Let's look at the policy creep under the Nazis state - is it fair to throw around comparisons of the same sort of #hostileenvironment being created in Britain and elsewhere? 
The Nazis came to power in 1933, through a combination of straight-forward politicking, and making sure that some representatives couldn't vote. From the very beginning, they set out a vision of 'lebensraum' for the German people, at the expense of supposed enemies.
In March 1933 the Reichstag burned, the fire set by a Dutch communist called Marinus Van Der Lubbe. The Nazis used this as a pretext to pass legislation that
banned the KPD (Communist Party).
banned the KPD (Communist Party).
Having called another election in March 1933 to cement power, the Nazis then passed the Enabling Act. This gave Hitler's cabinet the power to pass laws without referral to the Bundestag, for an initial period of 4 years.
Also in March 1933, the first concentration camp was opened - Dachau, near Munich.
In May 1933, trade unions were banned and replaced by the German Worker's Front, an arm of the state.
In May 1933, trade unions were banned and replaced by the German Worker's Front, an arm of the state.
In July 1933, all other political parties and groups were outlawed.
In July, sterilizations (and later, killing) of the disabled began, citing their 'burden on the state'.
In July, sterilizations (and later, killing) of the disabled began, citing their 'burden on the state'.
In March 1935, conscription was introduced across Germany. Compulsory labour service began in June.
In April 1935, Jews were removed from the Wehrmacht.
In April 1935, Jews were removed from the Wehrmacht.
In September 1935, the Nuremberg Race Laws not only forbid relationships between Jews and non-Jews, but introduced a number of other exceptions. Jews could no longer become citizens.
Jews were banned from owning guns in March 1938.
Jews were banned from owning businesses in April 1938, all existing Jewish business were closed in December.
Jews were banned from owning businesses in April 1938, all existing Jewish business were closed in December.
In October 1938, Jews were ordered to hand in their passports. In November, their freedom of movement is restricted and they are banned from schools.
All of this happened in the space of 5 years, albeit without a free press to challenge and condemn it.
Think about your country - is there similar legislation being enacted? How many times can you think of xenophobic policies being reversed due to public pressure recently?
Think about your country - is there similar legislation being enacted? How many times can you think of xenophobic policies being reversed due to public pressure recently?
I guess what I'm trying to say is that you're never going to have as quick a fall to tyranny and hate as you did in Nazi Germany. However, that's only because of a free press and the presence of people on the streets ready to stand up and defeat such noxious ideas.
Many Germans (Jews, especially) weren't able to gauge the 'temperature raising' until it was far too late. Educate yourself, be aware, be ready to shout the lessons of the past back to those who are counting on you to have forgotten them, before it's too late. FIN.
