My Argument with Facebook
RANTER'S NOTE:
I have just been informed by the nice folks over at Facebook that I have been banned from using their facilities for the next three days. The reason? According to them I have been engaging in "hateful" speech. Was it the context of what I wrote or the photograph above that upset them so? It seems inconceivable to me that merely posting a photo of der fuhrer would constitute hate speech. Like it or not, he is a historical figure. You be the judge. Here is what I wrote in its entirety:
"It also gives us a very special, secret pleasure to see how unaware the people around us are of what is really happening to them."
-Adolf Hitler
I just got a really neat idea! Let's all vote for the GOP in November and see what happens!
Is it fair to compare the Republican party of today to the Nazi party of yore? That all depends on the historical context. If you're referring to the Nazis of 1938 - the year of the Night of Broken Glass (Khristallnacht) or the opening of the first concentration camps - then, yes, the comparison is grossly unfair and I'll be the first to stand up and say so.....
But if you're referring to the Nazi party of a decade earlier - 1928 for instance - not only is the comparison fair, IT'S UNAVOIDABLE.
When the Nazis were founded in 1922 by Hitler, Hess, Goebbels, Goering - and the the rest of those assholes - they weren't at the starting gate in full-tilt, let's-conquer-Europe-and-kill-all-the-Jews mode. Although the Nazi ideology was bad enough at their founding, it would get a lot worse. It was a gradual evolution between 1922 and 1938.
In case you haven't noticed, the "grand old party" has been "evolving" into something perfectly hideous and dreadful these last thirty years. Show me a person who doesn't agree with that statement and I'll show you someone who hasn't been paying attention. It gives me the dry heaves to even contemplate where they'll be a decade from now.
Have a lovely day, kiddies!
Tom Degan
Now that wasn't so bad, was it?
RELATED TOPIC:
http://tomdegan.blogspot.com/2010/02/adolf-hitler-fightin-liberal.html
I wrote this little ditty two-and-a-half years ago. It ain't bad.
I have just been informed by the nice folks over at Facebook that I have been banned from using their facilities for the next three days. The reason? According to them I have been engaging in "hateful" speech. Was it the context of what I wrote or the photograph above that upset them so? It seems inconceivable to me that merely posting a photo of der fuhrer would constitute hate speech. Like it or not, he is a historical figure. You be the judge. Here is what I wrote in its entirety:
"It also gives us a very special, secret pleasure to see how unaware the people around us are of what is really happening to them."
-Adolf Hitler
I just got a really neat idea! Let's all vote for the GOP in November and see what happens!
Is it fair to compare the Republican party of today to the Nazi party of yore? That all depends on the historical context. If you're referring to the Nazis of 1938 - the year of the Night of Broken Glass (Khristallnacht) or the opening of the first concentration camps - then, yes, the comparison is grossly unfair and I'll be the first to stand up and say so.....
But if you're referring to the Nazi party of a decade earlier - 1928 for instance - not only is the comparison fair, IT'S UNAVOIDABLE.
When the Nazis were founded in 1922 by Hitler, Hess, Goebbels, Goering - and the the rest of those assholes - they weren't at the starting gate in full-tilt, let's-conquer-Europe-and-kill-
In case you haven't noticed, the "grand old party" has been "evolving" into something perfectly hideous and dreadful these last thirty years. Show me a person who doesn't agree with that statement and I'll show you someone who hasn't been paying attention. It gives me the dry heaves to even contemplate where they'll be a decade from now.
Have a lovely day, kiddies!
Tom Degan
Now that wasn't so bad, was it?
RELATED TOPIC:
I wrote this little ditty two-and-a-half years ago. It ain't bad.
posted by Tom Degan @ 3:42 AM
60 comments
60 Comments:
Tom, the comparison is legitimate and unavoidable. Yes, not only has the GOP led the charge over the cliff toward totalitarianism, but the Democratic Party is following right behind.
Goebbels would have been proud of the propaganda machine we've developed. With this "inverted totalitarianism", where there isn't any singular dictator but rather a large power-base at the top, the corporate-state now has total control of what's said, and more importantly, not said.
Personally, I don't "Facebook". It's too much of an infringement of my privacy.
I got on FB reluctantly about six years ago. It was the only route that a lot of the people I went to high school with would communicate with me. For the first four years I would only use it to answer various correspondents.
The about two years ago, I discovered it was a dandy way to attract readers. I've been using it very regularly since then.
Geez. It was great. Now I am royally pissed at Facebook. Can't believe they did that to you, either. Hang in there, Tom.
