In 1932 Adolf Hitler seized power by forcing Germany’s aging chancellor into retirement. He then wasted no time deploying Brownshirts and Gestapo agents to terrorize immigrants, minorities, liberals, and other “undesirables.” Many were put in concentration camps. Meanwhile, he engaged in territorial expansion, invading neighboring countries. This triggered the Second World War, resulting in 73,000,000 deaths and Germany reduced to bombed-out ruins.
Many Americans living today may not be fully aware of this catastrophic history. But they should be, because we are now following the same path: a bellicose leader antagonistic to minorities, a cowardly Congress and corrupt Supreme Court, and a powerful propaganda system (social media, AM talk radio, the most-watched TV channel). He is terrorizing immigrants (and even citizens), building concentration camps, attacking other countries and threatening territorial seizure.
As the saying goes, “Those who ignore history are condemned to repeat it.” Today it is more relevant than ever.
Tom Huckin, Salt Lake City
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