Chris Dodd Nuremberg Must Continually Relearned
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At any rate I would recommend this book largely because it gives you a first hand encounter with what the NAzi top dogs were like on a human level. I found my comfort zone being rocked considerably because they genuinely don't seem that different than you an me. That is perhaps what is disconcerting the most but I think it brings you to face questions about yourself and about the nature of humanity and reality. The content comes from the interrogations of one of the chief judicial lawyers that was appointed to the case from the American side. The content is actually from love letters to his wife that he wrote during the trial telling his wife what they were actually like. His son is one that put the book together and its clear that he wanted to bring people face to face with info in a way that they wouldn't be able to access it otherwise(for most of us anyhow). It makes you realize that evil doesn't have to happen in a grand way that it can in fact run through our own hearts if you aren't careful. ...more
But this was Nuremberg, and Thomas Dodd not only had a front row seat for the proceedings, he was also a strong advocate for t
I read some excellent books in 2008, but this is probably the best non-fiction work of the year for me. One one level, it's a pretty straightforward read; other than an explanatory preface and some notes, this is simply a reprint of letters from one of the lawyers at Nuremberg (Christopher Dodd's father, Thomas Dodd ) writing home to his wife. Seems simple enough, really.But this was Nuremberg, and Thomas Dodd not only had a front row seat for the proceedings, he was also a strong advocate for the position that a full, fair and legal trial for the defendants was an absolute necessity. He agreed wholeheartedly with Justice Jackson (head of the American delegation) when he said:
"That four great nations, flushed with victory and stung with injury stay the hand of vengeance and voluntarily submit their captive enemies to the judgment of the law is one of the most significant tributes that Power has ever paid to Reason."
Tom Dodd's letters provide a deep insight into the process of pre-trial interviews, cross-examinations, and judgments that ultimately resulted in the death or long imprisonment of almost all the defendants. In this era of the Global War on Terror, where we have decided to sometimes eliminate the use of the legal process in favor of more "direct" means, the reminder that the highest-ranking surviving members of the Nazi party were given full trials after World War II and the Holocaust is something worth remembering and reviewing.
...moreI was also interested in his experience of living as an American citizen in Nuremberg just after the war -- the ho
This book contains letters from Thomas Dodd (then a 38-year-old lawyer; later a U.S. senator) to his beloved wife Grace. I read it in the wake of a visit to the Palace of Justice. I was interested in Dodd's perspective on trials. The letters reflect his experience from day to day, sometimes with defendants, sometimes with courtroom personnel, and often with procedure and social life.I was also interested in his experience of living as an American citizen in Nuremberg just after the war -- the horrible living conditions in Europe in general and Nuremberg in particular as well as the fact that he lived in requisitioned housing, first in Zirndorf, then in Dambach.
If you're looking for details about the trials (testimony, evidence, etc.), look elsewhere.
...moreThomas J. Dodd (1907–1971) represented Connecticut in Congress an
I read this book on the heels of reading the "Memoirs of Franz von Papen". It was very interesting to read the perspective of one of the defendants and the prosecutor. Aside from the substance one of my first impressions is that we have lost the art of letter writing in the modern era of email, text, Twitter and Facebook. What will future generations have to judge us on our relationships, musings and thoughts? Will they even know?Thomas J. Dodd (1907–1971) represented Connecticut in Congress and the Senate. Yet for all his success, he correctly guessed, toward the end of a year trying Nazi war criminals, that he would "never do anything as worthwhile again." His son Christopher—who also represented Connecticut in the Senate compiled and edited the letters along with the historical commentary.
Chris Dodd and his siblings discovered the letters years after their father's death. Thomas Dodd, in more than 300 letters written almost daily to wife Grace, describes a contemporaneous account of the trial. The most vivid letters recount Dodd's debriefing sessions with former Nazi ringleaders. Frustrated by the "maelstrom of incompetence" created by military lawyers, the civilian Dodd was ready to quit when the chief American prosecutor, Associate Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson, asked him to become second in command. Though Dodd learned to balance Jackson's lackluster management and cross-examination skills against the justice's integrity and eloquence, he railed against trial judge Francis Biddle for "doing the Nazi handiwork now." This correspondence shows a highly competent and independent trial lawyer, working to exhaustion. Even Von Papen admires his skill and tenacity. His sincere and daily expression of love for the wife is touching. How easily we forget the contributions of some and even more so the life partners behind them.
...moreI completely agree with Tom Dodd's reasons for bringing this collection out--to show that the U.S. did not always make a farce out of world justice (note Guantanamo), and that Nuremberg was a prime example of the victors restraining themselves properly.
The story of Dodd's rise from random attorney
Skip the first part of the book and go straight to the letters that Dodd wrote his wife while working as one of the head attorneys at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trial. You can hit the first part later...I completely agree with Tom Dodd's reasons for bringing this collection out--to show that the U.S. did not always make a farce out of world justice (note Guantanamo), and that Nuremberg was a prime example of the victors restraining themselves properly.
The story of Dodd's rise from random attorney on staff of hundreds to right-hand-man of Supreme Court Justice & chief prosecutor Jackson is a great example of Emerson's admonition,"Do your work and I shall know you." Dodd at first is surrounded by military personnel who know diddly-squat about the law. As Dodd keeps saying in the midst of incredibly inept case preparations, "Meanwhile, I saw wood." He tries to keep clear of the internal politics, and it pays off for him as his talents are gradually recognized and rewarded.
