Just An Apolitical Agnostic

[Richard]

In today's world, I am the guy in the glasses, hat, and dark clothing seated at the table trying to enjoy a beer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUwpL...eature=related

And so it goes...

Richard's $.02

[nmap]

Originally Posted by Richard

And so it goes...

Let's see now...a proud and affluent country...loss of that affluence, partly through poor monetary policy leading to inflation and destruction of the financial base....high unemployment....a people with strong feelings of grievance....and a fellow with persuasive speaking skills and a message that promised hope and change...

And, perhaps, so it will go.

Yes, I think it best we focus on our drinks. And discuss nothing more controversial than the wonderful weather we're having lately.

[Sigaba]

Originally Posted by nmap

Let's see now...a proud and affluent country...loss of that affluence, partly through poor monetary policy leading to inflation and destruction of the financial base....high unemployment....a people with strong feelings of grievance....and a fellow with persuasive speaking skills and a message that promised hope and change...

While titillating, I am increasingly convinced that this comparison is unsustainable historiographically and dwelling on the comparison undermines the intellectual and political opposition to a specific politician. YMMV.

Also, before addressing the economic history of modern Germany, one should, IMHO, first talk about the military and diplomatic history of Europe.

Just my $0.02.

[nmap]

Originally Posted by Sigaba

undermines the intellectual and political opposition to a specific politician. YMMV.

Of course. I took a swipe at a certain politician. But there is a second nuanced meaning.

Notice that we as Americans are coming to depend on solutions from leaders rather than solutions that we create ourselves - whether at the individual or local governmental level. The key issue is not the individual politician, but rather the evolving mindset that elected that politician. In essence, we want a leader to provide hope and instantiate positive change rather than looking to ourselves and our own efforts to effect such outcomes. This strikes me as fertile soil for all manner of mischief.

I'll be the first to agree that classical national socialism is unlikely here. But when events leave a people angry and bitter and no easily discernible villain is available then I suppose that many will be receptive to the notion that the problem is due to some wicked group or other, and that with solid leadership better times can resume. Combine that with an evolving tendency toward delegation of authority to a single leader, and it is my opinion that opportunities for mischief exist. MOO, YMMV.