Charlie Rose with Ron Rosenbaum; Martin Amis; Robert Riger

Journalist Ron Rosenbaum talks about the fiftieth anniversary of Hitler's death, his lasting impact, and whether historians should try to understand his actions. The, Martin Amis on his new book The Information, which illustrates the envy and ego of the literary world, and about his life as a writer. Finally, Robert Riger on his philosophy of sports photography, his career, and his new book The Sports Photography of Robert Riger.

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The Ron Rosenbaum segment

Rosenbaum had written an article in the 'New Yorker' regarding the controversies involved in explaining the mass- murderer who may well be the worst person who ever lived. Rosenbaum explains that part of the controversy is that the Documentary film-maker Claude Lantzmann and others object to this endless consideration of the monster's motives. Lantzmann believes that such an investigation tends to find causes which excuse, causes which make the monster the 'victim' of circumstances. Rosenbaum does not dismiss the truth of this argument, but nonetheless considers it important to make the historical investigation. He speaks about having spoken to Allan Bullock and Trevor- Roper two major historians who have had opposing ideas on motivation, with one believing the monster a true- believer who had a hypnotic power and will which led the masses to follow. The other Trevor Roper sees him as cynical maneuverer who believed in nothing. Rosenbaum talks about other aspects of the controversy. Rose raises the question of Stalin as comparable figure. Rosenbaum perhaps should have pointed out more the uniqueness involved. It was not a question of reasons, or real causes or logical purposes, but rather an effort to wholly wipe out one kind of human being for their very existing.
In any case though I learned from the segment, and thought Rose conducted it wisely and sensibly, I share a bit of Lantzmann's feeling and was somewhat uncomfortable watching it.
Will any of the focus on the 'monster' do anything for the millions murdered by him? or even for surviving family members? December 18, 2007

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