Major trends can be under our radar

Many of the major catastrophes in world history probably started with people not knowing the real gravity of what was hitting them. That is because we live day-to-day. Our immediate priority is to get through each day with all the minutiae of our lives. The minutiae consume us while the sweeping nature of something ominous may not register.
People have debated if the German people really wanted National Socialism. Arguments have been strong both ways. German people as victims or acquiescers?

The sequel movie to "Patton," far less known than the 1970 classic - what would that have been like with Rod Steiger? - had the central character arguing "victims." He pulled up to some captured and humiliated German military people in the immediate aftermath of the war. Those people were literally sulking. The scene was striking because Patton - George C. Scott reprised the role - went out of his way to show respect to those guys. He scolded them but in a way a loving family member would tell their own to shape up.
In other words, it was "tough love" from a fellow military man. Nothing subtle in this scene, as the highest ranking prisoner did an about face in his demeanor, no longer sulking but now proudful.
OK it was like the very striking scene at the end of the 1964 classic movie "Zulu" that introduced Michael Caine. Mutual respect among military men can take precedence. Here it's the primitive Zulus who assemble on the ridge overlooking the British encampment in great numbers. The beleaguered British group was certain the enemy forces would sweep down. It was all over.
But no, the Zulus literally broke out in song and made gestures. The Zulu culture specialist in the encampment broke out laughing. Caine did too even though he wasn't yet informed of the import of what was going on. I suppose it was delirious laughter. The culture expert communicated the interpretation: the Zulus were withdrawing and in their behavior were "saluting fellow braves."
The Patton sequel movie indicated that pride among military men was, in the end, more important than political movements. So, it had the effect of minimizing the Germans' behavior of that era.
Surely it is highly tempting to want to forgive people after they have gone astray with a lapse of conscience or dangerous hubris. Forgiveness allows us to move on, the spirit that always trumps everything. It's easy to do once it's clear we are the victor.
Heavens, American society is full of German people. Haven't you always wondered about a particular German friend: How would this person have behaved in Germany of the mid-20th Century? We can certainly wonder about our Japanese friends. The Japanese even more than the Germans are said to have been "brainwashed" into WWII. Is this prejudice? It suggests the Japanese people or perhaps Asians in general are "weak" and susceptible to dangerous forces.
All hell definitely broke loose in the mid-20th Century on a scale we increasingly just grasp in the abstract, because of all the emotional distance that has developed with time, and also with our urge to reconcile and move on with a hopeful lens.
 
Not victims? Listen to Hartmann
What about the "Germans acquiesced" camp? The argument that the German people fundamentally wanted what the Nazis put on their plate? Contemporary commentator Thom Hartmann has made a strong argument for this. "This is what the German people wanted."
Accepting this is disturbing. It is disturbing and disruptive to proceed with conflict. But we must be aware and vigilant about basic human nature. I see the contemporary right wing forces in America and I am genuinely worried about what all could erupt. I mean, if the bottom truly falls out with the U.S. economy.
 
Recognizing Godwin's Law
This post I am writing seeks to promote a healthy and realistic perspective. My nature is to be rather a "permabear." But consider the old saying "if you wait long enough, the bears are always right."
I must draw a line here and assert that I recognize "Godwin's Law." I will not make a direct parallel between the Fascist forces of the 20th Century and the GOP regime we have in Washington D.C. now. We have a president who seems to have little or no alignment with genuine conservative or libertarian philosophy. We have a president who I think cannot articulate a philosophy at all, who hardly even works, reads or prepares himself.
Which is fine if the people's interests are still being served. It seems the proper aims are not being served. But I cannot connect the GOP in power with the dangerous forces cited earlier. History does not literally repeat itself. But history does have a few constants about human nature. Yes we can gravitate to a cult leader type who has learned to manipulate and massage people. The warning lights appear to be flashing now. But the GOPers who have latched on to the Trump cult do not show the signs of humility and fear that would be welcome.
Scarily, it seems to be the opposite. Many years ago I heard a Washington D.C. insider/commentator say of Godwin's Law: "Everyone in this city knows about the rule but it gets violated all the time." So lately we heard Chris Matthews of all people, a D.C. insider's insider, violate the rule by comparing a Bernie Sanders surge to the Nazi invasion of Poland or some country. Holy cow.
The Matthews flub - presumably he wouldn't do it again - was one of a couple that quickly hastened the end of his MSNBC show. The other awkward issue had to do with #MeToo. Looking at how #MeToo has taken down so many important people like a scythe, it makes me thankful I have never even asked a woman on a date. Glory hallelujah. My life has indeed had its blessings.
Joe Biden now has #MeToo hovering over him like a vulture. Fox News will talk about those allegations 24 hours a day if it has to. It could sink Biden and the Democrats. Which means, we'll have more of Trump and his brainless power-seeking sycophants. But I won't violate Godwin's Law. (Do not compare anything happening today to the Nazis because the Nazis were so uniquely evil.)
 
Addendum: The name of the "Patton" movie sequel was "The Last Days of Patton" and it came out in 1986. It was made for TV. It had such a somber and ponderous tone, it wasn't likely to become a classic.
- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com