“Yes, in 1936, long before the beginning of the European hostilities, the Nazis awarded Colonel Lindbergh a medal, and, yes,” continued Bengelsdorf, “yes, the colonel accepted their medal. But all the while, my friends, all the while secretly exploiting their admiration in order better to protect and preserve our democracy and to preserve our neutrality through strength.” “I cannot believe—” my father began. “Try,” muttered Alvin evilly. “This is not America’s war,” Bengelsdorf announced, and the crowd at Madison Square Garden responded with a full minute of applause. “This,” the rabbi told
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