I understand Harry Elmer Barnes translated some of Paul Rassinier’s work, who denied the holocoust ever happened.
I wonder why Rothbard would have Harry Elmer Barnes in such high esteem. I still like Rothbard a lot, but this somewhat disappointing.
Some people just believe completely bat-shit things, despite otherwise being highly intelligent. I myself have various friends who believe every conspiracy theory you can imagine.
Besides, it’s not as if it reflects (to a logical thinking person) on all libertarians.
so Rothbard spoke well of someone as a historian of US affairs, and he shouldn’t have because this fellah translated work by someone unscholarly?
here’s another damning connection:
Einstein was a commie!
From what I understand, it’s only recently that Barnes has become pretty discredited due to his Holocaust denialism. Before, he use to be a pretty prominent and respected historian.
to what degree of holocaust denial? for instance, some historians question the mainstream figures as to how many jew were exterminated at Auschwitz, and in the total operation, but don’t deny that the Nazi’s made a concerted effort at genocied.
He still considers the nazis a group of murderers, but I am not sure the argument to justify 1.6 million in that they are not in actuallity 6 million murdered Jews is very classy, to say the least. Also, I would expect a serious historian arguing about the details of the genocide by gunshot versus the gas chamber would be more objective and Paul Rassinger was certainly not as he himself admitted.
So, my question is what Rothbard says here about Harry Elmer Barnes, not just as a historian:
I really like reading about history, but it is often difficult finding a perspective I’m comfortable with. So, please correct me if I’m wrong.
“Not very classy.” Yeah bro. What a devastating indictment.
As to the latter issue, your objection seems limited to Paul Rassinger and his lack of objectivity rather than the actual merits of the debate. I’m calling Homeland Security on your Nazi ass.
I hear they’re still finding human ash in Auschwitz.