There's probably a lot of Repubs on the staff of Facebook. I dunno, I've never used it myself.
Tom's best idea ever:
"I just got a really neat idea! Let's all vote for the GOP in November and see what happens!"
100% behind you on that idea! See you at the polls in NOV.
Minor correction: technically, the party was founded by Anton Drexler in 1919. I believe it was mainly Drexler's idea to include the word "Socialist" in the party's name in 1920.
Personally, I try to avoid the Nazi comparisons, as everyone makes them and they have been used so much as to have lost all meaning. However, it is certainly true that there is a strong nationalist streak in today's GOP.
Oh, and Facebook sucks.
Tom-
When are you going to get around to discussing all the foreign bank accounts owned by our new, modeled by the middle class, just like us President? Just Like Mitt and Michelle own.
BTW: Why would any redbloodied American ever want a Swiss or Cayman account? What's in it for us?
How true is the old saying that those who do not learn from history repeat it. For a good picture of Germany in the 20s and up through the 40s try reading some of the fiction of Hans Fallada; fiction based on fact and a damned good example of the direction this country is heading.
You should have used the picture of Hitler holding a kitten.
I am seriously considering dropping FB altogether although from what i hear it is next to impossible to completely delete. The final straw was when i got a message on my FB page quoting language that i used sarcastically ON A DIFFERENT SITE telling me to review FB's conduct guidelines. They are out of control. Hopefully a better mousetrap is on its way.
About Facebook:
I recently had a warning shot after I told a bunch of religious people to stop appeasing an invisible man in the sky.
Fair enough, religious nutboxes may say.
But this was in the middle of hundreds of homophobic (to the point of "let's take 'em out and hang them) comments about Google supporting gay pride.
Good to see FB had their priorities sorted.
GOP:
From a Limey perspective, these bunch of muppets have gone from mere right-wing to batshit insane frogs in a box with party hats on.
I think, more than anything, it is entirely intentional. The more shit they spout, the more they shove themselves into a totalitarian, zealot-ridden corner. However, they have an ace up their sleeve.
Yes, what they say is madness. Yes, it is putrid, evil, and vile made manifest in manifesto. But if you don't agree with them... you are a COMMIE!
*hears pitter patter of braindead feet moving from left to right*
Nazis, Fascists, Soviet and Chinese Communists and Republicans all oppose/suppress democracy, progressives and unions.
I say this not with hate, but with love and compassion for wayward humanity.
The Bayes,
Why don't you keep your views about the USA where they belong, in the UK!
If it weren't for the USA, you'd be speaking German. Just once I'd like to read where one these self appointed critics of everything in our country, thanked the US for what we paid in blood and treasure to keep their inept, ungrateful asses out of the hands of the Gestapo!
Your welcome, ass hole.
Anonymous, regarding your idiotic comments to The Bayes, I suppose you are one of the smart ass Americans who is always so quick to make nasty remarks about the British monatchy when it is really none of your business. Right?
I welcome views of the US from abroad. Especially if they are accurate.
I'm sure Europeans are more aware of the fact that Russians killed way more Germans than the rest of the Allies combined.
If it weren't for the Soviet Union, millions more Americans would have been killed.
Where's the thanks for that?
Instead fascism is taking hold in the US thanks to hateful, ignorant brainwashed pinheads.
"The Bayes" was not disparaging the sacrifices made by the greatest generation. He was merely pointing out that even across the pond it is impossible to ignore the deterioration of the American political system.
Your comment was just a tad immature - not to mention reactionary.
Cheerio! Pip! Pip!
I think your comparison would be more apt if you aim it at both political parties. The democratic politicians have been working hand in hand with the republicans to bring the Patriot Act, multiple wars, Guantanamo, drone strikes, rendering, imprisonment without due process...
...to anonymous, If you support all of that shit, you are speaking (Hitler's) German...
Only an United States that delivers the promises within the Constitution is worth fighting for. Politicians who take these things away are your enemies...
One additional complaint...
I recently was in England. I was appalled to find that the beer was quite weak. While some of it tasted OK, overall, it sucked. On my return, research revealed that brewers are taxed based on alcoholic concentration - and the brewers responded accordingly.
I suggest boycotting all things British to support my fellow beer drinkers!
Don't worry about it Tom,
There is something called freedom of speech even if you believe in a big nanny state where no one is accountable for their actions anymore.
