The Holocaust Museum sent out a small pamphlet, "Defining The Enemy". I kept it with the hope that I could "spread the word". Perhaps, someone will be influenced or changed by the information. Warning signs of fascism abound in our world today, including in our United States.
The leaflet describes how Nazi propaganda promoted the myth of the "national community" and identified who should be excluded. In that time, Jews were defined as the main enemy. Now, the current administration in control of our country considers Hispanics, coming from Latin America, and Muslims to be the other.
The three "Key Facts" of defining the enemy, according to the handout, are targeting a group as outsiders; using propaganda and laws to further isolate the group; and campaigning and encouraging hatred, violence and an indifference to these operations.
Anyone who is willing to see the commonalities of our times and the dreadful period of World War II--and a myriad of other historical periods, will comprehend the implications of the president's frightening and destructive behavior. Books have been written on this subject, so I will keep this post short and omit details. Examples of the key facts just keep coming, as rapidly as one of our summer storms move. We are informed of the shocking stories as they pop up on our screens.
Before ending this small bit of writing I add the following observation. The administration's comportment after the "Barr Report" was made public, revealed the dictatorial nature of the leader of our country and the blind devotion of his cronies--attacks on the press and media; personal threats to the careers of congressmen; and celebrating, gloating, and turning the tables on who was the problem. These are all classic strategies used by authoritarian leaders.
The Democrats should sit back in their comfortable chairs; inhale and exhale; and watch the fascistic circus on our national stage.
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Friday, March 8, 2019
People Just Don't Care
At the risk of being a misanthrope, I believe a majority of Americans are apathetic towards Mr. Trump, his cronies, and their policies. We, who are able, should be in the streets, protesting, and writing letters and making phone calls at home. More Americans are protesting than is typical; but a critical mass has not been established. The "silent majority"returned not to even mention more sinister groups.
Unexamined fear on the part of Americans is not a justification to condone a disproportionate amount of minorities to be killed by the police or for refugees to be sent back to violence in their countries and separated from their children in refugee camps. I believe our country has come to a critical juncture--raise our voices or sit complacently in our warm houses and let the dark forces come forth and act.
Never in recent history have we had a leader who blantly breaks the law, scoffs at the law, lies outright, regards others with antipathy, repudiates knowledge of civics, and does not desire to learn aught. Never have we had a leader who represents the worst in our culture--fast food, materialism and capitalism as religion, disavowal of a moral underpinning, and a nullity of interests--except golf. Only the ghosts of dogs or cats scamper and prowl the White House.
Young people ordinarily work and support their new families. Middle aged folks continue with this pattern and save for the future. Old people survive and reap the benefits of their hard work. Nothing wrong with the status quo, but what about others who are less fortunate? What about justice? What about history? Plenty of people are doing charity work; vowing to protest serious challenges to our democracy is a particular matter.
Right in front of our Caucasian faces, the police treat young white males differently than men of color. Refer to the incident at the Lincoln Memorial in January. I do not believe Black or Hispanic youth would have been forgiven for their egregious behavior toward an elderly Native American. Black youth are killed by police because they have a shiny object in their hand, and they are running. Fear again, of course, but aren't law enforcement officers trained to subdue suspects without killing them?
What about Paul Manafort getting a light sentence for serious corruption and possible treason? Why are we imprisoning indigenous women and children at the southern border; yet white foreigners, who have overstayed the duration of their visas, are given time to sort out their affairs?
Does anyone out there care? Maybe white Christian people do not remember that they were treated badly, for example the Irish Americans and Italians when they arrived in the United States in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Maybe German Americans do not recall that they were ostracized during World War I and II? Maybe Asians have not read their history in this country; perhaps they do not know about Angel Island and the building of the railroads? Could it be that the Daughters of the American Revolution have forgotten that their ancestors left England due to religious persecution? Is unfair treatment just fine, so long as it's not affecting you and your family?
I guess so.
Unexamined fear on the part of Americans is not a justification to condone a disproportionate amount of minorities to be killed by the police or for refugees to be sent back to violence in their countries and separated from their children in refugee camps. I believe our country has come to a critical juncture--raise our voices or sit complacently in our warm houses and let the dark forces come forth and act.
