Dagens Nyheter denies Swedish wars
Peaceful wars? Sweden’s most influential newspaper, Dagens Nyheter (DN), writes in an editorial Sunday 5 June about the so-called “National Day” in Sweden. In 2005 this day - 6 June - for the first time will be a public holiday.
DN argues that 6 June, for a number of reasons, is a badly chosen date. I fully agree - see here and here. But what is this:
“To describe Sweden as a community of destiny feels exaggerated, considering the peaceful history of the country”. Peaceful?!! Did the editorial writer ever hear of Sweden’s participation in the 30-years war, its occupation of 1/3 of Denmark, the brutal re-nationalization process in Scania… I could make the list much longer!
With DN’s Stockholm-centered, chauvinistic analyses it’s no wonder Sweden has problems adapting itself to new times. What’s next, Dagens Nyheter? Consequent denial of the liberal values you claim to defend?
Anders L. Hansson
It is all because they seee themselves as the historical belly buttom - the peak of 50,000 years of achievements - and it starts with their kindergarten in the 50’s and ends today. The lack of self-distance is brutal. That is the concept that rule today and it that perspective - Louis XIV was humble.
Jan Kallberg