Thank you, Gary. My title was indeed based on Niemöllers words; it's striking how fascism still works with the same toolbox: start with a small minority, far away, out of sight, and maybe less easy to identify with, and then work from there to the next, and the next, until you the system destroys everyone and the fabric of society.
Another parallel: the leaders of fascism are such unlikely persons to make it to the top; who would have chosen Himler for any military role? And wouldn't you keep someone who looks like Goebles far away from the media? Netflix has a documentary about the inner circle around Hitler that is worth seeing.
And now, looking at the hearings, you get the same feeling: not only are their moral values unacceptable, but they are also incompetent for the responsibilities they get. In the past few days, it has become clearer that there lies an opportunity; they fail in many of the things they try to achieve.
Niemöeller spent 8 years in concentration camps but died at home at age 92 in Wiesbaden. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, also openly opposed Hitler, died in prison. Both of their writings speak eloquently what we're facing today and some lessons on how to combat the threats of fascism. Someone on here wrote recently that we better stand up in public as the opposition while we still can.
You have accurately described the development. I am heartened by the movement. I had faith in my people but I am also encouraged by Dem leadership who are actually working to a positive outcome. You also accurately describe the repercussions that have not occurred to many voters. It is imperative we keep up the pressure. Thank you for this serious observation. And thank you for the happiness you spread as we work to survive this onslaught.
I was just thinking today, that because of a lot what the world has turned to, makes me feel unsafe. We not only see this trend in the US, but also in countries in Europe, even within the EU.
The words you write today give me, and others, hope. Also, that we, who feel unsafe, are not alone. I want to cling to this hope, because the other side is, as the German philosopher wrote, "we learn from history that we do not learn from history". What will it be? We cannot allow history to repeat itself.
I guess it will be up to those who raise their voice and stand their ground. Those who stand up to give the future a brighter outlook for all.
Yes, spot on. I have written several articles about those who dared to resist tyranny in the past—often unsung heroes who lost their lives to make a better future for all of us. Right now, so many people are asking themselves what choices they must make in unusual circumstances, often impossible choices. The misery created for millions in just a few weeks is hard to imagine. So is the notion that a majority of voters chose for this chaos.
When fear overtakes us and America is under threat, we have to write a new story. We have to become that story; one that does not follow the Nazi playbook but rises above it.
It is never a good idea to bet against the United States of America. But that is exactly what Trump and his minions are doing; betting they can throw everything unconstitutional against the wall and see what sticks. I believe they will lose.
They will lose in the courts; the guardrails of our Judiciary are holding steady. They will lose in the Congress, our politicians are waking up; they will lose in the streets, our people are rising up.
The universe is shifting, and our story continues. A story of hope. Even for the most vulnerable.
"Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike, they've all come to look for America." Thank you, Alex, for coming to look for America. For coming to our aid.
"And we walked off to look for America." Now, thinking of it, I realize there is so much hope in their songs. I was 16 when I first saw their famous concert in Central Park and bought the album. At that age, the books you read and the music you listen to shape you into the person you are for the rest of your life. Simon and Garfunkel played a role in my lifelong fascination for America. In the summer of 1986, five years after the concert, I stepped for the first time out of a bus and into NYC at Port Authority on 42nd Street and passed streets and avenues mentioned in their songs. Soon after, I walked into Central Park for the first time. It felt like a pilgrimage, and I had to pinch myself to believe it was there. I hardly ever visit NYC without visiting Central Park, often with the sound of their songs in my head. It is now part of that collection of places in the world that I identify with, have lived, or have visited so often that I feel at home. Someday, I hope to write about them.
so good, thank you Alex. The historical perspective, the acknowledgement of resistance which doesn't seem to find the front pages of US media. I don't think the population is as stupid as they hoped. We all have a piece of every federal agency. I'm very worried for the national parks without the funding of their summer employees. I hadn't heard about the farmer connection to USAID. Surely something will awaken the backbones of GOP congress and Senators.
During his first term in office, I remember reading about irreparable damage in national parks caused by cars or motor bikes racing through them with nobody to stop them. I believe it was in Joshua Park. There are likely more stories like this.
Yes, the memories intensify the current anxieties. Since I am American, living in country--- I don't know if this will comfort or aggravate you on the outside looking in-- I'm not sure if it comforts or aggravates me. When I go out my door, into my own community, there is shared anxiety--but also just people going through their daily lives, a lot of care and comfort for those who have lost so much in the fires. Celebrations of birthdays, new jobs, delight in another rainstorm, walking in the natural beauty around us. The US is an enormous country and at its heart is more Biden/Kamala than Trump Inc--a hopeful, positive, caring, and good people. I have to hold onto that trust for now.
I find hope in this post, Alexander, and after reading it and knowing that something awakened the Democrats and people who care to protest, I’m grateful to you for your history “lesson”. These times are extremely difficult and trying; we must learn our lessons from history, but we have two men who are so narcissistic and greedy that
everyday life has become so hard, especially on the
underserved and vulnerable
on the planet. These two men are not interested in history or improving peoples’ lives. It makes me
sad, but protests are starting and I’m hopeful that they will inspire the courts to counteract the madness. Thank you for your most serious, thoughtful and educational
Essential reading!
This is one of your very best pieces. You have captured this moment in our history with eloquence and omniscience.
Needless to say, I agree with every word and applaud you endlessly!
Thank you, Alex 🙏
Spot on! It was Martin Niemoeller who wrote thiw:
" First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."
