I don't think that this discussion should veer into the gray area of
political "correctness."
I believe that the issue centers around what the MVPA itself REPRESENTS.
Let me say that I respect the right of all list members (and MVPA
members) to express their own personal political opinions, and I greatly
appreciate the fact that we CAN express such opinions.
However, I didn't join the MVPA as a political organization. I joined
because I felt that it was a great way of getting a lot of people
together from all around the world who share a COMMON INTEREST.
To quote from the MVPA website:
"Established in 1976, the Military Vehicle Preservation Association
(MVPA) is an international non-profit IRS 510(c)10 organization
dedicated to the collection, preservation, and restoration of historic
military vehicles."
I don't see anything political in this MVPA charter. It is an
"international" organization. As such, I don't think that it would be
right if the MVPA were to sanction an event that singles out former
enemies (and current ALLIES) for symbolic punishment.
Crushing cars with tanks is not a "reinactment" and doesn't require
German or Japanese cars to be "authentic." This is not the preservation
of history.
I know that the MVPA has members of various nationalities, and members
with different political viewpoints. There are also respected members of
this list and the MVPA who are of German, Japanese, and Italian
nationalities or origins.
So, this is not about political correctness at all. It is about whether
or not the MVPA is a political organization or one dedicated to
preserving history and providing a meeting place for people of ALL
nationalities who share a common interest in the wonderful assortment of
military vehicles that played an important role in shaping our lives.
If I have misinterpreted the MVPA charter, would someone please let me
know?
Regards,
Alan
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