There is somebody here with commy shit for brains who has enabled IP tracking on his blog and posted what he believes is my location on Dave's "Freedom Blog". What a hypocrite to talk about infringement on privacy.
He is too dumb to know that ATT aggregates traffic from surrounding towns and sends it to Middletown which is where ATT has its POP.
Thanks to all the yanks who jumped in there to support my comments there. You guys are the sort of Yanks I generally meet over here, and you are great ambassadors for your country. I guess the smarter Americans get the passports ;)
To the Anon, not showing respect for the views of the rest of us shows a lack of respect for your own country. The US is the world's superpower, and what goes on over there affects the rest of us. If you haven't figured that out, then I can't say you've formed a very accurate, coherent view of your own country.
And beyond that, I'm a Brit! We're supposed to be pals! Take my comments as friendly criticisms from a concerned mate.
@John, there's plenty wrong with both political parties, I agree. From over here, it very much looks like both parties are in the pocket of corporations and banks. We've got the same problem here. Just the guys on the right always seem to be better at ripping the public off. But hey, let's be honest. It's not democracy any more. It's more a case of what colour you'd like your Oligarchy to be.
And as for the beer, you clearly went to the wrong pubs and ordered the wrong beer. I haven't yet met an American who can keep up with me :D
Yeah, no hell yeah, your right The Bayes, Yanks to the rescue of another other foreign critic who believe like you do that the only thing wrong with the USA is it doesn't have high enough taxes. (other examples, see MO's posts on this blog) Why don't you ask Dave Duyba to come to the UK and work in YOUR corrections system so he can pay a "fair" tax rate he so desires here along with world class free health care?
Fact is Dave you are a pile of steaming dog droppings, if the USA had only counter attacked Japan instead of fighting a war on two fronts, (something no other nation could have done at that time), more of your beloved Soviet Solders would have died and The Bayes may very well have ended up speaking German.
And Dave, don't forget that the asshole Stalin, another beloved socialist, was in bed with Hitler (a socialist) before JAPAN attacked the USA. I shed no tears for either side of that war, let them both rot.
And Dave,I'm still waiting for the USSR to pay off their war debit to the USA and maybe even send a card of thanks for sending them the equipment that allowed the to get to battle riding in US trucks instead of walking bare foot.
But then, I'm still waiting for the unemployment rate to drop under 6% like Obama promised it would by this time, if HIS stimulus plan was passed.
As for Facebook, who gives a rats ass about it or what it does, or how it's stock is doing. Who needs it?
Ahh, so you've returned?
That's some great rhetoric you've got there. The way you swing it around like you know what you are talking about is priceless.
I don't see what you've got against tax. You want a successful country, don't you? If your government wasn't so heavily corrupted by the corporations you long to own you instead, then who knows? Maybe entire states wouldn't be going bankrupt.
I laugh at how you parrot elitist garbage about taxes. Do you live the same luxury life style of the billionaires? No. Because you are just another "bythesweatofmybrow" tool who the trample over, rape senseless for every scrap that your worth, and then laugh as you applaud them for it. Great work.
So, the USA was going to let a fascist country become a fascist superpower that stretched from Ireland to the tips of Alaska, was it? You think that would've made for a great trading bloc? Or the US's worst fucking nightmare? Please, come with a tad of logic before getting all "MERICA, FUCK YEAH!!!" with me. Besides which, you weren't the only power to fight on two fronts. We also have Africa and the Middle East to contend with. And don't forget the Germans themselves.
Oh, and did you just call Hitler a socialist? You do realise that's pretty much invalidated your opinion on everything ever for the rest of your dull witted days?
The Bayes,
Cheers, Mate! The trolls don't stand a chance. I'll buy you a pint, my next time across the pond.
Bayes,
I will have to consult with you before the next UK trip - as I do enjoy the right beer.
I was recently at a beer festival in Worcester, Massachusetts (called 'The Festival') there were many brewers from around the world including a couple from the UK. I had a conversation with one of them who explained that the export product had no such restrictions and typically was stronger than the below 4% that many brewers are making for the UK market. Indeed, he had some fine export beers including a few IPAs which I particularly enjoy.
In any event, I had enough pints in the UK to get the job done - albeit a little fuller than usual. For the record, I was mostly drinking cask ales in london pubs - which we don't have much access to in my part of NY. We do however have some local brewers cropping up in the region who are making some great beers which is fantastic!
I must say I'm deeply flattered by our dear troll's passionate feelings for me. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)
The descriptive style indicates our multi-alias, fecal-focused troll, from a New England Blue State, at that. I wouldn’t be surprised if he works in a carwash or as a truck stop mop-slinger if he’s lucky.
