1923, not 1933, a better Hitler reference for Trump’s return to power

 

1923, not 1933, a better Hitler reference for Trump’s return to power

 

Trump is no Hitler. Not even close.

 

But many are viewing his second presidency with alarm, saying it hearkens back to the rule of Adolph Hitler.

 

They say he’s consolidating his reelection power to usher in unprecedented authoritarian, anti-democratic rule beginning January 20. Selecting cabinet members without confirmation using recess appointments, threatening to rescind non-profit status of unfavorable groups, hinting at using military to fling 11 million undocumented souls back over the southern border, are but a few they mention.

 

They claim Trump is mimicking Hitler’s ascension as German Chancellor in 1933, after which he systematically purged Germany its Democratic institutions to consolidate total power.

Believe it’s more helpful in understanding Trump’s appeal to go back 10 years earlier to Hitler’s first foray into taking over government: his 1923 Beer Hall Putsch.

 

Hitler and Trump both sought power and failed thru an attempted coup. Big difference was Hitler, an outsider, used his attempted coup to gain power in Bavaria, while Trump instigated his to overthrow his election defeat to remain in power.

 

Both riled up their respective mobs, promising to lead them to victory. But only Hitler marched into the melee with his while Trump retreated to White House safety. 14 of Hitler’s thugs were shot to death including a huge bodyguard protecting Hitler. 4 cops also died.

 

Trumps coup killed 4 rioters that day, 3 from health issues, 1 from lead poisoning, trying to get at congresspersons conducting their most sacred governmental duty. But over 100 cops were injured with one dying the next day from injuries. 4 more committed suicide in the weeks and months following.

 

Hitler fled the failed coup hiding out for 2 days before being arrested for treason. Trump, remained safely ensconced in the White House for 2 weeks then for two and a half years at Mar-a Lago before being indicted on 4 counts of seeking to overturn his election defeat.

 

But the courts intervened for both to keep them alive politically to rule again. In January 1924 Germany issued the Emminger Reform, an emergency decree that abolished the jury, replacing it with a judge and lay judges. The lay judges, all Hitler supporters, called for his immediate release but were overruled by the presiding judge. ,

 

Found guilty, Hitler could have received a life sentence, possibly even execution. But pro Hitler sentiment garnered him just five years of which he served a measly 8 months in a country club prison with no work and countless Nazi visitors.

 

Trump got off even easier. Backed by a favorable Supreme Court he packed in his first term, Trump became essentially immune from prosecution, likely never to spend a day in the clink for committing the worst crime any citizen, much less leader can commit.

 

Both exploited their attempted jailing to rev up their idolatrous base to achieve power. Hitler used his opportunity to defend himself at trial charging “The Weimar Republic has given the German people nothing but misery and despair. It is time for new order to save the nation from utter ruin.” Trump echoed Hitler’s “misery and despair” as brilliantly as Hitler 101 years earlier to win reelection.

 

History may not repeat itself but sometimes rhymes. Case in point: Hitler 1923, Trump 2021.