Winston Churchill wrote, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” A reminder of German history:
Hitler and the Nazis refused to work with other political parties. Hitler demanded to be appointed chancellor. Certain conservative politicians convinced German President Hindenburg to make the appointment. They wanted to use the Nazi Party’s popularity for their own purposes and mistakenly believed they could control Hitler.
Hindenburg initially resisted before giving in and appointing Hitler chancellor on Jan. 30, 1933. Hitler did not immediately become a dictator. When he became chancellor, Germany’s democratic constitution was still in effect. However, he manipulated the political system and used existing laws to destroy German democracy.
When President Hindenburg died in August 1934, Hitler proclaimed himself Führer. He was now the dictator of Germany.
Many may also remember a version of this quotation from Martin Niemöller after WWII:
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — because I was not a Jew.
Today’s version might include:
Then they came for the disabled, minorities, LGBQT, and I did not speak out…
Then they came for the FBI agents, federal attorneys, legislators, and I did not speak out…
Then they came for the immigrants, and I did not speak out…
Then they came for other countries’ sovereign lands, and I did not speak out…
Then they came for our laws, the Constitution, our democratic ideals and I did not speak out…
Then they came to destroy our humanity — and there was no one left to speak.
Editor’s note: This writer is using a pen name. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
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