Wil's Rant

At what point do past errors and crimes past the point of becoming re-payable? One present dispute is between Germany and Poland over WW II compensation. It is certainly not in question that the Poles suffered horribly during the war. Virtually, all the leaders and many of the participants are dead. Most of those who suffered directly are now getting up there in age. Should modern Germany continue to bear a financial responsibility to pay for those crimes. Trudeau once said( Canada) that should we attempt to satisfy all native land claims in Canada that we would have to give a land mass totaling 115% of Canada. In other words, there ain't enough land. While we definitely must take responsibility for past mistakes, the important point is to recognize that crimes were committed and make damn sure we don't repeat them. If people are suffering hardship today as a direct result of those past crimes, then they deserve to be compensated in some fashion. As in the case of Poland, they sit right on the edge. There are many who have suffered who are still alive.The countries current woes can be said to stem from the Russian takeover following the war. The problem becomes trying to possibly look at all these cases. There are just too many. Our recent and long past is filled with so many of these crimes that it becomes impossible to even attempt a repayment. In a totally just world, it would be a pointless pursuit anyway. If all humans had equal chance, opportunity and share of resources, this type of question would hold no meaning.