Part 3
I cried after dropping my daughter off with her grandparents as I watched her mood change instantly from fun loving to bitter and defiant as she left my side. So I apologize in advance if I too blunt.
In parts 1 & 2 I covered some policies and touched on some future directions that the candidates will likely take us if elected. Today I will share my thoughts accompanied by the how and why I arrived at those conclusions.
In University I majored in History and minored in Economics. The bulk of the history I learned was the period of 1929 to 1946 because I was fascinated by World War II (WWII): the characters, the strategies, the technology race, the sacrifice and of course, the horror of it all. It was the horror that cautioned me from losing myself in the raw power and efficiency of fascism, especially after a reading a biography on Adolf Hitler.
I am sure that many of you know the following history, but I have included it for those that may not and to highlight its similarities to today’s situation.
Hitler rose from obscurity by: promising specific actions to alleviate German suffering, using
people’s raw emotion, a unifying symbol, and pinning the blame for Germany’s ills on the Jewish people.
Sound familiar? it should it’s happening now.
Strong Emotions
Hitler encouraged violence against protesters. Who can forget: “If you see them, knock the crap out of them would you, seriously just knock the hell I promise you I will pay for the legal fees I promise.” Donald Trump Throughout time politicians have used strong emotions to elicit the response they desire; fear and anger, when used properly, can override all rational thought.
(Channelling) Anger – Hitler used the swastika as a unifying symbol and blamed Jewish people for Germany’s woes. Trump is using the American flag to whip up strong feelings of nostalgia and then point to an easily understood perspective (Chinese manufacturing stole your job) to create a focus for that anger (China).
Playing on Fear – Hitler blamed Jewish people for virtually everything including: communism, capitalism, and pornography, painting them as an evil to be feared. Trump blames immigrants and their families for violence in America with the key concern being terrorism. I did not realize how powerful this message really was, until a recent conversation that I had with a twitter follower who ignored all of Trump’s policies except Immigration. Any arguments or facts surrounding any other issue were irrelevant because that person’s community was experiencing a large influx of immigrants whom were labelled terrorists by their colour and/or religion.
Hitler gave specific promises like breaking the Treaty of Versailles and stopping the spread of Communism. Trump has promised he would: leave NAFTA (see Part 1), wind down or cutoff trade with the Chinese, and stop Muslim immigration.
In parts 1 & 2 I have commented mostly on economic and security issues purposefully avoiding commenting on immigration.
Immigration as I see it.
People with a propensity toward violence and terrorists are already here. Even if all immigration into the US is stopped it is likely terrorist attacks will continue as long as foreign policies continue to reinforce the cycle of violence. Trump’s policies will only intensify the cycle of violence and, assuming a new American civil war is avoided, there is no reason to believe that terrorism against Americans will decrease. “I will make our Military so big, powerful and strong that no one will mess with us.” Who is messing with you now? Let’s say that ISIS is, will a “stronger military” make a difference in that conflict? Recent events in the Middle East would indicate that the answer to that question is “no”.
However if the plan is to fight ISIS in America, then yes a stronger military may be needed. If ISIS agents are in America where are they? How can they be stopped? Should America bomb their own cities? Could Marshall law stop them? Unlikely. Is it beyond Trump’s ego to try to enact Marshall law?
Trump’s plan of isolating America via his immigration and trade proposals will only work if given enough time to create a police state similar to George Orwell’s vision in: “1984”. I suspect that many of you dismiss this possibility as implausible. Is it?
Trump has stated: “They’ll probably be different generals.” Eugene Fidell,, a military-law expert and co-founder of the National Institute of Military Justice, says: “A President is the commander-in-chief and can dismiss any commissioned officer.” DJT also tells us repeatedly: “I am going to get things done!” It is highly unlikely that his ego will have the patience to use the US democratic system.
Most of these things you already know but because of the lack of apparent alternatives you feel trapped, frustrated, and hopeless. You feel like shouting, “WHY IS NO ONE LISTENING TO ME?” Trump says he is listening but upon analysis of his policies and his opinions/assertions clearly he is only listening to his ego.
Lastly, Trump’s high pressure sales,
“My message is that things have to change — and this is our one chance to do it.” DJT
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Yes I agree that things have to change, however, most of his policies encourage stifling that change. Our one chance to do what? Is the world ending if he is not elected?
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Absolutely! As I have suggested above start the process of getting new people working for you. I do not understand how he claims to be able to accomplish this?!
How can YOU make a difference? You can!
Here are the promised alternatives!
Trump supporters and undecided voters: if you cannot vote for Hillary, (see Part 2) I understand.
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Do not vote at all – here is a new slogan for you “Dump Trump!” Our ancestors fought against fascism, how would they feel?
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Educate others, I suspect he will quit if he has little support
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Congress and the Senate are not listening to you due to corruption! in Part 1 I stated you need to vote out all Senators and Congresspersons who have accepted a bribe, I would be happy to help you with this.
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create a movement across all parties to elect Bernie Sanders (i know, unfortunately, the best option is also the least likely)
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Embrace your brothers and sisters: the new immigrants! if you are afraid of terrorism, ask yourself “how likely will someone commit violence against good friends?” Is it not more likely for someone to commit violence against someone they fear and do not understand? These people are FLEEING violence in their country, would you not do the same? Isolation encourages misunderstanding and suspicion.
In conclusion
How likely is it that people migrating from the Middle East blame the West/Americans for their suffering? I suggest that we make our new neighbours feel as welcome, respected, and valued as possible. To be very clear about my intent, I suggest that we help them adapt to life here in the West. Help them to understand how things are done here: invite them over for dinner, get to know them, empathize with them, watch / explain American style football to them, play football (soccer) together, and play music together. It is likely Bin Laden unknowingly created a series of events that will either hasten our demise or enable us ultimately realize our shared humanity. As I have argued here, this is the only way that ISIS/ISIL will be defeated. I want no part of a Fascist vision for the future and I do not want our kids to have pay for our failure to conquer our fear and learn from our ancestors.
If you would like something done right you will have to do it yourself. I am sorry there is no quick fix, no miracle pill, and no one person who has the answer.
God Bless you!
Be seeing you!
