying out loud, what a moron Brokaw has become. Does he want them behind the Wall again? BTW, shame on Obama for not attending in person.
Lol msh... I listened to
November 8, 2009 - 17:44 ET by bigtimerLol msh...
I listened to about 15 seconds of his leftist yammering this morning...couldn't take the over-rated blow-hard...flipped the channel.
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart
Brokaw and his ilk are
November 8, 2009 - 18:46 ET by eaglewingz08Brokaw and his ilk are pathetic. East Germans didn't go from communism to capitalism they went from communism to communism lite (democrap socialism). Except for the barbed wire, and the death camps (a liberal's dream come true) most hardly noticed the transition from cradle to grave communism (although sometimes the grave came up abruptly for the 'foolish') to cradle to grave west german socialism. I mean these high paid liberal professionals (and I use that term 'professional' loosely) act as though we are living through Dickensian times. They are truly deplorable. I wonder what they would say if say a republican president and congress said that liberals had to pay a ninety percent tax to pay for the government programs they are so envious of?
Tom, You have been and
November 8, 2009 - 19:17 ET by tssclsTom,
You have been and always shall be, a fool! Too bad the USSR didn't "Red Dawn" the USA. I'm sure that, under that scenario, Brokaw would still be able to spout his inane bullshit.
This episode brought to you
November 8, 2009 - 23:06 ET by toneyukiThis episode brought to you by;
"the Tides foundation"
"the letters C and S"
And the number "10.2"
I left the Republican party because the Republic party went to the LEFT of me.
Harold Brown?
November 8, 2009 - 23:28 ET by tim413The name sounds British, doesn't it? We should check in with Olberf--ka-s since he ridiculed a conservative for referring to Judge Sotomayor as "Maria Sotomayor." Per Olberf--ka-s, "Typical sterotyping, isn't it"?
Stop federal judges from foisting their notions of "fairness" on the States. Amend the 14th Amendment! - tim413
no mention of Ronald Wilson Reagan
November 9, 2009 - 07:49 ET by speppernowhere to be found in all the articles about the Berlin anniversary celebration is even the slightest mention of Ronald Wilson Reagan and his contribution towards the final destruction of the Berlin Wall-- he backed up his famous "Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" speech with actual policies that checkmated the wall out of its usefulness-- it was the ultimate relic of the failed system of paranoid oligarchy of communism, which could no longer contain its captive audience-- here's raising a glass of cheer-- to the Gipper!