True to form, with a mind open as a Moonie’s, he overflows with cult indoctrinated hatred, fear, and ignorance. He’s the classic, “Liberals are Commies” type of lunatic.
Apart from being the typical wild-eyed, blithering fanatic, he can be entertaining sometimes.
He really is wrong with astounding consistency.
Ever the WWII historian, I would add to the information offered by our esteemed kindred soul across the pond, and further correct our fact-impaired, doofus-witted troll.
Yes, not only did Germany also fight a two-front war, Britain fought globally on the seas, and certainly fought the Japanese in Burma, Malaya, and elsewhere in Southeast Asia and islands. All while fighting Germans in Africa and Europe.
Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan were defeated, but alas, the twin beasts, fascism and imperialism, thrive, and gnaw at our freedoms, justice, and prosperity.
I wonder if trolls are capable of learning at all... Does any of our information seep into the locked minds of cult members? Do they even read what we write?
But I thank him for allowing an opportunity for some real history to surface from his foul, venomous claptrap.
God Save The Queen! (And National Health for the commoners!)
I learned to love beer in England, after a kindly old fellow treated me to a light and bitter.
Cheers!
"Germany also fight a two-front war" THEY LOST, ASS HOLE.
"Britain fought globally" AND WOULD HAVE LOST IF NOT FOR THE USA, ASS HOLE.
USA fought a global, two front war and WON, which I GUESS pisses you off to this day.
Hey Limy, whats the unemployment rate in the UK these days?
You guys have any use for a washed up screw prison guard? Dave wants to live in a socialized country.
He's for gay marriage, how whats the Mother Lands stand on that issue?
What's the tax rate on the top 2% of income earners in the UK? The over paid, under worked screw from Michigan loves to see the rich get soaked with taxes, because it's only "fair".
If you'll take him, I'll chip in for his one way passage on the next tramp steamer heading for the THAMES River.
So, who really gives a rats butt about Facebook any way?
You know, despite the radical Right's dragging our country into austerity and neo-feudal fascism, we Americans have something to be thankful about. Over the past twenty odd years we have seen more micro-breweries providing us with really fine beer.
"Beer is proof God loves us and wants us to be happy".- Ben Franklin.
God bless America!
It's was a World War. We fought together. We won together. If we didn't, Nazi Germany would've taken Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. You would've had no access to trade in the rest of the world, and no oil. They would have owned you.
Hell, if you fancy playing that game, you guys wouldn't even be a country if it wasn't for the French. Yes, that bunch of cheese-eating surrender monkeys are the reason you don't all run around with British accents.
Despite having "socialist" in the name, Hitler was quite clearly a fascist. Look, we can all see that history and politics aren't your strong point (I doubt you have any strong points), so I'll let you off. Make no mistake though, WWII was a fight against right-wing fascist dictatorships. Your views are a hell of a lot closer to Hitler's than anyone else here. Or do you need me to point out the glaring Nationalism you've dressed up as faux-patriotism?
Also, nothing about World War II pisses me off. It's history. Learned from it, yes. Angry about it? WTF? Getting angry about something that didn't happen in my lifetime is rather futile. What am I supposed to do? Beat up some Germans? I'm actually quite fond of the Germans, thanks. You need to relax, hermano.
One could say that Europe was saved from socialism and replaced by socialism. But you'd look like a complete fucking tool, especially when you say it to a European. Rush Limbaugh really isn't the fountain of all knowledge you make him out to be.
The top rate of tax in the UK is 50%, and has been since before WWI. Because when your top tier owns a staggering slice of the wealth, that's what we like to call 'logic'. I can see you aren't a fan.
We'd happily have Dave. Hell, he might even enjoy working for a prison that's not run for profit. You, though, can stay.
We also couldn't give two shits about the gays. Why bother? How is it any of yours and my concern? It's not my ass that's getting a cock up it, why should I care? And if you are coming from a religious point of view, d'ya think maybe you should just let big beardy handle this one?
I can also see you don't get on with numbers. Even if Russia hadn't paid up already along with us (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-American_loan), and we still actually owed you anything, those paltry piles of billions would be nothing compared to the $16 trillion you've racked up in debt. You better start coming up with better ways to pay off your debts than hassling countries for debts already paid, otherwise those economic problems of yours aren't going anywhere.
