On February 16 singer John Heesters, a 104 year old man, performed in the De Flint theater in Amsterdamn. Although normally this feat would be something to celebrate the event was not embraced by the people of the Netherlands. Standing in front of the theater they protested his arrival and performance on the basis that he was once a Nazi. It is true, he once performed for Hitler and his regime, but does that make him a Nazi? According to the demonstators stationed outside the theater he made millions during Hitler's reign and traveled with Hitler's company to keep them entertained. So the question is, because Heesters traveled with the Nazis and performed for him does that make him a Nazi?
The answer is no. Heesters was simply doing what he thought was right. He wasn't saving lives, but then again he wasn't killing anyone either. Heesters claims to have never known the true conditions of the concentration camps. This is a pretty plausible argument considering he'd never truly been in one. Heesters cannot be called a Nazi because he never actually became one. Like Anne Frank he was simply watching his own back. If Hitler wanted him to sing he would sing, or more than likely be killed.
Heesters looks back now and regrets everything. He's 104 years old, just let him be. He's not a Nazi and at this age he's probably not a talented singer anymore. So why don't the protesters just leave him alone. He going to kick the bucket soon anyways, let him die knowing the world didn't think he was a Nazi.
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