Never in recent history have we had a leader who blantly breaks the law, scoffs at the law, lies outright, regards others with antipathy, repudiates knowledge of civics, and does not desire to learn aught. Never have we had a leader who represents the worst in our culture--fast food, materialism and capitalism as religion, disavowal of a moral underpinning, and a nullity of interests--except golf. Only the ghosts of dogs or cats scamper and prowl the White House.
Young people ordinarily work and support their new families. Middle aged folks continue with this pattern and save for the future. Old people survive and reap the benefits of their hard work. Nothing wrong with the status quo, but what about others who are less fortunate? What about justice? What about history? Plenty of people are doing charity work; vowing to protest serious challenges to our democracy is a particular matter.
Right in front of our Caucasian faces, the police treat young white males differently than men of color. Refer to the incident at the Lincoln Memorial in January. I do not believe Black or Hispanic youth would have been forgiven for their egregious behavior toward an elderly Native American. Black youth are killed by police because they have a shiny object in their hand, and they are running. Fear again, of course, but aren't law enforcement officers trained to subdue suspects without killing them?
What about Paul Manafort getting a light sentence for serious corruption and possible treason? Why are we imprisoning indigenous women and children at the southern border; yet white foreigners, who have overstayed the duration of their visas, are given time to sort out their affairs?
Does anyone out there care? Maybe white Christian people do not remember that they were treated badly, for example the Irish Americans and Italians when they arrived in the United States in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Maybe German Americans do not recall that they were ostracized during World War I and II? Maybe Asians have not read their history in this country; perhaps they do not know about Angel Island and the building of the railroads? Could it be that the Daughters of the American Revolution have forgotten that their ancestors left England due to religious persecution? Is unfair treatment just fine, so long as it's not affecting you and your family?
I guess so.
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Americans Live in Two Silos
A horrible thought, but true, divided we fall. Americans separate themselves in two camps--red/blue, conservative/liberal, Republican/Democrat. We listen to different media outlets, read divergent newspapers, live in small towns/large cities, and reside in the interior of the country/on the coasts. The recent comments by the freshman Congress person Ilhan Omar from Minnesota is a case in point. She utters irresponsible statements; obviously she does not filter her comments. The points are anti-Israel, so Americans immediately are divided. The pro-Israel forces demonize her. The anti-Israel side excuses her and claims anti-Muslim sentiments are fueling the criticism of her. College students join forces with Omar. The older, moderate Democrats have to choose sides and are left in limbo. The Republicans are gung-ho Israel, many for the wrong reasons. These same folks were probably anti-Semitic several generations back. Congress is in chaos. People scream at each other--"You are anti-Semitic. You--anti-Muslim. You--anti woman. You--anti-American." No middle ground exists.
What about a person like me? I am anti-Netanyahu, settlements, and harsh treatment of Palestinians. I abhor AIPEC. So am I anti-Semitic? No, hardly. Am I anti-Israel? No, definitely not. But, if I am pro-Israel, am I a Republican? Never. Anti-American because I "pledged my support" to Israel. That's ridiculous.
If Pelosi talks to Congresswoman Omar, Nancy Pelosi is anachronistic, anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian, racist, etc. On Thursday of this week, Congress will proclaim that anti-Semitism and anti-Muslimism are not acceptable. By the way, Ilhan Omar never uttered anti-semitic comments. That interpretation originates from the press and the utra-right, a strange marriage for sure. But what about Mr. Trump? He remains anti everybody except for Christian White Males and makes executive decisions based on his racism?
And why is Ilhan Omar stirring the pot? For her own aggrandizement? Surely, Israel is not the only country demonstrating policies and procedures that deny people their human rights? She stated that if she could criticize the NRA and current enviornmental policy, why could she not discuss U.S. policy towards Israel? Certainly, she can do so; however, she must be informed on the history of Israel and American Jews. Incendiary statements will spark a fire and quickly turn into a maelstrom, as we are witnessing.