Finally, regarding the asshole comments, don't attempt to insult a Brit. Especially when you a mentally redundant, cunteyed, twattarded, cumholster of a human being who mistakes the foaming faecal matter spewing forth from that shitty sphincter you call a mouth as informed opinion. You clearly aren't in the same league of intelligence or abuse.
Regarding everyone else's comments about beer, I'm also half-Irish, so expect whiskey chasers when you come over.
...ahh, I seem to recall indulging in this Irish beverage from time to time. Indeed, it lessens the content issue. I am also quite fond of something from Scotland.
Over here, the government's prohibition ruined beer for nearly a century - few brewers were left standing, and those that were could deliver sub-standard product. Dave's comment about micro-brews is absolutely true (although the cartels churn out faux-micros regularly). Our saving gave in this regard is the current batch of politicians grew up drinking the same bad beer we did - otherwise they would put more effort into destroying the micro & brew-pub revolution.
Regarding your description of our previously nameless friend, here we merely say he has his head up his ass. The lack of clarity in vision and breath issues are the expected outcome.
Ahh, yes. The prohibition. Sounds absolutely horrific, I think if anyone suggested that over here, we'd stick them in a blender and use their remains to brew alcopops.
Personally, the only drugs I support the control of are blood drugs, so coke, smack, and meth. Even then, these should be controlled with addicts given free access to rehab rather than jail. Restricting people's ability to have a good time always struck me as a losing battle, especially when you consider how much tax money we are instead handing over to organised crime! The Taliban would not have two coins to rub together if we had a more sensible approach to heroin. But let's not open that can of worms.
I appreciate the sentiment of "head up your ass", but us Brits do enjoy our foul mouthed word play. I believe this video sums up the cultural differences:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXmcGdGe6ak
Dear Tom, I'm sorry to hear about your Facebook ban. However, it seems we can all use an fb vacation once in a while.
Having read your blog I fail to see how the Nazi party even in its infancy compares at all to the GOP- a party that espouses individual freedom, pro-growth economic policy and constitutional government. The assumption is made without supporting argument.
Yet this is all too common tactic of the left. To call someone a Nazi (or a racist, or stupid) excites the fan base (note to commenters) but is too over-the-top for any serious consideration.
A prior rant likening Gov. Rick Scott to a Nazi because he LOOKED LIKE A NAZI is a similar ploy.
Cordially
Lomez, sorry to disillusion you, but the term Nazi is tossed around quite a bit by conservatives and the GOP.
And The Bayes - you rock. Please comment often.
Interesting report from the Great Frozen North. But what would you expect to happen when it's free?
A Canadian study released Wednesday found that many provinces in our neighbor to the North have seen patients fleeing the country and opting for medical treatment in the United States.
The nonpartisan Fraser Institute reported that 46,159 Canadians sought medical treatment outside of Canada in 2011, as wait times increased 104 percent — more than double — compared with statistics from 1993.
Specialist physicians surveyed across 12 specialties and 10 provinces reported an average total wait time of 19 weeks between the time a general practitioner refers a patient and the time a specialist provides elective treatment — the longest they have ever recorded.
In 2011, Canadians enrolled in the nation’s government-dominated health service waited long periods of time for an estimated 941,321 procedures. As many as 2.8 percent of Canadians were waiting for treatment at any given time, according to the Institute.
“In some cases, these patients needed to leave Canada due to a lack of available resources or a lack of appropriate procedure/technology,” according to the Institute. “In others, their departure will have been driven by a desire to return more quickly to their lives, to seek out superior quality care, or perhaps to save their own lives or avoid the risk of disability.”
Increases in the number of patients leaving Canada for treatment were seen in seven of the ten Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Some of these patients will have been sent out of country by the public health care system due to a lack of available resources or the fact that some procedures or equipment are not provided
in their home jurisdiction,” the report concluded.
But it's better than what we have here in the USA! Sure.
As Nazism as defined by Wikipedia. Note to Annoymous Two, so by Tom bringing Hitler into his post are you calling him a conservatives and member of the the GOP? Best I can see Hitler was a Nazi, and Nazism is socialism. If you don't agree, take it up with Wikipedia, not the GOP and conservatives.
