There is a distinct parallel between 1930s Germany and 2025 America. And it is economics. Germans bought Hitters lies because they were broken by their post-World War 1 poverty. Today in America there is a comfortable class with stock portfolio retirement funds and then there is a forgotten group of people that have been left behind with stagnant wages and ever-increasing prices. These forgotten people believe that raising the minimum wage will make their Big Macs unaffordable and no one in the comfortable class wants them to know any differently. Then a two-bit reality show host convinces them that they would be able to join the comfortable class if only immigrants and people of color weren’t thwarting his efforts to help them get what is rightfully theirs.
In 1930s Germany, it was the Jews who were holding back poor Germans. In America, it is immigrants and people of color and liberals.
Same script, same scenario, just a different time period.
I couldn't agree with you more. All the "forgotten" class heard was the promise to deport eleven million immigrants and they believed it would magically change their lives. Hitler told the german people getting rid of the Jews coupled with taking land he believed belonged to Germany was the answer to their economic problems. trump & musk have been in office for a month and have created so much chaos even those of us that warned this was what was coming can barely keep up. Rally we must and at the same speed t&m are moving or we will be swallowed up by their fascist machine.
Desperate people who realize they are locked out of American prosperity will accept the solutions offered by the oligarchs who need to keep a permanent pool of impoverished workers. Poor white southerners have been the most effective jailers of their fellow poor southerners who are brown or black. Fox News propaganda provides the mental sewage to keep poor people in their place.
“Mental sewage”!!! Nancy, that certainly sums up Murderock’s sewage plant!!! We need to regulate media licensing. If they openly lie more than twice…. Liar, liar, liar pants on fire.
Make doing ,so called business ,so hot (tax) it scorches their ass!
Just remember that they're talking about eugenics and "ethnic/political/sick cleansing." (See Project 2025).
If this continues, expect them to try to start mass sterilization and mass murder just like the Nazis did. They'll probably use the "undesirables" for things like picking crops and the other jobs the immigrants used to do. I wish that history said otherwise. There's a good chance of a Civil War, martial law, mass demonstrations, civil unrest, etc.
There’s a very good chance of civil unrest because unlike the 1960s, the agreed-upon concepts (Nazis are evil and government must abide by the rule of law, to name only two) are no longer agreed upon. Little law school twits like JD Goebbels are spouting anarchy in service to the head fascist, knowing full well his audience can’t follow a legal argument.
I have been thinking about civil unrest in our current situation. It seems to me that we have a moral obligation to stand up for those without a voice. I wish I were a lawyer so that I could find a more eloquent way to state this, but here is my plan. The Republican party has allowed and enabled a convicted felon to have no consequences. Until Trump accepts a just sentence for his crimes, we will use civil disobedience to defend those without a voice.
Beginning in the 1950's southern politicians, local officials and medical staff embraced the use of forced sterilization of women/girls of color. In answer to your comment I think the term we need to use is the re-introduction of forced strilization. And I would surmise it would not be used just for women of color but any women deemed unfit to bear children. Similar to creating a master race.......
We need to be vigilant for all re-introduced eugenics. Just the fact that they put RFK jr in charge of health means that garbage science is resurgent and I can’t think of a better example of garbage science than eugenics.
Eugenics seems to be a pretty clear part of Project 2025. I agree with what was stated earlier that they plan to use the “undesirables”, prisoners, the poor and whoever else they determine isn’t part of their preferred people to do the work previously done by undocumented immigrants.
As Trump suggested for the Gazans that he wants to exile so he can seize their land - camps would be set-up for Americans who fall into these undesirable groups. The camps would be controlled by a religious group in addition to regular security. People living in the camp will be subject to Christian Nationalist religious indoctrination. That’s part of Project 2025. You want to eat? Listen to the preacher!
