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Nazi Analogy for Barrett's Esophagus? Hard to Swallow

2010; Elsevier BV; Volume: 8; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.cgh.2010.01.010

1542-7714

Charles Maltz,

Esophageal and GI Pathology

Dear Editor:I was shocked to see a quote by a Nazi General, Heinz Guderian, chosen by Dr George Triadafilopoulos as the lead in to his editorial on treatment of Barrett's esophagus containing early neoplasia, Blitzkrieg for Barrett's Esophagus Containing Early Neoplasia, in the January 2010 issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Is Dr Triadafilopoulos not aware that General Guderian commanded the initial invasion forces that attacked Poland starting World War II, as well as Panzergruppe 2 in its criminal invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941? Among his other activities he served on an army court that expelled hundreds of German officers thought to be opposed to Hitler's policies after the plot against Hitler in 1944. These officers were then turned over to the notorious people's court with many being executed. It is true he was not tried as a war criminal, although this was protested by both the Polish and Soviet governments. Although Guderian had his quarrels with Hitler leading to his eventual dismissal from the army, these related to disagreements about military tactics. He had no quarrel with Hitler's murderous criminal policies which led to the killing of millions. I would hope Dr Triadafilopoulos can find a more suitable quote (and more suitable title) for his editorial. I would also suggest avoiding another Guderian quote: “It is decisive to completely destroy Warsaw.” Dear Editor: I was shocked to see a quote by a Nazi General, Heinz Guderian, chosen by Dr George Triadafilopoulos as the lead in to his editorial on treatment of Barrett's esophagus containing early neoplasia, Blitzkrieg for Barrett's Esophagus Containing Early Neoplasia, in the January 2010 issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Is Dr Triadafilopoulos not aware that General Guderian commanded the initial invasion forces that attacked Poland starting World War II, as well as Panzergruppe 2 in its criminal invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941? Among his other activities he served on an army court that expelled hundreds of German officers thought to be opposed to Hitler's policies after the plot against Hitler in 1944. These officers were then turned over to the notorious people's court with many being executed. It is true he was not tried as a war criminal, although this was protested by both the Polish and Soviet governments. Although Guderian had his quarrels with Hitler leading to his eventual dismissal from the army, these related to disagreements about military tactics. He had no quarrel with Hitler's murderous criminal policies which led to the killing of millions. I would hope Dr Triadafilopoulos can find a more suitable quote (and more suitable title) for his editorial. I would also suggest avoiding another Guderian quote: “It is decisive to completely destroy Warsaw.” Blitzkrieg for Barrett's Esophagus Containing Early NeoplasiaClinical Gastroenterology and HepatologyVol. 8Issue 1Preview“You hit somebody with your fist and not with your fingers spread.” — Heinz Wilhelm Guderian (German WWII general and tank commander, 1888–1954) Full-Text PDF ReplyClinical Gastroenterology and HepatologyVol. 8Issue 6PreviewI thank my colleagues and friends for bringing forth their objections to my editorial1 that poignantly highlights an aggressive approach to Barrett's esophagus in 2010 and beyond. I would also like to thank Dr Maltz for his comment, although he does not take a position on the main theme of my editorial, the management of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. As someone who has been brought up in Europe, born to a father who fought the Nazis and Italian fascists from 1939 to 1944 and was a member of the Greek resistance, I am quite aware of the sensitivities involved. Full-Text PDF ReplyClinical Gastroenterology and HepatologyVol. 8Issue 6PreviewThe American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute protects the editorial independence in its journals and has welcomed the correspondence generated by the editorial by Dr George Triadafilopoulos published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Full-Text PDF