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1. During DT’s campaign warnings were raised of Nazi Germany –mostly to be scoffed at. This is America, right? No need to worry, y’all.
2. On the heels of Senator Flake’s speech denouncing Trump-era politics and nearly a year into this, uh, era, let’s revisit the issue.
3. Post WW1 Germany was in economic collapse –a swift and detrimental freefall due to post war penalties and a redrawn global map.
4. Our economic suffering is not as acute, but dire as we face the realities of technology, automation, oil dependency, a global workforce.
5. As in Germany, desperation drives intense disagreement on direction, desire for radical action, and frustration with the establishment.
6. As Hitler rose to power, political views began to go to the extremes – a dissolution of the center/moderate view. Far Right vs Far Left.
7. Sound familiar? If you’re thinking of Bernie and Bannon, you’re right. Did the folks lining up on extremes expect the grisly outcome?
8. Surely not, but without the center there is no balance or democratic function. By default, the views of the few are forced on the many.
9. And no matter how much you believe your view is what’s best for all, the above scenario is a dangerous sociopolitical climate.
10. In the 1928 German election, the Nazi party only took 18% of the vote. Their views were extreme only supported by the fringe.
11. They picked up votes over the next few years as nationalism took root. Except nationalism quickly gave way to nativism and racism.
12. There were gov leaders that were clearly white-supremacist and anti-Semite, but many overlooked it as a minor fly in the ointment.
13. This also sounds familiar. Muslim Ban, ICE raids, the Wall, anti-DACA, Charlottesville, “Blood and Soil” –who is condemned and not.
14. In 1933 (after the Reichstag fire, massive propaganda, voter suppression and violence) the Nazi’s still lost the majority - only 44%.
15. Didn’t matter, Hitler legalized his dictatorship two weeks later. Incidentally, Germany didn’t have another free election until 1990.
16. Still not convinced of the red flags? I urge you to read @Amy_Siskind and @sarahkendzior who have detailed our authoritarian slide.
17. And take due note of a #POTUS who has demonized the press. The 4th estate exists for our protection. A free press is vital.
18. Social media only makes us more vulnerable to propaganda, we are inundated with curated content that supports our own biases. Be wary.
19. Resist division. Respect the political spectrum in this country and affect changes within it. Respect the voices and rights of all.
20. As we approach midterms, make no mistake it is our democracy that is at risk. Get involved. Stay Informed. Vote and do so with wisdom.
