The 2nd Migrant Wave to Germany | 265 comments (265 topical, editorial, 2 hidden)

1989 (4.00 / 4)

Here is an account from the border (starting with the arrival of that first bus with people from the highway trek). Someone unexpected saw the same historical parallel I saw:

Flüchtlinge in Ungarn: In Bussen nach Österreich - taz.de		Refugees in Hungary: In buses to Austria - taz.de
Grenzstation Nickelsdorf in dieser Nacht. 39 Fliehende steigen um 2.32 Uhr aus einem weißen Bus aus (Video auf Twitter und weiter unten). Die ungarische Polizei kontrolliert nicht ihre Papiere. Kurz hinter dem ungarischen Grenzposten stehen einige österreichische Bürger. Sie rufen ,,Welcome". Einige Meter weiter, am Kontrollpunkt von Österreich, warten Polizisten. Sie winken die Menschen freundlich heran. Dann bieten sie ihnen Tee an und Verpflegung. Die Fliehenden können es nicht fassen: Sie sind tatsächlich in Österreich.		Border station Nickelsdorf that night. At 2:32 o'clock, 39 refugees get off a white bus (see video on Twitter and further below). The Hungarian police doesn't check their papers. A short distance behind the Hungarian border markings, some Austrian citizens are standing. They call "Welcome". A few meters further, at the Austrian checkpoint, policemen are waiting. They wave the people to come in a friendly manner. Then they offer them tea and meals. The refugees can not believe: they are actually in Austria.
Um Punkt 4.50 Uhr herrscht Gewissheit. Dutzende weitere Busse erreichen Nickelsdorf. Hunderte Menschen sind nun angekommen. Sie werden in Österreich empfangen, mit Bananen und Wasser, mit Decken, Kleidern und Schuhen. Über Stunden hinfort werden noch weitere kommen, am Ende einige tausend Menschen. Ein Polizist blickt auf einen der ankommenden Busse. Er hat Tränen in den Augen. Er sagt: ,,Das ist wie 1989."		At exactly 4:50 o'clock there is certainty. Dozens more buses reach Nickelsdorf. Hundreds of people have now arrived. They are welcomed in Austria, with bananas and water, blankets, clothes and shoes. For hours, more will arrive, by the end thousands. A policeman looks at one of the incoming buses. He has tears in his eyes. He says: "This is like 1989."

_{*Lunatic*, n.

One whose delusions are out of fashion.}

by DoDo on Sat Sep 5th, 2015 at 08:50:20 AM EST

Re: 1989 (none / 1)

Why unexpected? I should think the parallel is striking. We are at a point where one cannot help but sense that a lot is changing suddenly. The old order is crumbling rapidly. People are somewhat stunned and don't know what is coming. They aren't Hobbesian monsters though, giving in to their fears. Most welcome the newcomers, and are prepared to show solidarity, and hope that the change will be for the better.

by Katrin on Sat Sep 5th, 2015 at 09:29:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 1989 (none / 0)

I think he meant that the unexpected was a policeman saying this, not the comparison itself.

by gk (gk (gk quattro due due sette @gmail.com)) on Sat Sep 5th, 2015 at 09:44:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

The 2nd Migrant Wave to Germany | 265 comments (265 topical, 0 editorial, 2 hidden)

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