All true, Nancy. (And, are you the author Nancy Peacock I once took an expressive writing class from in NC?) There is one thing I wish you had included, one that is perhaps a bit less immediately graspable: the working class Germans who signed up as Brownshirts early in Hitler's drive to power also felt disenfranchised and subconsciously terrified, by the fact that the so-called democratic government in power in the early 1930's was elevated to power by monied and educated elites who had little or no regard for them. And so, when the Nazis gave them permission to lord it over women and to blame Jews and others for the woes caused by circumstances beyond their control it was an emotional one-two punch that sealed the deal.
I am not the North Carolina Nancy Peacock. As to your comment about working class Germans feeling disenfranchised by the reigning government prior to the Nazis, you are absolutely correct about that. In my adult life that began in the 1970s, I noticed a subtle acceptance, all in the name of productivity and profit, of making the workplace leaner, which ultimately made it meaner. No one would admit to it, making foreign competitors the enemy that necessitated those changes. But the American workers were the ones who paid the price while CEOs built a mutually advantageous system of adsurdly high salaries and benefits. Those charts that show the ratio of CEO salaries to employees salaries in countries around the world don’t lie. America is in a wealth gluttony unlike any other industrialized country. That’s why when someone murders a healthcare CEO making a billion dollars a year, no one really minded very much.
Let’s not blame Luigi Mangione for the fact they people were ok with the murder if a CEO of a company that has billions in profits taken from patients with chronic illnesses or cancer Only in this country the richest in the world do people die or go bankrupt to make CEOs and heath insurance companies earn billions In a physician and saw the writing on the wall when we got HMOs A middle man who takes in the profit This is one thing that is American exceptionalism has the ability to turn anything service or right into a profit making machine
"And perhaps most of all, do we have the humility not to imagine that we are too intelligent or spiritual or informed not to become as hateful as we have seen other people become?"
You have pin-pointed exactly a parallel struggle (for lack of a better way to put it) that is constantly present as we resist the fascism that appears to have overtaken our country in such large numbers. It is the struggle not to give way to hate and loathing of those who voted for Trump.
So now I guess the job is to figure out a way to "teach" the other side to not give in to hate any more than they already have (which sounds just incredibly arrogant as I type this comment). I have no idea how to do this, but if we can't find a way to do it, I fear violence will be unavoidable.
Since trump appeared on the political scene and momentum for him has gained strength my husband and other family members would make disparaging remarks about the maga crowd. I would tell them we must engage with them and try to understand why they are so enamored with trump. On November 5th any desire I had to engage with or understand those people died. I don't think we can can find a way to change their minds and attitudes, they are going to have to go down the road to hell with the rest of us to, hopefully, change.
Those who are on Medicaid may wake up if this new blow-up-the-budget bill passes. I don’t think they’ll wake up until they or someone they loves dies when they lose their healthcare. Reason has failed for almost a decade. They certainly don’t have much empathy, so imagining how it is for others doesn’t work. “Other” just becomes vilified and throwing “other” under the bus becomes justified. They will have to feel the pain themselves.
The angst of this hell is here and has been gathering since Trumps first term. But now with Musk driving this hatred into every corner in the name of ‘ efficiency’ which is in fact Oligarchy( works for him) .
Remember Most of which he has smashed are agencies that had investigations into ‘ him’( Musk).
How completely , conveniently, corrupt.
He is corruption itself , along with his cohorts Trump , Putin, and the members of the dregs of society Trump has appointed to head important agencies in this country.
I think all of us want to fight this effectively , and I take heart in the recent actions of the attorneys in the Southern District of NY have resigned rather than capitulate to unlawful requests .
I hope to see more of this.
Integrity is no where near this administration.
I think many of us don’t know quite how to mechanize our disdain for this freakish dictatorial government . But I’m sure opportunities will appear if we look for them . Lord, help us.
I don’t understand why people don’t see, or remember, that USA is a white South African who has been reported to have made racist remarks since he first hit the news. Remember apartheid? The guy was all for it. He supports the Nazi party and t{s return to power in Germany. Why is ANYONE putting up with letting this guy have access to any aspect of our government, let alone controlling it? And why isn’t every Jew, person of color, and right thinking person in America completely outraged by his proximity to power? Congress should be flooded with calls demanding that he be stopped.
