South Bend, March 11, 1973
The French Runoff Elections
Today’s runoff elections to the French Parliament brought once more a narrow victory for the Gaullists. The conservative middle class in Western Europe as well as people in the United States were worried, for there was apprehension that the socialist-communist coalition could bring a swing to the left. This could have had unpredictable consequences for the Atlantic Alliance. But how long will it take until this writing on the wall will reappear? In the meantime, will Italy be able to resist the pressure from the left? Is Europe destined to become a neutral zone that will distance itself from America and then involuntarily come under Moscow’s sphere of influence? Seen from here, all these questions, one was afraid, were at stake at these French elections.
South Bend, March 12, 1973
The Successful Congenial Affinity
How can you know that the wife of an American with the last name O’Leary came from Sicily and is of Italian descent, or that the grandfather of someone named Casablanca was Irish, or that the in-laws of a Preston had come from Vienna, Frankfurt or Warsaw? The European nations have connected here with one another in the most natural, uncomplicated and matter of fact way. Wouldn’t that be comforting for Europe, too? For, why should it not be possible in Europe what has been so prolific and successful here in America?
South Bend, [Middle of March], 1973
Everybody Knows Germany
You wouldn’t think it possible that so many Americans know Germany. On a Saturday afternoon I met at least five persons - from the barber, the gas filling station attendant to the shoe salesman - who had been stationed three to six years in Garmisch, Stuttgart or Heidelberg. They all dream now of returning as tourists to Germany or Austria. If for nearly thirty years half a million American soldiers and their families were stationed in Germany, it has had its impact. Still, the broad effect the stationing of American troops in Germany has had, is, nevertheless, surprising.
South Bend, March 28, 1973
The Last Prisoners of War
Today, with the exchange of the last prisoners of war and the withdrawal of the last American troops, the American engagement in Vietnam has come to a close. Mixed with the general feeling of relief is also the determination to say: “Never again”
South Bend, March 30, 1973
The Surprises of an Academic Career
There are always surprises in an academic career, which at times are not without irony. As a family we had just moved into our new house here in South Bend, when I received an invitation from a well-known German university to apply for the newly-established chair for American Studies. What to do? The decision was not easy. However, after discussing the matter with my wife, the decision was clear: No moving, no change of residence anymore. We wanted to see the fresh seeded lawn in the yard grow green. Also, the fact that Notre Dame had done so much for us was a main reason to stay here.