A Buddhist                             U.S. Army's                               Coronado Naval 

       Swastika                              45th Divison                               Station Building

                                                  Shoulder Patches                         In San Diego, CA 

                                                   World War One                                 TODAY

             The Swastika's History

  Until the Nazi Regime used this symbol the swastika was used by many cultures throughout the past 3,000 years to represent the sun, life, power, strength, and good luck.

  In the early twentieth century, the swastika was still a symbol with positive connotations. For instance, the swastika was a common decoration that often adorned cigarette cases, postcards, coins and buildings.  During World War I, the swastika could even be found on the shoulder patches of the American Army's 45th Infantry Division !

A Change in Meaning Occurs

  In the 1800s,  countries around Germany were growing much larger,  forming empires;  yet Germany was not a unified country until 1871. To counter the feeling of vulnerability and the stigma of youth, German nationalists in the mid-nineteenth century began to use the swastika, because it had ancient Aryan/Indian origins, to represent a long Germanic/Aryan history. (Courtesy Public Domain)

  On certain Websites that claim to be caring, and that make statements to the effect that they wish to not offend people  (under the assumption that someone may find a certain item or image offensive)  I believe there exists some well-intentioned... but unfortunately produced...double standards.

  There are many historical and sought-after items from mankind's history that someone could allow themselves to be offended by. I am personally offended by injustices done to my ancestors during the American Civil War, World War One and World War Two. However I realize and accept the fact that these matters have been-and will continue to be- the nature of mankind's history. Those claiming offense would virtually have to search for these offensive items and images to locate them.  So, knowing they might be "offended" by certain images or items, a logical question arises:

  WHY would they search for something they would be offended by?

  It would make no sense to deliberately look for something that I know might bother me!

  The rights of  Free Speech, of a Free People, (and free enterprise in our own United States) were  arrived at and settled, usually... by an armed conflict. War. Police Action. An unfortunate"Incident".  Military Action. Death and Destruction caused. Great Injustices.

  Throughout mankind's history, each conflict has produced its' own items associated with those conflicts, but also making such items of valid historical interest;  thus having value-despite the knowledge of that conflict's particular issues or causes.

  Is the Swastika the issue here...OR.... is it more of what's referred to today as "Political Correctness"  going in an uninformed and danger-filled direction?

  If so, where's the real Intolerance being displayed?

  I hope that this might be of interest to ebay's Community,  and thank you.

                                               Daniel S.    "danww2"