Editor’s note: I was surprised to learn my son, Tim, is currently reading this book and have started re-reading it myself. We’ve had many conversations about it and we agree on many reasons this book deserves a look:
1. The very idea that “alternative facts” and “fake news” are currently being entertained as reasonable concepts is alarming
2. That our current president gained office through such divisive disinformation tactics despite having never held government or political office or responsibility in his life is worrisome
3. That the majority of people who were and are supportive of the President’s nationalistic tactics and policy destruction are disgruntled and less educated voters makes looking at the Reich dynamics worthwhile.
For me, the parallels come up short simply because unlike the Weimar Republic, ours is a sturdy democracy built on checks and balances. During the time Hitler rose to power (1925-1933) Germany was a highly dysfunctional (series of) governments. But the most important reason I am re-reading this is because we must never forget the most horrific episode in world history and remember also specifically what unrestrained nationalism and power can bring.
Peace,
Tim McCarthy