—Martin Niemöller
This quote is attributed to the prominent German pastor Martin Niemöller. It is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a poem.
It's paart of the permanent collection at the U.S. Holocaust Museum that opened in 1993,
Thank you, Gary. My title was indeed based on Niemöllers words; it's striking how fascism still works with the same toolbox: start with a small minority, far away, out of sight, and maybe less easy to identify with, and then work from there to the next, and the next, until you the system destroys everyone and the fabric of society.
Another parallel: the leaders of fascism are such unlikely persons to make it to the top; who would have chosen Himler for any military role? And wouldn't you keep someone who looks like Goebles far away from the media? Netflix has a documentary about the inner circle around Hitler that is worth seeing.
And now, looking at the hearings, you get the same feeling: not only are their moral values unacceptable, but they are also incompetent for the responsibilities they get. In the past few days, it has become clearer that there lies an opportunity; they fail in many of the things they try to achieve.
Niemöeller spent 8 years in concentration camps but died at home at age 92 in Wiesbaden. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, also openly opposed Hitler, died in prison. Both of their writings speak eloquently what we're facing today and some lessons on how to combat the threats of fascism. Someone on here wrote recently that we better stand up in public as the opposition while we still can.
You have accurately described the development. I am heartened by the movement. I had faith in my people but I am also encouraged by Dem leadership who are actually working to a positive outcome. You also accurately describe the repercussions that have not occurred to many voters. It is imperative we keep up the pressure. Thank you for this serious observation. And thank you for the happiness you spread as we work to survive this onslaught.
Protests have been going on all week in NC!
I was just thinking today, that because of a lot what the world has turned to, makes me feel unsafe. We not only see this trend in the US, but also in countries in Europe, even within the EU.
The words you write today give me, and others, hope. Also, that we, who feel unsafe, are not alone. I want to cling to this hope, because the other side is, as the German philosopher wrote, "we learn from history that we do not learn from history". What will it be? We cannot allow history to repeat itself.
I guess it will be up to those who raise their voice and stand their ground. Those who stand up to give the future a brighter outlook for all.
Yes, spot on. I have written several articles about those who dared to resist tyranny in the past—often unsung heroes who lost their lives to make a better future for all of us. Right now, so many people are asking themselves what choices they must make in unusual circumstances, often impossible choices. The misery created for millions in just a few weeks is hard to imagine. So is the notion that a majority of voters chose for this chaos.
There will always be helpers. Hugs 🌻
When fear overtakes us and America is under threat, we have to write a new story. We have to become that story; one that does not follow the Nazi playbook but rises above it.
It is never a good idea to bet against the United States of America. But that is exactly what Trump and his minions are doing; betting they can throw everything unconstitutional against the wall and see what sticks. I believe they will lose.
They will lose in the courts; the guardrails of our Judiciary are holding steady. They will lose in the Congress, our politicians are waking up; they will lose in the streets, our people are rising up.
The universe is shifting, and our story continues. A story of hope. Even for the most vulnerable.
"Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike, they've all come to look for America." Thank you, Alex, for coming to look for America. For coming to our aid.
"And we walked off to look for America." Now, thinking of it, I realize there is so much hope in their songs. I was 16 when I first saw their famous concert in Central Park and bought the album. At that age, the books you read and the music you listen to shape you into the person you are for the rest of your life. Simon and Garfunkel played a role in my lifelong fascination for America. In the summer of 1986, five years after the concert, I stepped for the first time out of a bus and into NYC at Port Authority on 42nd Street and passed streets and avenues mentioned in their songs. Soon after, I walked into Central Park for the first time. It felt like a pilgrimage, and I had to pinch myself to believe it was there. I hardly ever visit NYC without visiting Central Park, often with the sound of their songs in my head. It is now part of that collection of places in the world that I identify with, have lived, or have visited so often that I feel at home. Someday, I hope to write about them.
so good, thank you Alex. The historical perspective, the acknowledgement of resistance which doesn't seem to find the front pages of US media. I don't think the population is as stupid as they hoped. We all have a piece of every federal agency. I'm very worried for the national parks without the funding of their summer employees. I hadn't heard about the farmer connection to USAID. Surely something will awaken the backbones of GOP congress and Senators.
During his first term in office, I remember reading about irreparable damage in national parks caused by cars or motor bikes racing through them with nobody to stop them. I believe it was in Joshua Park. There are likely more stories like this.
Yes, the memories intensify the current anxieties. Since I am American, living in country--- I don't know if this will comfort or aggravate you on the outside looking in-- I'm not sure if it comforts or aggravates me. When I go out my door, into my own community, there is shared anxiety--but also just people going through their daily lives, a lot of care and comfort for those who have lost so much in the fires. Celebrations of birthdays, new jobs, delight in another rainstorm, walking in the natural beauty around us. The US is an enormous country and at its heart is more Biden/Kamala than Trump Inc--a hopeful, positive, caring, and good people. I have to hold onto that trust for now.
I find hope in this post, Alexander, and after reading it and knowing that something awakened the Democrats and people who care to protest, I’m grateful to you for your history “lesson”. These times are extremely difficult and trying; we must learn our lessons from history, but we have two men who are so narcissistic and greedy that
everyday life has become so hard, especially on the
underserved and vulnerable
on the planet. These two men are not interested in history or improving peoples’ lives. It makes me
sad, but protests are starting and I’m hopeful that they will inspire the courts to counteract the madness. Thank you for your most serious, thoughtful and educational
post. Your writing is exemplary.
Thank you, Anne, for all your kind comments :-)