Oooh, this is a tough one.

One of the differences between the US and German system is that parties or symbols that are seen as threats to the German Constitution (Grundgesetz) can be banned.  Therefore, both the Neo-Nazi party and the Swatstika are banned.  Hitler’s Mein Kampf is only available for “academic purposes” (for example, the book is not kept in the normal stacks of a library, it has to be requested with a special form).

What’s interesting, is that Neo-Nazi materials are now often produced openly in the US and smuggled into Germany.

I don’t support these laws in Germany, however, what we often hear in this country are discussions about the “limits” of free speech.  Well, this is an example of limited free speech.

The biggest problem with banning a symbol or a party (by name) is that it does nothing to stop the ideology behind them.  They just adopt a new name or a different symbol. 

I felt that this quote eloquently expressed the same idea.  The suppression of symbols affects everyone but does little to stop the actual target.