I think the majority of Americans, who did not vote for Trump, or stayed home are outraged Congress has been flooded with calls and but those in "control" in Washington are not listening or caring. It is about the power of a rich, loud minority. My Senator McCormick who won by 15000 votes out of over 6 million is not even bothering to meaningfully respond. I do not know if Senator Fetterman is reachable on many issues. We have a great governor who is already pushing back and many strong US house members.
In addition to making donations, I would appreciate some concrete actions that persons like myself can take. I am 75 years old and living on a fixed income. Although retired from university teaching, I maintain a small private practice in mental health, not to make money, but to serve my economically disadvantaged, underserved community.
Although I am committed to democratic ideology, I am concerned about my inability to provide solicited feedback on issues without making a monetary donation. I regularly give what I can, but my limited budget does not allow me to donate to each email or text request that I receive. It is disheartening to spend 20 minutes thoughtfully responding to questions concerning Trump’s disastrous actions only to find that my input cannot be heard unless I give more money
What I am asking for are suggestions of affordable ways to resist fascism, prevent a Nazi Germany-like resurgence in the US, support the human rights of immigrants, and advocate for my fellow countrymen.
It is an honor to be associated with John and his brilliant followers. I appreciate any suggestions you can offer.
Pam-like you, I am a senior citizen on a pension. I really feel very helpless about what I, as an individual, can do. I have given donations where I could. I have called my senators, both of whom are knee-jerk Republicans. But still, I call them. I have written letters to the editor of my local newspaper. I work for my local Democratic club, which is trying to elect people on the municipal and state level. I don’t know what else I can do. Suggestions are very welcome.
Thank you Marcia. You are a great role model! I will try to move forward with some of your suggestions. Senior citizen advocacy is so important especially in regard to Social Security. I am also involved with the Arc, trying to avoid cuts to Medicaid which will reduce benefits for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A friend who's 79 just stopped door-knocking after many years, but she works on getting out the vote, sitting outside busy stores, and she writes post cards from home for elected officials. Until recently, she worked hard on campaigns to elect Democratic candidates. Pam's area of advocacy, below, is another great idea. Why do I describe a friend and not myself would be a fair question! I'm 85 and live in Mexico where my fixed income goes a heckuvalot further, sadly, than it would in my Texas home. It's gratifying to read about your spirit of wanting to contribute!
I have lived in the same community for half my life. I have always been aware of the distrust that the Black community has of whites. Now, I have become alarmed at all the POC being targeted. I am going to try to get together a group of people who can work with Black leaders to identify safe white people who can be trusted. Please pray for our efforts, and I would appreciate any help. This must have been done in other places.
Pam: I share your concern about the constant demands for money from endless groups. What I think we should do- continue to be strong caring, kind people who speak truth to power. We must not allow MAGA and their enablers to silence us as we are the majority. We all need to do what we can to protect those who are weaker and understandably afraid. Most importantly do not give up hope or give in to despair.
I write and mail postcards to get out the vote for pivotal races. Currently the WI Supreme Court race next mo. Voter apathy is a critical piece of why we're here in the first place
I just had an interesting conversation with my grandson. He is an architect thinking of leaving his firm because his boss is a religious zealot Trumpite. I'm more hopeful for the future than I was before. We all need to make choices that will help to halt Facisim's path.
Thanks John, for your eloquent description and warning.
All of us who feel devastated by the Trump/Musk plans for regime change need local, state, and national leaders with plans for an effective, legal, and nonviolent resistance.
"Without the benefit of hindsight, how do you interpret what's right in front of your eyes?"
This is the first line of the book description for Travelers In The Third Reich (The Rise Of Fascism: 1919-1945) by Julia Boyd. I'm reading it now and find it interesting and chilling. Many visitors to Germany, especially from U.S. and Britain, were very willing to ignore signs of rising Nazism. Of course, there were plenty who saw it and agreed.
