Look to history to understand today

PAY ATTENTION?

“Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” 1948 - Winston Churchill (1874-1965) British Statesman

On January 30, 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany. The Nazi Party was the largest single party in the Reichstag (German parliament) but wasn’t an outright majority. Conservative politicians, while opposed to Hitler, had misjudged his strength and thought they could control him. They didn’t argue with President von Hindenburg, so the appointment was uncontested.

On February 27,1933, an arsonist set the Reichstag headquarters ablaze causing significant damage. Nazis used the fire as the pretext to blame Communists for the act and said it was a signal for a planned uprising…. a false flag. The Nazis convinced President von Hindenburg to issue an emergency decree on February 28. Immediately the rights to assemble, free speech, freedom of press and other constitutional protections were suspended. The decree permitted the Nazi regime to arrest and incarcerate political opponents without specific charges, dissolve political organizations and suppress publications.

Through threats, arrests, and intimidation Hitler’s regime forced parliament to pass the “Enabling Act” on March 23, 1933. This granted Hitler total rule, bypassed the constitution and transferred all legislative power to him and him alone.

In just 53 days (January 30 – March 23) the German Republic was dismantled, and a full-fledged Nazi dictatorship was established.

That was 93 years ago. Almost everyone old enough to remember those dark days is now dead and gone. But history has captured it, vividly, if only we care to pay attention.

If history bores you, try historical fiction which can be entertaining, educational and riveting. For example, British author Ken Follet masterfully portrays life under autocrats and dictators.

Critics may scoff at me for drawing comparisons of Nazi controlled Germany in 1933 and what is not so quietly happening in America now. But the comparisons chillingly remind me of Churchill’s warning….and to pay attention.

Janet Jeffery, Gold Beach, Oregon