Even if Karl wanted to do something, it was too late. Germany had swallowed them up. And he himself had helped pave the way, because he had believed; he’d raised his voice and his arm, intoxicated by the Führer’s vision. He’d handed over everything, even his free will, even his peace of mind. It was too late. Now, to speak in support of any persona non grata was to declare oneself an enemy of the Reich. It was dangerous not to raise one’s arm in salute whenever the occasion demanded; it was dangerous to utter words or sing songs other than those decreed.
