I often wondered how in the world the concentrations camps and the atrocities of World War II could happen.  How could the good normal people, not all of them of course, but too many, allow participate in such horrendous acts, or even allow it to happen?  Now I know.

It happens gradually, but it can happen quickly when the stage has been set.  And fear is a big factor.

You know and probably have repeated FDR's famous quote, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."  I know for certain that if you said that same thing today in one specific context, you would be blamed for causing deaths.  That statement - that instance of free speech - would be treated as if you were actually killing people.

Did you ever think you would voluntarily place yourself under house arrest?  And not only you, but half the population of the country could be placed under lock-down?

Did you ever imagine that the business that you built and relied on, maybe for generations, and the places you shop could be shut down instantly and completely without a wimper?  And you were only permitted to buy only certain types of approved goods?

Did you ever imagine that in the United States it would be forbidden to gather for religious worship?

Did you ever imagine that the beaches could be shut down and people spied upon and tracked by drones?

Did you ever think you would see the day that neighbors would complain and actually call the police because you went outside to exercise.  It happened.

Did you ever think your voice could be banned from social media if you say the wrong thing?  Who makes that judgement, and where is your court of appeal?

Did you ever think that you could be tracked by your cell phone to see if you were in contact with people who were considered dangerous, and that you could be spied upon in your home over your computer or TV?

We tell ourselves that it is necessary, or that it is for the public good, and that might be right, but it happened.   We now know how it happens.

The first element is fear.   The fear becomes so central, so dominate and consuming, almost hypnotizing, that all other risks, dangers, considerations and decencies fade into the background

The second element is the media.  When in home confinement, you hear the message of the coordinated media playing the same message over and over and over again.

The third element is a social pressure and the lack of independent critical thought, and discouragement of any expression of diverse opinion.

I'm not saying we are in Nazi Germany, or that the present actions are unnecessary.  All I am saying is now I understand I know how it could happen.

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