I agree with everyone here. Feeling that my actions are “not enough”. That calling my representatives, making donations and encouraging others to do the same feels like almost nothing. But it is Something. And a big something. Let’s remind ourselves we are all working together! My biggest concern is the media consumption of MAGA folks. I know of people who keep Fox on the tv all day. Unfortunately the HOOK for many is fear. My sincere opinion is so many people live in fear and when that fear is given a name (immigrants) , they just can’t resist the urge to attack.
Well written. The question is how do we get through the flood of propaganda to convince otherwise intelligent and rational people that this path is damaging to America, both within and outside of the US?
Nancy, Trump will not break poverty but only gain millions of dollars for himself and president Musk-rat. The citizens of America are in denial of its corrupt leadership and will eventually drown in it.
As a daughter of a man who fought in three wars—WWII, Korea and Vietnam, I always believed our country was the one to care, to have empathy and to protect. That is not the case at least now. The current administration has no understanding of what it means to be a world leader. I am so tired of having fear and I for one will do all we can to stop the madness. Wake up citizens.
Once again I'm triggered by seeing these faces. Please, may I ask you again not to include photos of them? I requested this several postings ago and a number of your subscribers agreed with me. I totally think you can get your point across without the likes of either of them. I really enjoy reading your postings, but please do better in the photo department. Thank you. (or perhaps you don't read comments?)
Reverend Pavlovitz--I find your comments enlightening. I have subscribed to your blog for several years now and include quotes from you in sermons. I am delighted to see your readers engage in trenchant discussions of the issues you bring to our attention. May God continue to inspire you!
I’m having trouble believing that there actually are a “large number of otherwise decent people who are silent” in this country. The MAGA religious extremists (like the ones in my family) are a lost cause. They are narcissistic and devoid of empathy. Is there really a critical mass of people who can be won over to our side?
There is a distinct parallel between 1930s Germany and 2025 America. And it is economics. Germans bought Hitters lies because they were broken by their post-World War 1 poverty. Today in America there is a comfortable class with stock portfolio retirement funds and then there is a forgotten group of people that have been left behind with stagnant wages and ever-increasing prices. These forgotten people believe that raising the minimum wage will make their Big Macs unaffordable and no one in the comfortable class wants them to know any differently. Then a two-bit reality show host convinces them that they would be able to join the comfortable class if only immigrants and people of color weren’t thwarting his efforts to help them get what is rightfully theirs.
In 1930s Germany, it was the Jews who were holding back poor Germans. In America, it is immigrants and people of color and liberals.
Same script, same scenario, just a different time period.
I couldn't agree with you more. All the "forgotten" class heard was the promise to deport eleven million immigrants and they believed it would magically change their lives. Hitler told the german people getting rid of the Jews coupled with taking land he believed belonged to Germany was the answer to their economic problems. trump & musk have been in office for a month and have created so much chaos even those of us that warned this was what was coming can barely keep up. Rally we must and at the same speed t&m are moving or we will be swallowed up by their fascist machine.
Desperate people who realize they are locked out of American prosperity will accept the solutions offered by the oligarchs who need to keep a permanent pool of impoverished workers. Poor white southerners have been the most effective jailers of their fellow poor southerners who are brown or black. Fox News propaganda provides the mental sewage to keep poor people in their place.
“Mental sewage”!!! Nancy, that certainly sums up Murderock’s sewage plant!!! We need to regulate media licensing. If they openly lie more than twice…. Liar, liar, liar pants on fire.
Make doing ,so called business ,so hot (tax) it scorches their ass!
Just remember that they're talking about eugenics and "ethnic/political/sick cleansing." (See Project 2025).
If this continues, expect them to try to start mass sterilization and mass murder just like the Nazis did. They'll probably use the "undesirables" for things like picking crops and the other jobs the immigrants used to do. I wish that history said otherwise. There's a good chance of a Civil War, martial law, mass demonstrations, civil unrest, etc.
