The Berlin Wall: 20 Years Later

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therightone

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The Legacy of 1989 Is Still Up for Debate

The events of 1989 spurred a striking transformation of Europe, which is now whole and free, and a reunified Germany, milestones that are being observed with celebrations all over the continent, including a French-German extravaganza Monday evening on the Place de la Concorde.

http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/subjects/b/berlin_wall/index.html

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A Division Through Time

SNAKING ALONG, cutting through fields and streets, yards and gardens, the 28-mile-long Berlin Wall stood as a border between East and West Berlin from 1961 to 1989.

That all changed on Nov. 9, 1989, when an inexact translation, a confused border guard and a natural longing for a better life opened a hole in that wall that would eventually end the Cold War.

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PARIS — There was nothing through most of that gray, chilly Thursday to suggest that it would come to symbolize one of the great transitions of the 20th century, the triumphant end of a failed system. Even when the delirious crowds surged through the Berlin Wall shortly before midnight on Nov. 9, 1989, it was not because of any momentous decision or heroic feat; it was because of a bad translation, a confused border guard and a natural longing for a better life.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/world/europe/09iht-wall.html

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U2 One Berlin, Brandenburg Gate 2009-11-05

 
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I gotta go over the wall, I wanna go over the Berlin Wall
Wave all day, we love the Berlin Wall
I don't understand this bit at all
I jumped right over the Berlin Wall
People wave all day, come ovr the Berlin Wall
I don't understand this bit at all
Please don't be waiting for me
 
I missed it by like a year. My mom and dad actually said they'd have let me hop a train and run over there if we'd still lived in Germany then.

I'd have listened to Viva Hate on the train.
 
A real Prez (in contrast with our current buffoon, Obama):

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The lefties attacked Reagan for saying this, because they were quite fond of the USSR at the time.
 
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It was history in the making when the East Germans and the rest of the Easter Bloc countries could finally find their freedom.
 
I feel so linked to this city and I wish I could be there for this amazing anniversary!

I lived and worked there for about a year and a half before grad school. I returned to the States to begin my graduate work. Coming home from my studio that fateful night (well after midnight was my usual time frame) my house mate had been waiting up for me. He said "the wall is coming down" and he had the news on. He was a real prankster so I just called his BS and started to walk away. Then I saw the images and heard the reports and I was in shock. It was one of those moments in life that you never forget. I was so moved...it made an indelible impression.

I had traveled back and forth to East Berlin during my time there. I had experienced the oppressive state that the residents there endured. This felt like such a human triumph! I was overjoyed for the people and especially the ones I knew personally.

I went back to Berlin that summer as I wanted to experience the new Berlin for myself. (This was after beginning a thesis project on the redesign of the newly unified Berlin city center) I worked for an office in West Berlin and slept on the floor of my friend's flat that summer. I took it all in and to this day is is part of my fabric...my human experience.

Viva Berlin!! I love you in all your magnificence!!
 
Growing up in the western part of Berlin and being a teenager when the wall came down 9th Nov 89 has obviously changed my life in many ways.

I was lucky to be at the right place at the time to experience history. These days were amazing and I have to say that I was quite touched watching the scenes yesterday. Such an uplifting experience.

I think the most important lesson to learn from the revolution in Eastern Europe in 89 is that people can do positive things, achieve someting etc. We have to keep this in mind.
 
A real Prez (in contrast with our current buffoon, Obama):

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The lefties attacked Reagan for saying this, because they were quite fond of the USSR at the time.
Funny how 'The One' didn't give any shout outs for Reagan.
 
Growing up in the western part of Berlin and being a teenager when the wall came down 9th Nov 89 has obviously changed my life in many ways.

I was lucky to be at the right place at the time to experience history. These days were amazing and I have to say that I was quite touched watching the scenes yesterday. Such an uplifting experience.

I think the most important lesson to learn from the revolution in Eastern Europe in 89 is that people can do positive things, achieve someting etc. We have to keep this in mind.

Well said Mattisek!

These experiences are things that are very poignant for me. I have my pieces of the wall that I chiseled out myself and kept to give to my son. I want him to know the story and understand the significance.

Glad to know there is another Berliner in the forum!!

Prosit!!

:)
 
Funny how 'The One' didn't give any shout outs for Reagan.

He didn't even show up in person to the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. I guess because it's not a happy occasion for communists.
 
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Prost, der Hoff!
 
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