Nazism promoted an economic system that supported a stratified economy with classes based on merit and talent but rejected universal egalitarianism. It favoured private property, freedom of contract, and promoted the creation of national solidarity that would transcend class differences.[16][17] Hitler claimed that unconditional equality of opportunity for all "racially sound" Aryan males was the essence of German National Socialism.[18] Initially, Nazi political strategy used anti-big business, anti-bourgeois, and anti-capitalist rhetoric.[19] This was downplayed in the 1930s to gain the support of industrial owners, and it shifted more to anti-Semitic and anti-Marxist themes.[20] The Nazis outlawed strikes by employees and lockouts by employers, because these were regarded a threat to national unity.[21] Instead, the state controlled and approved wage and salary levels.[22]
TB,
I do appreciate a proficient swearer. There are plenty of examples of American masters like George Carlin or (Tom's favorite) Lenny Bruce. I had the good fortune of seeing Dennis Wolfburg who may have been even better. Of course there is always the Shakespeare thing - but we had Melville. In any event, I am not nearly as skilled in this area as I would like to be. I lean toward metaphorical realities and perhaps I'm too polite and a microsecond too slow to best use them in regular conversation.
Some people just have a way with words - it can be an amazing thing. For others, its logic. And I suppose there is little point in further discussion of that special class which wield ignorance with supreme authority.
@Anon, what's your point? All the Nazism article on Wiki does is prove us right and you wrong.
Or did you not read it? Hell, the bit you quoted in a vague attempt to win proves your own points wrong.
Jog on, fella. I would say before you say something stupid, but we all know, it's far too late for that.
@John, We all employ language how we see fit. On a side note, George Carlin is hands down my favourite stand up of all time :D
No Dave you over looked this
"the state controlled and approved wage and salary levels."
That's what the liberals want to do through tax law here in the USA.
That's what socialist countries do anywhere they exist. Socialist countries control their market place either through laws or taxation.
National Health Care? Socialist Nazi German had it. You want it, so are you a Nazi or a socialist?
"Nazis hated liberals and punished educators too" And liberals/socialist hate any thing that doesn't give the central govt complete control over. You see Dave, we know you feed at the table paid for by the taxes of others. It's no surprise then, that you support socialism. And the Nazis were socialist. Me? I'm a free market capitalist.
Tom's issue with facebook is just an example of free market capitalism. He doesn't like how he's treated, so he cry's about it, urges others to not use it and stops doing so himself. That's the free market at work. You on the other hand would like the federal govt to step in and prevent facebook from doing what Tom doesn't like.
It reminds me of the liberal reaction to the failure of AIR AMERICA Radio, they wanted Govt to bale it out or restrict the free speech in the free market place they didn't like, IE conservative talk radio. That is what the Nazis(socialist) did to those who opposed them.
Anonymous needs to review his WWII history. The US was in a very isolationist frame of mind and most likely would never have gotten involved had the Japanese not bombed Pearl Harbor. Before then the Brits were getting the shit bombed out of them - you have heard of the London Blitz, haven't you - and France had capitulated to Germany because of lack of support from the U.S. Despite the years of pleading on the part of Churchill, American diplomats and even many of FDR's closest aides, he refused to get involved. What the U.S. did do was to sell a bunch of obsolete battle ships and other military equipment that needed expensive and extensive repairs to our cousins across the pond at highly inflated prices at a time when 1) they were in desperate need of war-fighting equipment; 2) they were financially strapped; 3) they so badly needed the U.S. fighting along side of them. Britain was on its knees and about to take its last gasp when the U.S. was FORCED to get involved.
I think it's a mistake to call the Republicans "Nazis." They are "fascists" with Nazi-like ideology and practices.
Leslie P. for someone telling me to review my WWII history they might want to reconsider their own knowledge.
Example "What the U.S. did do was to sell a bunch of obsolete battle ships"
The U.S. never sold a battleship to the Brits. They sold (lent?) them WWI era destroyers, the old four stack, flush deck ships of which there were 3 classes. The Caldwell class, Wickes Class and the Clemson Class.
Check out the meaning of the term "lend lease" if you really want to educate your self.
Oh and by the way, since your ok with calling the GOP names, I guess you ok with the DNC/Liberals being called names?
You're right about the lend lease, Anon. Was trying to reach for that term but it just wouldn't come. However, the lease wasn't free and, in fact, was inflated.
I'm not apologizing for equating the GOP with fascism. They are what they are.
So, DNC = socialism/communism.
feel all better now?
The general tenor of the comment by Leslie Parsley at 7:54 AM about aid to the British in WW2 was correct. Anonymous at 10:05 AM corrected the description of the warships to WW1 era destroyers, not battleships. Both Leslie Parsley and Anonymous, however, incorrectly identified the warship transaction as a sale.