There’s a very good chance of civil unrest because unlike the 1960s, the agreed-upon concepts (Nazis are evil and government must abide by the rule of law, to name only two) are no longer agreed upon. Little law school twits like JD Goebbels are spouting anarchy in service to the head fascist, knowing full well his audience can’t follow a legal argument.
I have been thinking about civil unrest in our current situation. It seems to me that we have a moral obligation to stand up for those without a voice. I wish I were a lawyer so that I could find a more eloquent way to state this, but here is my plan. The Republican party has allowed and enabled a convicted felon to have no consequences. Until Trump accepts a just sentence for his crimes, we will use civil disobedience to defend those without a voice.
Susan, that certainly works for me. We need to share specific examples of civil disobedience so we can coordinate our efforts.
Beginning in the 1950's southern politicians, local officials and medical staff embraced the use of forced sterilization of women/girls of color. In answer to your comment I think the term we need to use is the re-introduction of forced strilization. And I would surmise it would not be used just for women of color but any women deemed unfit to bear children. Similar to creating a master race.......
We need to be vigilant for all re-introduced eugenics. Just the fact that they put RFK jr in charge of health means that garbage science is resurgent and I can’t think of a better example of garbage science than eugenics.
Eugenics seems to be a pretty clear part of Project 2025. I agree with what was stated earlier that they plan to use the “undesirables”, prisoners, the poor and whoever else they determine isn’t part of their preferred people to do the work previously done by undocumented immigrants.
As Trump suggested for the Gazans that he wants to exile so he can seize their land - camps would be set-up for Americans who fall into these undesirable groups. The camps would be controlled by a religious group in addition to regular security. People living in the camp will be subject to Christian Nationalist religious indoctrination. That’s part of Project 2025. You want to eat? Listen to the preacher!
As Shakespeare wrote: “Same play, different actors”
So true!
All true, Nancy. (And, are you the author Nancy Peacock I once took an expressive writing class from in NC?) There is one thing I wish you had included, one that is perhaps a bit less immediately graspable: the working class Germans who signed up as Brownshirts early in Hitler's drive to power also felt disenfranchised and subconsciously terrified, by the fact that the so-called democratic government in power in the early 1930's was elevated to power by monied and educated elites who had little or no regard for them. And so, when the Nazis gave them permission to lord it over women and to blame Jews and others for the woes caused by circumstances beyond their control it was an emotional one-two punch that sealed the deal.
I am not the North Carolina Nancy Peacock. As to your comment about working class Germans feeling disenfranchised by the reigning government prior to the Nazis, you are absolutely correct about that. In my adult life that began in the 1970s, I noticed a subtle acceptance, all in the name of productivity and profit, of making the workplace leaner, which ultimately made it meaner. No one would admit to it, making foreign competitors the enemy that necessitated those changes. But the American workers were the ones who paid the price while CEOs built a mutually advantageous system of adsurdly high salaries and benefits. Those charts that show the ratio of CEO salaries to employees salaries in countries around the world don’t lie. America is in a wealth gluttony unlike any other industrialized country. That’s why when someone murders a healthcare CEO making a billion dollars a year, no one really minded very much.
Let’s not blame Luigi Mangione for the fact they people were ok with the murder if a CEO of a company that has billions in profits taken from patients with chronic illnesses or cancer Only in this country the richest in the world do people die or go bankrupt to make CEOs and heath insurance companies earn billions In a physician and saw the writing on the wall when we got HMOs A middle man who takes in the profit This is one thing that is American exceptionalism has the ability to turn anything service or right into a profit making machine
"And perhaps most of all, do we have the humility not to imagine that we are too intelligent or spiritual or informed not to become as hateful as we have seen other people become?"
You have pin-pointed exactly a parallel struggle (for lack of a better way to put it) that is constantly present as we resist the fascism that appears to have overtaken our country in such large numbers. It is the struggle not to give way to hate and loathing of those who voted for Trump.
So now I guess the job is to figure out a way to "teach" the other side to not give in to hate any more than they already have (which sounds just incredibly arrogant as I type this comment). I have no idea how to do this, but if we can't find a way to do it, I fear violence will be unavoidable.
