Lateral thinkers without sense or reason
This article was originally published in German. The English version is an automatic translation and may contain errors. The German original is authoritative.
No one can claim that German Corona policy is not strict. Jumping from one lockdown to the next, the neglect of all arts and culture sectors, the uncertainty in the hospitality industry – these are just a few factors that can frustrate a citizen. One is allowed to be angry. One is allowed to demonstrate and voice one's criticism and concerns. But to disregard the generally applicable safety rules at the expense of others, and to justify that with "violating fundamental rights"? That is pointless and cheeky.
Nevertheless, the so-called "Querdenker" exist
The group has set itself the goal of remedying the "massive restrictions on fundamental rights" which would be violated by the Infection Protection Act. How do they do that? With leaflets, websites decorated with federal eagles, disagreeable chat groups and conspiracy theories. What of course is also not missing: demonstrations. Without masks, without social distancing, without sense. According to the founder of the Stuttgart Querdenken website, Michael Ballweg, the "Querdenker" describe themselves as a "peaceful movement in which extremism, violence, antisemitism and misanthropic ideology have no place". I would like to remind you at this point of the extremely grotesque demonstration in November, at which Querdenker, Reichsbürger and neo-Nazis shouted and raged together on the steps of the Reichstag. Peaceful, free from violence and antisemitism looks different to me.
Querdenken is easier than thinking for oneself
Everyone in Germany has the right to freedom of expression. But opinions have influence – especially opinions proclaimed by old white men with a Reichsflagge in their hand. Every day the Querdenker find new listeners and fellow campaigners. And not because they conduct well-founded research and report exclusively facts, but because it is simpler. It is simpler for an already frustrated and angry person to join a group of other frustrated and angry people and to be angry and frustrated together. It is easier to adopt other people's opinions rather than to question things oneself. It is easier to turn one's back on the hated government and turn to people like Bodo Schiffman or the Wendler. Conspiracy theories appear more plausible than facts. YouTube and Telegram are the simpler alternatives to the Tagesschau
and specialist journals.
Whether the Querdenker are actually just a coalition of Corona critics, or a group with extremist structures, is still being investigated. What is certain, however, is that they are dangerous. In many respects.
Children and young people can freely access Querdenker portals on the internet. Conspiracy theories still reach too many people and the proportion of far-right demonstrators in Querdenker movements is increasing. In December, this proportion was already one third!
Comparisons with the Nazi era – you couldn't be more disrespectful
Disturbing, cheeky and presumptuous in my opinion, however, are above all the comparisons drawn with the Nazi era. Activists call themselves Sophie Scholl and Anne Frank. Others trivialise the Holocaust with their comparisons and drag the fate of millions of people through the mud. No Jana, you are not a resistance fighter who paid with your life, but a
esoteric crank.
The executions of those who thought differently, the sick and Jews in the Nazi era have absolutely nothing to do with the obligation to wear a face mask. Nevertheless, the followers of the Querdenker believe that.
And they cannot be persuaded otherwise! These people have committed themselves to fighting against Corona policy and will not stop. They have sworn themselves in to be part of a group hostile to democracy. No matter how senseless their actions are, they will not stop.
No end in sight
Individual politicians, including Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, have set out to take a closer look at the group, and constitutional protection authorities also view the Querdenker extremely critically. Nevertheless, one cannot stop these people for the time being; restricted
right of assembly and freedom of speech apply to all German citizens.
What is certain, however, is that the Infection Protection Act applies, that vaccinations have begun and that a large part of the German population is clear about the actual reasons behind Corona policy: namely the protection of the population and the containment of the pandemic so that we can all soon return to
normal life. Yes, all of this leaves room for criticism and dissatisfaction. German Corona policy has not got everything right either. Joining the Querdenker for that reason is nevertheless pointless.