The obsolete warships were not “sold” to the British. Fifty WW1 destroyers were swapped under an Agreement dated September 3, 1940 for 99 year leases of bases in Bermuda, various Caribbean islands, British Guiana, and Newfoundland.
In December 1940 (after being reelected) President Roosevelt proclaimed that the US would be the “Arsenal of Democracy.” The Lend Lease Act was signed March 11, 1941 and unleashed a flood of military aid to the British (and later to China, the Soviet Union, and other WW2 Allies).
@Leslie
Please site examples on how the GOP is fascist and include your own defenition of fascism please. It seems to be the most abused word in the English language these days.
what on one is going to defend Canada's national health care?
Anon, I thought you were against foreigners taking an uninvited stance on another country's affairs?
yeah, but wot you don't get bayes is that i'm a complete fuckwit who thinks fascists and communists and liberals and all the things that aren't me are nazis even though i myself am a nazi so how do you like those apples you brit who we saved because we're america and fuck yeah?
So what you are saying is... you are actually a Nazi?
So, Anon, what you are saying is that you are a Nazi Socialist with a cunt for a face?
I don't know, Anon. But thanks for clearing all that up. I'll be sure to discount whatever the next Anon says.
Picard,
If I may:
Fascism n. A philosophy or system of government that advocates or exercises a dictatorship of the extreme right, typically through the merging of state and business leadership, together with an ideology of belligerent nationalism. -American Heritage Dictionary 1973
As noted:
Nazis, Fascists, Soviet and Chinese Communists and Republicans all oppose/suppress voter access, democracy, progressives and unions.
Wiki: ”It favoured private property, freedom of contract, and promoted the creation of national solidarity that would transcend class differences.”
(“You’re either with us or against us” GW Bush) Sounds like Republicans.
Wiki: “...to gain the support of industrial owners, and it shifted to anti-Marxist themes”
Sounds like Republicans again.
The Nazis outlawed strikes by employees. Nazis were anti-union just like Soviet and Chinese Communists, Dictators, and Republicans.
It would seem Republicans have a lot more in common with Nazis than liberals do. That’s right. Nazis hated liberals and punished educators too.
Not to mention Republicans and Nazis both started wars of aggression based on lies and invaded countries that didn’t attack them.
One thing for certain is the Nazis were not democratic. They didn’t want certain people to vote and restricted voting rights and suppressed democracy. Sort of like...yeah, Republicans.
Anon,
Perhaps a WWII historian like yourself would like to educate yourself about how and with who an actual American bank, Brown Brothers Harriman conducted business during the war. Find out about 'trading with the enemy' and also how the executives were punished. It is quite fascinating...
stickitinist stickitoutist,
...guilty, as charged!
Showing photos of Hitler and calling to mind Nazi Germany (which is highly en vogue today) presents the logical fallacy of weak analogy. Some factors involved may be similar, but many aren’t. It also (in my mind) demeans the real victims of the reality itself. If we’re intellectually (I say “we” because I’ve used it before) honest, we’ll admit that we do it primarily for the rhetorical effect, rather than the belief that we are really presenting a well thought out, valid analogy. But, alas, we have the right to do this and most folks understand this, so it’s fairly harmless if not pointless.
Good discussion on Hitler and his socio-economic ideology (some of it). My two cents…
Economically Hitler was a socialist – not a communist – and mainly for pragmatic reasons. Best fit for his nationalist and statist leanings. Communism at the time was an international ploy to globalize its ideology – so de facto an enemy of his. So, while he needed an ally in Stalin for a time, it became clear he had nothing to do with Russia ideologically. Hitler was a strong nationalist and a statist, which is what drove him primarily. Economics was not his passion – it was necessary as a component of defining his nation, and a brand of “national socialism” made the most sense to him. But, to say it resembled any other brand of socialism would be misleading. It would be like saying China and the US are both capitalistic, so we must think alike. In short, to say Hitler didn’t plan to employ socialism is false – he did. But, to label him a “socialist” could be misleading, if that makes sense – was not his “thing”. In general, to use Hitler in discussion of socio-economic theory is not highly relevant.
I have watched what has been happening for 60 years. When I was a child I watched documentaries about how Hitler took over Germany. First, have a terrible economy. Then people become desperate for help. That is the beginning of terrible things to come if the populace is not very, very cautious about who is promising what.
There has been a progression, a long term plan if you will, by the people who supported Hitler in the USA to take over our Country slowly but surely. (See Prescott Bush and Wall Street buddies funding Hitler's takeover of Poland and subsequent freezing of their
Wall Street money by the US Government after USA entered WWII. Money was released back to Bush et al after war was over.)
