I Asked German Experts Why Germans Followed Hitler

[WhoIsNumberNone]

Sounds just like someone we know, doesn't it? I wonder if Hitler golfed?

[hlthe2b]

1. Saved for later viewing...

I worked with an older woman who was the child of a former Nazi who immigrated (escaped?) to Argentina. It was fascinating to hear the transitional denial by age cohort. Those of her Father's age never ceased to defend their actions. Their children had the capacity for shame, but it took their children's children to really condemn it for what it was. Sadly, the next generation seems to have forgotten some of those messages and the cycle is at risk of recurring.

[still_one]

2. Many years I worked as a Chemist at a winery, and heard some of the same justifications for

Mussolini by the old timers there

[no_hypocrisy]

3. In a nutshell:

1. Psychopath given the benefit of the doubt, suspension of disbelief. To the contrary, followers believe(d) his self-promotion as a genius.

2. Fearless leader is/was one of them.

3. Certain large minority beaten down economically, socially and has no hope.

4. Fearless leader makes for good entertainment. Vaudeville, plays, movies, TV rolled into one medium.

5. Fearless leader shows "results" of his actions and impresses that certain large minority.

6. Those citizens outside that certain large minority soon fear not only Fearless leader and his cabal, but his followers who don't hide their intentions to physically harm those who don't get with the program.

7. It's hard to have a democracy when the majority is afraid of the minority.

[CrispyQ]

9. We are past #5 & moving quickly to #6.

Thanks for the summary.

[NNadir]

4. Well, one parallel between Hitler and Orangenut is certainly laziness and inattention.

Hitler slept late, Orangenut golfed, both while the world burned, although, thus far, Hitler's burning was far more prodigious.

Trump lacks the competence to be as evil as Hitler, which is, of course, a good thing. Imagine if he'd been competent at anything and still held these racist ideas.

[quickesst]

5. "whether it's a democracy".......

“Of course the people don’t want war. But after all, it’s the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it’s always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it’s a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger.”

— Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials

I would not be surprised if trump has this framed in his office.

[magicguido]

6. Republicans have bigger flags; taller buildings; better music and ads plastered everywhere on YT.

[Upthevibe]

7. Thanks for the post...I also

am saving this to view when I have a few minutes.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

8. My brother worked under an old German physicist..

... in the late-70's and early-80's, who had earlier in his life witnessed the rise of Hitler and the Nazis.

He told my brother that it was ultimately the outcome of Germany's obsession with their military. I mean, as an initial step to the cascade of other things that lead to fascism.

He kept warning my brother that the USA would become fascist if so many Americans continued to worship the military like he'd seen, especially among the Republicans. My oldest brother secretly scoffed at that idea back then.

[Rural_Progressive]

10. I believe it was Twain who's credited with saying

"History may not repeat itself but it sure does rhyme"