The Necessity for Enlightened Thinking

[RBHam]

By Norman D. Livergood

We who live in the post-World War II period possess an immensely valuable symbol, even if we don't understand it or use it effectively: the example of Nazi Germany.

We've been conditioned to see Germany under Hitler as an unquestionably horrible example of dictatorial tyranny and inhuman barbarity--and to see our present American culture as completely opposite to that of Nazi Germany. And we like to think that if a tyranny such as that in Germany under the Nazi regime were present and growing in America we'd unquestionably be able to see it.

So it's a shock when we realize: most people living in Nazi Germany didn't see the tyranny! They thought it was the best time of their lives!



How could Germans living under Hitler's National Socialism not have seen what it was? How did their lack of social and personal awareness make them blind to their reality?

How could Americans now possibly be living under a creeping dictatorship and not know it? And how could we not only not see a police state condition but actually think we're living in complete freedom?

Because most of us don't WANT to know what's going on. We've lost the ability to think critically about political, economic, and social dangers confronting us.

If we have a job--as most people did in Nazi Germany--if the political-economic system seems stable--as it does in America--then that's all we want to know.

more...

http://www.hermes-press.com/etch1.htm

[Cadence]

1. That is so true. I think about this all the time

and it's scary.

[ghost_of_thoreau]

2. the big lie

is easier to believe than a small lie

[newyawker99]

5. Hi ghost_of_thoreau!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[rigel99]

3. AT least in Germany

they didn't have to see FOX news on every bar TV screen.

My mom is German and got taken to SS headquarters.. when she was 4.. you would think she understands all this craziness but is still a Bush fan and sadly, watches way too much O'Reilly and Fox.. No matter how many times I tell her being a lesbian in this society is like being a Jew in Nazi Germany she just laughs as if I'm overreacting..

I can't wait to call her from jail or worse, guantanamo bay... jeez....

[Pam-Moby]

4. When will people open their eyes

here in the US. How much deceit does B*sh have to do before people start realizing what he is up to.