Cheney et al have been involved with every Republican Administration since after WWII.
And, now, Romney talks about how "wise" Cheney is. OMG! Maybe Cheney is our next VP if Romney (God Forbid) would win.
Every time the Republicans (Conservative) refer to something about the Democrats or Obama as Nazi or Hitler like, it is transference. They are accusing the Democrats and Obama of being what they really are. Republicans hate education. They hate teachers. Look at Texas where they are now passing rules that say teachers are not to teach "independent thinking/" Talk about mind control. Sounds something like "Hitler youth" to me.
You can't just look at what is happening today. You have to take a critical look at what has been going on for the last 70 years.
The Republicans and Wall Street totally collapsed our economy during Bush 43 years. Now, is the perfect time to feed the American populace a full line of Bull Shit about the "job creators" and getting rid of Unions. Attack teachers, firefighters and police. Build "private" prisons. Sell our roads and bridges to private corporations. Privatize all of our health care. (Remember when Health Insurance Companies had to be Non-profit and health insurance was affordable)?
This election is critical for our Country. We CANNOT have any more right-wingers on our Supreme Court. Roberts threw a bone to the Citizens to try to show that he was not totally in the pocket of the extreme right wing but if you trust Roberts, you are sucking their Kool-aid.
Anonymous said...
"I have watched what has been happening for 60 years."
I have also watched what has been happening for the last 60 years and I disagree with your view of what has happened. You overlooked that the House was controlled over 40 of those 60 years by democrats!
Just what is liberal enough for you?
“Republicans hate education… They hate teachers…. [They] attack teachers, firefighters and police.”
Come again? Do you really believe this?
What is comically ironic to me in this Hitler-fest is that some of you fail to see the stark parallel between your views and those of Hitler. Namely – that all of the ills of society and our economy are squarely on the shoulders of a single class of people. Only, it is a political leaning and not ethnicity at play. Oops.
@dave Dubya
“...to gain the support of industrial owners, and it shifted
to anti-Marxist themes”
Well I believe in supply side economics which makes me particularly anti marxist...making me a fascist?
It favoured private property, freedom of contract, and promoted the creation of national solidarity that would transcend class differences.”
The first two of these are cornerstones of libertarianism which cannot be confused with fascism at all (lack of command economy, a govt that protects natural rights)
"The Nazis outlawed strikes by employees. Nazis were anti-union just like Soviet and Chinese Communists, Dictators, and Republicans."
Not being in favor of public unions doesn't make you a freaking fascist. That is such bullshit logic I suppose anyone who's in a union is a communist right?
"It would seem Republicans have a lot more in common with Nazis than liberals do. That’s right. Nazis hated liberals and punished educators too. "
I don't know what justifies punishing teachers. Firing them? Lowering their wages? That happening to a lot of people recently. Liberals think hiring more teachers is how we solve are shitty education? Bullshit. The reasons half of them don't give a dam. Is because they have tenure.
"Not to mention Republicans and Nazis both started wars of aggression based on lies and invaded countries that didn’t attack them."
Democrats aren't immune to this either . The most liberal president in us history,Johnson, had a war based on lies as well.
"One thing for certain is the Nazis were not democratic. They didn’t want certain people to vote and restricted voting rights and suppressed democracy. Sort of like...yeah, Republicans."
I'm getting sort of tired of this. Half the country recquires some form of voter Id . I used to have to show ID to rent a goddamn movie
Voter ID laws were supported by 52% of Democrats, 72% of independents and 87% of Republicans.
U.S. Department of Transportation records showing that there were 205.8 million valid drivers licenses in 2009, meaning there are 19 million more individuals with photo ID than there are registered voters, as evidence that photo ID is not hard to obtain
Picard, the guy with a lot in common with fascists,
Thanks for demonstrating your anti-union, anti-education, anti-progressive, anti-suffrage, anti-democracy solidarity with fascists, dictators and communists.
Sixteen year olds and foreign nationals can drive, but they can't vote. Your "logic" is priceless.
I see you have a clueless authoritarian folower/fan in Connecticut though.
I know some nice union corrections officers there who would love to pay him a visit and enlighten his lame ass.
You want to bring America together? Then how about if everyone has some skin in the game? Even if it's a little skin. Half the population (not even counting illegals, which is another story) pays *all* the income taxes. After you get the non-paying 50% paying something of some substance INTO the system instead of just taking OUT FROM the system, then you can continue your rants against the "rich".
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