To the Editor:
I am amazed at the shortsightedness concerning the publication of an annotated "Mein Kampf" in Germany. I studied Nazi Germany, World War II and National Socialism at Smith College, the University of Massachusetts and on my own. To do so without including "Mein Kampf" seems like studying Christianity without a Bible or Judaism without Torah. The book contains clear warnings of the crimes and evils to be expected under Hitler’s leadership by describing his ideology.
It is a necessity to study it for serious research and analysis. Besides, banning (burning) books is what Nazis do — read Heinrich Heine’s warning.
"Mein Kampf" is indeed disgusting and a painful reminder of unspeakable crimes and suffering. But it is also a valuable learning tool for the dedication to "Never again."
Rena Jacques
Greenfield, Mass.
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