Reality dictates time and time again that if we don’t learn from history, we are destined to repeat it—especially concerning the commitment of devastating atrocities. One would have to be blind not to see parallel similarities between former President Donald Trump in his trek for absolute power and Nazi dictator, Adolf Hitler. The more Trump seeks public support in this election year, the more this is apparent. Many Americans willingly choose to ignore past history regarding Hitler’s rise to power, causing World War II and the Holocaust, which exterminated 6 million Jews.
Like Adolf Hitler, Donald Trump has a faction of loyal people supporting him. They make excuses for him, while spreading his lies and propaganda. If you research your history, you will find that Hitler originally became a member of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, eventually becoming the Nazi Party. It is not beyond comprehension that Republicans supporting Trump, along with his loyal MAGA (Make America Great Again) base, will transform the GOP into a new political party that will eventually nullify our basic liberties and freedoms. Some would argue this party already exists.
Hitler was able to gain power amidst the squalor and devastation of post WWI Germany and the Great Depression. He was able to eventually acquire absolute power. The total submission imposed on Germany after its loss in WWI decimated their economy, so most Germans supported Hitler’s quest for territorial acquisition. They saw Hitler’s plans for invasion of neighboring countries as a way for Germans to become economically self-sufficient and militarily secure. He believed true Germans to be ‘Aryans,’ a superior race, perfect both physically and spiritually—not to be tainted with Jewish blood, culture, or influence.
To understand the rise of Hitler or Trump, we must understand the power of propaganda. Both of these so-called ‘populists’ manipulated the public with lies or hyperboles intentionally used to achieve their hidden agendas. Hitler was a con artist just like Trump. They both used propaganda to manipulate the public so they could exert total control.
You could liken Trump’s MAGA base to the supporters of Hitler who sought advantages and privileges at the expense of others, which unfortunately happened to be the Jews. It is estimated that Hitler, in his quest for power causing World War II, is responsible for the deaths of 50 to 75 million people worldwide.
Trump’s propaganda or messaging of ‘Make America Great Again’ is offensive, racist, and divisive for many, especially African Americans who can’t remember when America was great for them. In fact, many African Americans feel MAGA represents a time of slavery, Jim Crow and segregation where White supremacy freely reigned uncontested as the ‘law of the land.’ Many believe Trump is cleverly using MAGA supporters as a divisive tool. His propaganda makes them believe they will eventually be rewarded for their loyalty at the expense of others.
One can’t help but wonder what Trump really has in store for his faithful base. Also, what will the cost be for those who oppose him? There are those who dismiss the possibility of a repetition of Hitler, but the actions and behaviors of Trump are too close to ignore.
Those who are literally hanging onto Trump’s coattails can be compared to those who supported and were complicit in Hitler’s rise to power, contributing to the death of millions. Those who are complicit in helping to create such monsters will be vilified in the pages of history. Whatever their rationale, was their dance with the Devil worth the price of selling their souls?
Make no mistake, Trump is a threat to democracy and the freedoms we enjoy. Trump and the federal judges he appointed (especially his Supreme Court appointees) are eating away at our civil liberties. It is only a matter of time till this country truly feels the full effect of the decisions made by Trump’s selection of judges.
Those who may find similarities between Trump and Hiller baseless must remember that Gen. John Kelly, Trump’s chief of staff, claims Trump said “Hitler did some good things, especially inspiring loyalty within his military and rebuilding the German economy.” Note that Hitler turned the rebuilt German economy against the world, but this again shattered the German economy and society. But Trump is literally taking notes out of Hitler’s handbook. Can you imagine if he had the loyalty of the military? World War III would be inevitable.
I pray that everyone eventually realizes that Trump is a sorry excuse for a human being and by no means a viable candidate for the presidency of the United States of America. Let’s vote to put America first, not Trump.
