Hitler was an evil genius. He was backed by various sectors of society with various viewpoints who unified behind him. Most were financially disenfranchised and desperate, some were racists and white supremacists, some were religious zealots, some were eager to regain Germany’s power lost, some were looking for a scapegoat for their country’s postwar poverty.

Always, there were the greedy looking for opportunities to create an uneven playing field for personal financial gain. The vast majority, who didn’t agree with or feared Hitler, remained silent. They thought it would pass. It was a crackpot movement that would fade. They would be good Germans and say nothing. And then, in a matter of months, it was too late.

The similarities between Germany of the 1930s and America today are obvious. But what are the differences between Germany of the ’30s and America today?

For one thing, some people are now in the streets protesting injustice and brutality. Real journalists are writing and investigating. Courts are making some good decisions, and there are legal challenges filed daily to Trump’s attempts to dismantle protections for the environment and our security. We still have a tattered, but intact, First Amendment. Sectors of Trump’s own party are campaigning against him. The House of Representatives has a Democratic majority.

So, speak up. Support your candidates. Vote. In the words of John Lewis, “make good trouble.” And take heart in one of the most important facts of all: Trump may be evil, but Trump is no genius.

Nalani Clark

Haiku