There is no longer space for nuance in thought and discussion. This polarizing dynamic has been repeated over the last decade--climate change, guns, immigrants. The situation agitates and aggravates me. I feel anxiety. I scream, yell, "This is crazy making." We are getting more divisive, separated, bifurcated, unable to discuss with the other "side".
In 2016, the Democrats focused on understanding the people who voted for Trump. Books were written. Now, in 2019, comprehension of the motivation of a Trump voter is impossible; argument substitutes for meaningful discourse. The opposing groups raise their voices, "You are not being fair. That's fake news. Of course, I don't like his speeches; but, look what he has accomplished. Are you crazy, he hasn't accomplished a thing!" And on and on, until everyone is exhausted, drained, and upset.
By the way, Ilhan Omar is from Somalia. Why is she so concerned with Israel? Oh oh, I must be racist and anti-Muslim. I am just asking questions. She is criticizing Saudi Arabia. so that does give her more credibility. The adult in me asks, why is a freshman congress woman not learning the ropes and focusing on her new role?
My detractors will accuse me of being negative, overly sensitive, etc. I should chill, ignore the "crazy" ones, disregard the news, and not respond to the relatives who live out West who support Mr. Trump. However, we are living in a mess. I fear only a serious national crisis will wake us up. History is the source of this predicition. Look at the 1920's and 1930's and then think what happened. The world exploded. But then again, I am what is called a "Second Generation Holocaust Survivor". Of course, I would be full of fear.
What about a person like me? I am anti-Netanyahu, settlements, and harsh treatment of Palestinians. I abhor AIPEC. So am I anti-Semitic? No, hardly. Am I anti-Israel? No, definitely not. But, if I am pro-Israel, am I a Republican? Never. Anti-American because I "pledged my support" to Israel. That's ridiculous.
If Pelosi talks to Congresswoman Omar, Nancy Pelosi is anachronistic, anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian, racist, etc. On Thursday of this week, Congress will proclaim that anti-Semitism and anti-Muslimism are not acceptable. By the way, Ilhan Omar never uttered anti-semitic comments. That interpretation originates from the press and the utra-right, a strange marriage for sure. But what about Mr. Trump? He remains anti everybody except for Christian White Males and makes executive decisions based on his racism?
And why is Ilhan Omar stirring the pot? For her own aggrandizement? Surely, Israel is not the only country demonstrating policies and procedures that deny people their human rights? She stated that if she could criticize the NRA and current enviornmental policy, why could she not discuss U.S. policy towards Israel? Certainly, she can do so; however, she must be informed on the history of Israel and American Jews. Incendiary statements will spark a fire and quickly turn into a maelstrom, as we are witnessing.
There is no longer space for nuance in thought and discussion. This polarizing dynamic has been repeated over the last decade--climate change, guns, immigrants. The situation agitates and aggravates me. I feel anxiety. I scream, yell, "This is crazy making." We are getting more divisive, separated, bifurcated, unable to discuss with the other "side".
In 2016, the Democrats focused on understanding the people who voted for Trump. Books were written. Now, in 2019, comprehension of the motivation of a Trump voter is impossible; argument substitutes for meaningful discourse. The opposing groups raise their voices, "You are not being fair. That's fake news. Of course, I don't like his speeches; but, look what he has accomplished. Are you crazy, he hasn't accomplished a thing!" And on and on, until everyone is exhausted, drained, and upset.
By the way, Ilhan Omar is from Somalia. Why is she so concerned with Israel? Oh oh, I must be racist and anti-Muslim. I am just asking questions. She is criticizing Saudi Arabia. so that does give her more credibility. The adult in me asks, why is a freshman congress woman not learning the ropes and focusing on her new role?
My detractors will accuse me of being negative, overly sensitive, etc. I should chill, ignore the "crazy" ones, disregard the news, and not respond to the relatives who live out West who support Mr. Trump. However, we are living in a mess. I fear only a serious national crisis will wake us up. History is the source of this predicition. Look at the 1920's and 1930's and then think what happened. The world exploded. But then again, I am what is called a "Second Generation Holocaust Survivor". Of course, I would be full of fear.
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