America and pre-WWII Germany have a lot in common
Bob Mcclellan | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 12 years AGO
I am about one quarter of the way through a book by Ken Follett, “Winter of the World,” set in the 1930s, the era of the rise of fascism and Hitler as Chancellor of Germany. It is most fascinating reading, somewhat scary and emotional, with the rise of fascism affecting relationships among and between people in various countries, all making for captivating reading.
This was a time when Germany was experiencing financial uncertainly, high unemployment, and social unrest. This story demonstrates how effectively people’s political party affiliations are manipulated through very clever and powerful rhetoric and promises based upon lies and false hope. Because America, right now, is going through financial uncertainty, high unemployment, and social unrest this book got me to thinking. I asked myself a couple questions:
How many of the things I am hearing from our politicians are based upon lies and false hopes? Which passionately expressed views come from honest differences based upon a responsible vision for America and which are based upon lies and false hope?
Oh, another question comes to mind: How and when will I know the difference?
Bob McClellan,
Polson
ARTICLES BY BOB MCCLELLAN
Letter: Change has to come from the people, not the government
Regardless of our political views, here are some questions in my opinion we each should think about, discuss among ourselves, and look at as we consider whether we live or die as a democracy, as an empowered nation, and as a free people.
Acting from our 'better selves'
The craziness that is going on, not only in America, but all over the world seems way beyond reason. The list is long and well known. What is important, in my opinion, is some recognition of what it is going to take to change the human condition.
Real change comes from the inside out
This morning I tuned into “Meet the Press” with Chuck Todd as the new moderator. In one segment he had invited the mayors of Pittsburg, Tacoma, and Oklahoma City to share their stories of coming from the depths of despair to vitality. One was a Democrat, one a Republican and one an Independent. Despite their political views, they each spoke with a similar attitude, focus and vision.