Since trump appeared on the political scene and momentum for him has gained strength my husband and other family members would make disparaging remarks about the maga crowd. I would tell them we must engage with them and try to understand why they are so enamored with trump. On November 5th any desire I had to engage with or understand those people died. I don't think we can can find a way to change their minds and attitudes, they are going to have to go down the road to hell with the rest of us to, hopefully, change.
Those who are on Medicaid may wake up if this new blow-up-the-budget bill passes. I don’t think they’ll wake up until they or someone they loves dies when they lose their healthcare. Reason has failed for almost a decade. They certainly don’t have much empathy, so imagining how it is for others doesn’t work. “Other” just becomes vilified and throwing “other” under the bus becomes justified. They will have to feel the pain themselves.
The angst of this hell is here and has been gathering since Trumps first term. But now with Musk driving this hatred into every corner in the name of ‘ efficiency’ which is in fact Oligarchy( works for him) .
Remember Most of which he has smashed are agencies that had investigations into ‘ him’( Musk).
How completely , conveniently, corrupt.
He is corruption itself , along with his cohorts Trump , Putin, and the members of the dregs of society Trump has appointed to head important agencies in this country.
I think all of us want to fight this effectively , and I take heart in the recent actions of the attorneys in the Southern District of NY have resigned rather than capitulate to unlawful requests .
I hope to see more of this.
Integrity is no where near this administration.
I think many of us don’t know quite how to mechanize our disdain for this freakish dictatorial government . But I’m sure opportunities will appear if we look for them . Lord, help us.
I don’t understand why people don’t see, or remember, that USA is a white South African who has been reported to have made racist remarks since he first hit the news. Remember apartheid? The guy was all for it. He supports the Nazi party and t{s return to power in Germany. Why is ANYONE putting up with letting this guy have access to any aspect of our government, let alone controlling it? And why isn’t every Jew, person of color, and right thinking person in America completely outraged by his proximity to power? Congress should be flooded with calls demanding that he be stopped.
I think the majority of Americans, who did not vote for Trump, or stayed home are outraged Congress has been flooded with calls and but those in "control" in Washington are not listening or caring. It is about the power of a rich, loud minority. My Senator McCormick who won by 15000 votes out of over 6 million is not even bothering to meaningfully respond. I do not know if Senator Fetterman is reachable on many issues. We have a great governor who is already pushing back and many strong US house members.
In addition to making donations, I would appreciate some concrete actions that persons like myself can take. I am 75 years old and living on a fixed income. Although retired from university teaching, I maintain a small private practice in mental health, not to make money, but to serve my economically disadvantaged, underserved community.
Although I am committed to democratic ideology, I am concerned about my inability to provide solicited feedback on issues without making a monetary donation. I regularly give what I can, but my limited budget does not allow me to donate to each email or text request that I receive. It is disheartening to spend 20 minutes thoughtfully responding to questions concerning Trump’s disastrous actions only to find that my input cannot be heard unless I give more money
What I am asking for are suggestions of affordable ways to resist fascism, prevent a Nazi Germany-like resurgence in the US, support the human rights of immigrants, and advocate for my fellow countrymen.
It is an honor to be associated with John and his brilliant followers. I appreciate any suggestions you can offer.
Pam-like you, I am a senior citizen on a pension. I really feel very helpless about what I, as an individual, can do. I have given donations where I could. I have called my senators, both of whom are knee-jerk Republicans. But still, I call them. I have written letters to the editor of my local newspaper. I work for my local Democratic club, which is trying to elect people on the municipal and state level. I don’t know what else I can do. Suggestions are very welcome.
