I read a book in college that consisted solely of terrible reviews garnered the next morning in the newspaper by great works of art. For example, when Beethoven’s 9th Symphony finally debuted in the U.S. in 1846, American music critics often pointed out that its much anticipated 4th movement Ode to Joy sounded suspiciously, to their ears, like Yankee Doodle Dandy.
Well, if legislation currently making its way through the process in Germany is finalized, don’t mention that to the Germans. From Welt:
The Federal Council wants to criminalize the denigration of the European Union and its symbols. A corresponding bill of Saxony decided the Landkammer on Friday in Berlin. According to the current legal situation, the symbols of the Federal Republic of Germany and its countries, but not those of the EU, are protected by criminal law. The bill now comes in the Bundestag. When it is voted on is not yet clear.
Minister of Justice Sebastian Gemkow (CDU) said: “The values on which the European Union is based are respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. We do not allow these values to be denigrated more and more frequently by attacks on the symbols of the European Union.”
So no Yankee Doodle jokes about the E.U.’s official theme song, Ode to Joy, at least not when you are standing on German territory. Or maybe no posting of Yankee Doodle jokes online to your permanent record from anywhere?
Uh-oh …
Mr. Bean better watch out:
