by Scott Morrell, who worked with Refuse Fascism on the Holocaust Remembrance Day action April 24, 2017
“WE hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness–“
The Trump/Pence regime are using the same playbook as the Germans did in 1933.Circa 1933 Germany, an advanced society with strong institutions. Elections were held because many wanted change in their economic situation. Then Adolph Hitler rose to power. He promised change, he promised to ‘make Germany great again,’ but he had a grander plan so evil and insidious, the Germans were willing to close their eyes, even when they saw the early signs and chose not to act.
They believed these incremental steps by Hitler can never lead to anything harmful. They rationalized each rip of the fabric of their democracy as necessary steps for a greater good. Even the Jews looked the other way because they considered themselves Germans first. Like most citizens, they did not believe that they would be targeted more so than any other Germans. Only a few years later, the dehumanization of the Jews, Gypsies and “others” were now part of common parlance.
The similarities of actions between the Trump administration and Hitler’s Germany are instructive and frightening
The Trump administration’s idea to create a Muslim registry echoes Hitler’s requirement that Jews identify themselves as such on their passports.
- Trump’s plan to dehumanize Mexicans, Women, Gays, Muslims, and “Blacks” mimics Hitler’s treatment to the Jews, Gypsies and “others.”
- Trump’s deportation forces headed by General Kelly from ICE is reminiscent of Adolph Eichmann’s grand plan to deport the non-Aryans.
- We cannot turn a blind eye as Trump’s sweeping discriminatory plans are similar to the incremental steps which lead to Germany‘s Final Solution.
The lessons of Hitler’s fascist regime have all the hallmarks of Trump’s policies, but mere social discourse is not enough. We must mobilize NOW!!!
Please join this important rally and march starting at the Museum of Jewish Heritage to the U.S. Federal building on April 24th at 3:00pm.
We must all let our voices be heard to make sure that the Trump/Pence regime knows we are watching, and we will not ever allow history to repeat itself.
We must drive the Trump/Pence regime out of power now, because fascism needs to be stopped early…before it is too late!