Thank you Marcia. You are a great role model! I will try to move forward with some of your suggestions. Senior citizen advocacy is so important especially in regard to Social Security. I am also involved with the Arc, trying to avoid cuts to Medicaid which will reduce benefits for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A friend who's 79 just stopped door-knocking after many years, but she works on getting out the vote, sitting outside busy stores, and she writes post cards from home for elected officials. Until recently, she worked hard on campaigns to elect Democratic candidates. Pam's area of advocacy, below, is another great idea. Why do I describe a friend and not myself would be a fair question! I'm 85 and live in Mexico where my fixed income goes a heckuvalot further, sadly, than it would in my Texas home. It's gratifying to read about your spirit of wanting to contribute!
I have lived in the same community for half my life. I have always been aware of the distrust that the Black community has of whites. Now, I have become alarmed at all the POC being targeted. I am going to try to get together a group of people who can work with Black leaders to identify safe white people who can be trusted. Please pray for our efforts, and I would appreciate any help. This must have been done in other places.
Pam: I share your concern about the constant demands for money from endless groups. What I think we should do- continue to be strong caring, kind people who speak truth to power. We must not allow MAGA and their enablers to silence us as we are the majority. We all need to do what we can to protect those who are weaker and understandably afraid. Most importantly do not give up hope or give in to despair.
I write and mail postcards to get out the vote for pivotal races. Currently the WI Supreme Court race next mo. Voter apathy is a critical piece of why we're here in the first place
I applaud your efforts, Susan. Wishing you much success!
I just had an interesting conversation with my grandson. He is an architect thinking of leaving his firm because his boss is a religious zealot Trumpite. I'm more hopeful for the future than I was before. We all need to make choices that will help to halt Facisim's path.
Thank your grandson for taking a moral stand.
Thanks John, for your eloquent description and warning.
All of us who feel devastated by the Trump/Musk plans for regime change need local, state, and national leaders with plans for an effective, legal, and nonviolent resistance.
Can you help us identify such people!
"Without the benefit of hindsight, how do you interpret what's right in front of your eyes?"
This is the first line of the book description for Travelers In The Third Reich (The Rise Of Fascism: 1919-1945) by Julia Boyd. I'm reading it now and find it interesting and chilling. Many visitors to Germany, especially from U.S. and Britain, were very willing to ignore signs of rising Nazism. Of course, there were plenty who saw it and agreed.
Thank you, John, for this clear eyed letter.
I agree with everyone here. Feeling that my actions are “not enough”. That calling my representatives, making donations and encouraging others to do the same feels like almost nothing. But it is Something. And a big something. Let’s remind ourselves we are all working together! My biggest concern is the media consumption of MAGA folks. I know of people who keep Fox on the tv all day. Unfortunately the HOOK for many is fear. My sincere opinion is so many people live in fear and when that fear is given a name (immigrants) , they just can’t resist the urge to attack.
Well written. The question is how do we get through the flood of propaganda to convince otherwise intelligent and rational people that this path is damaging to America, both within and outside of the US?
Nancy, Trump will not break poverty but only gain millions of dollars for himself and president Musk-rat. The citizens of America are in denial of its corrupt leadership and will eventually drown in it.
As a daughter of a man who fought in three wars—WWII, Korea and Vietnam, I always believed our country was the one to care, to have empathy and to protect. That is not the case at least now. The current administration has no understanding of what it means to be a world leader. I am so tired of having fear and I for one will do all we can to stop the madness. Wake up citizens.
Once again I'm triggered by seeing these faces. Please, may I ask you again not to include photos of them? I requested this several postings ago and a number of your subscribers agreed with me. I totally think you can get your point across without the likes of either of them. I really enjoy reading your postings, but please do better in the photo department. Thank you. (or perhaps you don't read comments?)
Reverend Pavlovitz--I find your comments enlightening. I have subscribed to your blog for several years now and include quotes from you in sermons. I am delighted to see your readers engage in trenchant discussions of the issues you bring to our attention. May God continue to inspire you!
I’m having trouble believing that there actually are a “large number of otherwise decent people who are silent” in this country. The MAGA religious extremists (like the ones in my family) are a lost cause. They are narcissistic and devoid of empathy. Is there really a critical mass of people who can be won over to our side?
We cannot be silent!