A comparison of the hatred and violence in Nazi Germany from 1933-38 to the potential repeat of history from the Trump presidency, as I pointed out in a letter last month, is valid.
Donald Trump ran a highly charged racial and nationalistic campaign. He was seen on “60 Minutes” news making a half-hearted appeal to tamp down the effects of his rhetoric, an increase in intimidation and violence toward religious, ethnic and racial minorities, including an assault on an African-American man in Port Angeles.
His appointment of Stephen K. Bannon puts an extreme right-wing ideologue into the White House.
“The racist, fascist, extreme right is represented footsteps from the Oval Office,” said John Weaver, Republican strategist for John Kasich and John McCain. “Be very vigilant, America.”
On Twitter, he said, “Just to be clear news media, the next president named a racist anti-semite as co-equal of the chief of staff. #Not normal.”
Some of the responses from noted conservatives: “Nightmare,” “terrifying man” (Glenn Beck); “vindictive nasty figure” (Ben Shapiro, formerly of Breitbart News).
In praise of the choice: Richard Spencer, president of the National Policy Institute, and David Duke, former Grand Wizard KKK.
Trump continues his invectives, now using Twitter to cyberbully his perceived enemies. The extreme right (fascism) is repackaged in a suit and tie. Neo-Nazism is now becoming mainstream America.
Bart Kavruck,
Port Townsend