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There's a concept used in debates about how Nazi power structures worked -- "'working toward' Hitler".
It's relevant to a lot of the discussions this week about the sharpie map -- and a lot more.
Essentially, it's a system of unspoken orders, assumed via collective belief. /1
It's relevant to a lot of the discussions this week about the sharpie map -- and a lot more.
Essentially, it's a system of unspoken orders, assumed via collective belief. /1
'Working toward' Hitler means Hitler set the vision and activated/mobilized people, but once vision + mobilization existed, specific orders were not needed.
His generals interpreted & acted, just as many regular Nazis acted in ways they believed would be favored by Hitler. /2
His generals interpreted & acted, just as many regular Nazis acted in ways they believed would be favored by Hitler. /2
'Working toward Hitler' is about decision-making:
-Hitler set vision, energized people behind it, but wasn't really a details guy
-No Nazi opposed the vision
-The most radicalized Nazis would find ways to enact the vision, thus proving worth to Hitler & gaining power /3
-Hitler set vision, energized people behind it, but wasn't really a details guy
-No Nazi opposed the vision
-The most radicalized Nazis would find ways to enact the vision, thus proving worth to Hitler & gaining power /3
This is not about absolving Hitler from blame. This is just a way to explain how the collective mobilization worked when specific orders weren't available.
How it was the work of Nazis seeking Hitler's approval that helped to make the horror so vast and real. /4
How it was the work of Nazis seeking Hitler's approval that helped to make the horror so vast and real. /4
The horrors were made into policy and then reality by people "just doing their jobs" and either believing in or never standing up to the horrific overarching vision because they understand the rules and rewards of the system they were participating in. /5
How many men (and it is mostly but not exclusively men) do we now have "working toward Trump"?
Side bar: again, this is about decision making and power structures, not ideology. /6
Side bar: again, this is about decision making and power structures, not ideology. /6
Who is "working toward Trump"? Yes, some -- Cuccinelli, Miller, Pompeo, Pence -- were already radicalized in certain beliefs of their own, and can fit them into POTUS architecture for own ends, but also for his vision.
But there are others. They do it for the reward. /7
But there are others. They do it for the reward. /7
Btw -- ironically a similar concept often referred to as 'local initiative' is now used to explain the functioning of the Russian security state, but for exactly the purpose of absolving Putin of his role -- saying centralized control/mobilization isn't really the main thing /8
POTUS understands instinctually what he is doing when he calls for initiative from others ("commit a crime, I'll pardon you!"), ensures that those who answer call are rewarded. Especially via cushy Fox/campaign/Trumpworld jobs.
He doesn't want you to think he is reaponsible. /8
He doesn't want you to think he is reaponsible. /8
But thankfully -- he is instinctual, and frankly, lazy and petty.
But who are the radicalized actors answering his call?
Think out of the box. Not those title guys, though them too. There are many. You know. /9
But who are the radicalized actors answering his call?
Think out of the box. Not those title guys, though them too. There are many. You know. /9
And all of that speaks to the quality of the vision and the character.
That is all. He mobilizes and inspires the system formed by his character. /10
That is all. He mobilizes and inspires the system formed by his character. /10
