Our sacred obligation

Editorial

Most Canadians may have never heard of him, but Michael Savage has the third-largest talk radio audience in the United States, behind Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. When California Congressman Tom Lantos died this month, Savage lived up to his name.

"You're not supposed to talk badly about the dead," he told his audience. "I generally wouldn't do it. But in the case of Tom Lantos, I'll make an exception. I think he was one of the most – he was a scoundrel. And I'll tell you why I detested Tom Lantos. The man survived the Holocaust of World War II and used it as a weapon the rest of his life."

Lantos was the only Holocaust survivor to serve in the U.S. Congress. His service to his country was infused with the lessons of oppression and tyranny that he learned from his experience in the Shoah. He was vigilant in defending civil liberties and was keenly aware of the dangers of letting down one's guard in the face of despotism.

The vigilance he exercised was a sacred duty to never forget. What the Savages of the world call "a weapon" is, in fact, the social obligation survivors have – and we who survive after them share – to ensure the world never forgets. Savage's remarks are a reminder that this job is not nearly done.

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