Title: What Is Satire Allowed to Do? – Everything. Except in the Heinkel Club.

Dear Heinkel friends and friends of free speech,

“What is satire allowed to do?” asked Kurt Tucholsky.
“Everything – just not be boring,” added Christoph Sieber.
And I dare to add: Everything – except in the Heinkel Club.

Because there, satire seems to be allowed to do mainly one thing: not exist.
At least not when it dares to be critical, ironic, or humorous about club matters. And certainly not if it challenges the great untouchables – or, heaven forbid, encourages the chairman to rethink something.

I’ll admit it: I’m not always comfortable.
I want to move things forward, not just polish them. I see the club as a vibrant platform for people with passion – not as a nostalgic kingdom for a few guardians of the status quo. And yes, I made the mistake of saying that out loud.
With humor. And with affection for what we do.

The reaction?
They are now officially considering expelling me from the club.
The reason? Likely my tone, my satire – or simply my inconvenient habit of thinking for myself.

That there may be personal motives behind this – who knows.
That the chairman has previously made public disapproving remarks about my activities – no secret.
That today’s club meeting will be attended by the usual loyal few, ready to rubber-stamp whatever they’re told – well, that’s almost poetic.

But before I change my profile name to “Former Member,” here’s a small spoiler of my personal final word:

I will remain satirical.
I will remain critical.
And I will remain true to myself – with or without a membership card.

Because a club that cannot tolerate dissent is not a community – it’s a vintage machine in need of a total rebuild. And I’d rather ride into headwind with integrity than coast behind a chairman who appoints himself guardian of the one true way.

In this spirit:
Just because it’s polished doesn’t mean it’s well led.

Yours truly,
Jürgen Knees