For a look into the "I was only following orders" defense, the video clip of the Nuremberg Trials after World War II below shows how easy it was for the Nazis to say - in very creative ways - that they should be absolved of their crimes (at 5 minutes and 6:45 into the clip). In effect, the argument that war and inhumane acts are justified if you were just a pawn in the game takes away the concept of free will, and abrogates the notion that we should be capable of independent thought or empathy in what we do on a daily basis.
Also, Albert Speer's commentary towards the end of the clip is insightful, and especially pertinent to what's happening today.
- Mark
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