Rarely do I discuss politics publicly, but something is bothering me about Trump. Keep in mind I can understand and accept people following him on his economic policies, even though I strongly disagree with most of them. However, when it comes to social issues people are siding with him even when it is often against their own self interests. Why? I believe we can turn to history for an answer.
I learned a lot about Hitler and the Third Reicht as a child… as many have. But I had a unique perspective learning directly from people who lived through this atrocious time in our world’s history. (my German teachers) and by living directly in occupied Berlin during the cold war. I detest being negative… but I just want to give you something to think about.. You know what “they say”, “History repeats Itself”.. I think it repeats itself more often than we care to realize, which is why I believe it is so important to learn and understand our world’s history.
In Berlin gays and transvestites were given unprecedented rights just before Hitler’s rise to power and subsequent decimation of the gay and Jewish communities there. The city actually protected them from arrest and gave them the right to gather, etc. and for that, they ended up paying with their lives.
The Christian population of Berlin just couldn’t handle it so they elected a monster to take care of it and the whole time deluded themselves into thinking Hitler’s anti-government rhetoric was a breath of fresh air and THAT was why they voted for him.
Fast-forward to present day United States and Donald Trump’s inexplicable popularity. I’m extremely concerned for the future of gays, Muslims, blacks and others who are marginalized in America. We’ve come so far but have also taken a few steps back when it comes to treating each person with dignity and respect.
We live in a world of duality, I get that. Some things will just be. But must we marginalize entire sectors of the population just for the benefit of one or two groups?
I have always found it interesting that Berlin has been a gay mecca in Europe for quite some time… they have been through so much and can teach us a lot.
Though we are the Super Power of the world at this time.. should we take notice of a country that has a history much longer than our own and has already been through this same sort of thing?
It will be interesting to say the least how it all turns out. I urge you to get out and vote in the coming elections no matter your political persuasion. We are living in historical times indeed.
That’s why I find this clip from Saturday Night Live so appropriate.
Watch the skit below… it’s pretty funny and scary at the same time.
If you are on a mobile device and can’t see it in your browser, then click the YouTube link below.
Why? Do you ask? Just because I want to.
It’s more than his social policies that leave us at risk.
http://www.adjuvancy.com/wordpress/wake-america/