The Development director of the St. Pete holocaust musuem was called today to raise concerns over mel sembler being on the board.
The development director while speaking to incmedia representive said this.
"I don't believe that it (straight)was as bad as that group makes it out to be.
Then proceeded with:
"If you all need to be angry at someone you should be angry at your parents for putting you in there".
incmedia rep "Am I to understand then that you believe that Mel Sembler should hold no responsbility for anything that happened in Straight and that it is the parents fault"
Answer: "Yes"
Further stating" I dont believe that the kids ended up any worse when they got out, and the parents did have the freedom to put their kids in there or not so they should accept the responsibility for what happened instead of targeting the semblers. There was a choice and freedom on the parents part.
Interviewer:"If the parents where lied to and once you turned 18 you were held against your will anyway then you are mistaken about choice".
Answer" Well I dont even have any proof that all the abuse is true"
Interviewer:"You may feel free to look at all the documented proof located at
http://www.thestraights.com"
Answer: Well , I don't need to look at that."
Interviewer "So, your not interested as a member of the holocaust musuem in even determining whether these acts took place?'
Answer:"Ok, fine if I get time Ill look it over"
Interviewer: "Do you not find it ironic that Sembler is on the board of a holocaust musuem given his program horrific past?"
Answer" Again, I think the people to focus on and blame are the parents who put them in there. What is it you want?
Interviewer: "We would like you to at least look at other options with less controversy for Semblers place on the board".
Answer"Well I know all about your group and we answer to other people like our board directors.
Interviewer: Thank you for your time.
Interview contucted on Nov 1, 2002 at approx
2:30 pm. with a Mr. Gary Polland- Development Director Holocaust Musuem St. Pete ... extention 249
Interviewers conclusion: To follow Mr. Pollands line of thinking then he must also believe that the survivors of the holocaust should not be blaming Hitler but instead their parents who chose to call Germany home.