Dodd's descriptions of Germany and all the ravaged countries of Europe in the immediate aftermath of WWII are wonderful. His daily quandary about the Russian role in the trial explains to some degree the resulting US fear of communism. He learns the Russians have committed just as many atrocities as the Germans, yet they are prosecuting the Germans.
At times I felt badly for his wife, as Dodd must have been a bear to live with. Talk about throwing around the guilt! Yes, he's concerned for her, but he does have an annoying way of asking, "Why can't you write longer letters?" Good lord! She's raising 5 (FIVE) children.
Also, the petty worries of Dodd about his political career back in Connecticut are amusing. One moment he says he wants a quiet life with his family. The next moment he's asking for newspaper articles about himself and hatching schemes to run for governor. Ah, we humans. Contradictory in all ways possible.
Anyway, great primary source material. Too bad Bush and his cronies will never read it.
...moreChristopher J. Dodd. Produced by Tantor Media, downloaded from Audible.com. Narrated by Michael Prichard.
Senator Dodd of Connecticut, recently found these letters written to his mother while his father, Thomas J. Dodd was a prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials. The Dodd siblings decided to publish these letters. The journal itself is rather disappointing reading because, most of what we learn is the ongoing petty politics that
Letters from Nuremberg: My Father's Narrative of the Quest for Justice,Christopher J. Dodd. Produced by Tantor Media, downloaded from Audible.com. Narrated by Michael Prichard.
Senator Dodd of Connecticut, recently found these letters written to his mother while his father, Thomas J. Dodd was a prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials. The Dodd siblings decided to publish these letters. The journal itself is rather disappointing reading because, most of what we learn is the ongoing petty politics that hindered and/or delayed the trials, and Dodd's unwavering wish, stated in every letter, to get home to his wife and children. It is interesting to get Dodd's views on the beginning of the troubles between Russia and the rest of the allies. The publisher's note states:
Senator Christopher J. Dodd (Connecticut) presents letters his father, Senator Thomas Dodd, wrote home while serving as a prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials.Thomas
Dodd began his career in public service as a prosecutor at the trials. Chris Dodd recently discovered his mother's collection of letters his father wrote
during that time. Through his father, Chris Dodd learned not only the scope of the Holocaust but also the importance of the rule of law. Our World War
II allies would have preferred summary executions of the Nazi leadership, but Chris Dodd says his father and his colleagues gave "to these defendants that
which they did not give to their victims, and the world is a better place for their example".
The best thing about the book is the name dropping tittle tattle of pompous fools trying to much up the trial and gather personal glory. ...more
from October 7, 1945
"I pulled my hat brim down, turned my top coat collar up and discovered that I got a better reception. No cold stares but instead smiles and greetings. On the main street, particularly in the company of U.S. officers, I get ice water treatment. Some apparen
from October 7, 1945
"I pulled my hat brim down, turned my top coat collar up and discovered that I got a better reception. No cold stares but instead smiles and greetings. On the main street, particularly in the company of U.S. officers, I get ice water treatment. Some apparently look on me as a faithless German who is kowtowing to the U.S. Army."
Having compiled a few family books for various branches of my family, I understand Christopher Dodd's desire to provide a fuller, more personal perspective of his father's experiences at the trials. However, I personally do not feel enriched or better informed from the reading of this book.
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I ended up returning this to the library before completion. I plan to get it out when I have more time to listen. I highly recommend it to others.
I am listening to this on CD . It is like reading someone's diary - and getting the inside scoop on the Nazi regime all at once. It is a very nice book to read at the same time as the Devil's Doctor. It adds humanity and a compelling personal narrative. The beginning intro is a little dry- but still powerful.I ended up returning this to the library before completion. I plan to get it out when I have more time to listen. I highly recommend it to others.
...moreDodd is a Connecticut native and a graduate of Georgetown Preparatory School in Bethesda, Maryland, and Providence College. His father, Thomas J. Dodd, was one of Connecticut's United States Senators from 1959-1971. Chris Dodd served in the Peace Corps for two
Christopher John "Chris" Dodd is an American lawyer and Democratic politician currently serving as the senior U.S. Senator from Connecticut.Dodd is a Connecticut native and a graduate of Georgetown Preparatory School in Bethesda, Maryland, and Providence College. His father, Thomas J. Dodd, was one of Connecticut's United States Senators from 1959-1971. Chris Dodd served in the Peace Corps for two years prior to entering law school at the University of Louisville, and during law school concurrently served in the United States Army Reserve.
Dodd returned to Connecticut, winning election in 1974 to the United States House of Representatives from Connecticut's 2nd congressional district and was reelected in 1976 and 1978. He was elected United States Senator in the elections of 1980, and is now the longest-serving Senator in Connecticut's history, the 9th most senior of current Senators and one of three from the 1980 freshman class who are still serving.
Dodd served as general chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1995 to 1997. He currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee. In 2006, Dodd decided to run for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, but eventually withdrew after running behind several other competitors.
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--Letters from Nuremberg, page 135"
--Letters from Nuremberg, page 135"
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Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1590804.Letters_from_Nuremberg
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