What do you think of this quotation by Hitler's general?!?

Question

Naturally, the common people don't want war, but they can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. Tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and endangering the country. It works the same in every country. - Herman Goering, Hitler's Reichsmarschall at the Nuremberg trials.

Answer 1

I quote it all the time because it fits the current political climate so disturbingly. I think more Americans need to know whose example the current administration is following, and it's not the one set by our founding fathers. George Orwell said he wrote "1984" so people would recognize Big Brother when they saw him. He's alive and well and living in the U.S.A. You people who don't believe it can go on burying your heads in the sand, but maybe you need to be reminded of the famous "...and then they came for me" quote or this clever update on it by Stephen Rohde:

" First they came for the Muslims, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Muslim.

Then they came to detain immigrants indefinitely solely upon the certification of the Attorney General, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't an immigrant.

Then they came to eavesdrop on suspects consulting with their attorneys, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a suspect.

Then they came to prosecute non-citizens before secret military commissions, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a non-citizen.

Then they came to enter homes and offices for unannounced "sneak and peek" searches, and I didn't speak up because I had nothing to hide.

Then they came to reinstate Cointelpro and resume the infiltration and surveillance of domestic religious and political groups, and I didn't speak up because I had stopped participating in any groups.

Then they came for anyone who objected to government policy because it aided the terrorists and gave ammunition to America's enemies, and I didn't speak up because...... I didn't speak up.

Then they came for me....... and by that time no one was left to speak up."

Will there be anyone left to speak up for you?

Answer 2

It's an accurate quote. My family came from Germany right before Hitler's rise to power. Inflation was so high they could have papered their house in money. It may not be a pleasant thought, but there are many countries where people are SO desperate for change and improved economic/social well being that just a little encouragement in any way (whether or not the response would be positive or negative) can sway the majority.

Offer hope and an improved position in the world and people will follow.

I don't think you can relate this to the US at all. Different times, different reasons. I have heard all the stories.

Answer 3

It is a farily accurate and logical statement. The difference would be I don't remember Germany being attacked first. Didn't Hitler start the war with his annexations of territroies while the rest of Europe tried appeasement? Then he attack the port of Danzig in 39...then he unleashed a Blitzkrieg into Belgium. I don't see how that would be comparable to the current US situation.

Answer 4

He might have said it, but he wasn't the first to have the idea. Such maneuverings were in use back in Ancient Rome.

Answer 5

It pretty much describes the attitude of the Administration and the supporters of G.W. Bush. I see it daily on this board.

Answer 6

Not surprising that it fits the current President's views (especially since Karl Rove, the President's chief advisor, has Nazi connections).

Answer 7

I think you're mistaken. Isn't this a quote of what Cheney whispered in Dubya's ear?

Answer 8

Heil Bush!

Answer 9

looks like Rush and Bush and that whole crowd took this page out of history and applied it to their playbook

Answer 10

I think it applies very well to human nature.