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Melinda
Melinda's Journal
Melinda's Journal
June 26, 2013
"That story neatly compresses the way fascism works: in a vacuum of denial"
The above is derived from the essay "Rush, Newspeak and Fascism: An exegesis, by David Neiwert in collaboration by literally dozens of bloggers, published writers, Professors, and organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League. 10 years ago it was a fascinating study - today it's downright prescient and scary.
And, if I may, one of the responses to this 2003 DU OP almost 10 years ago; thanks indepat (and thanks also to scarletwoman, DrBB and all others who posted on that thread - read this and let it sink in, really, really read this:
Apropos of where we find ourselves some 10 years later, isn't it?
Prescient essay which, unfortunately, I am limited by copyright to posting. And so, I hope those reading these words will make the time to read Neiwert's essay so that we might more thoughtfully examine and discuss the rise of corporatism and its take-over of this country before its too late.
Hey Kids! It's time to take a trip in the DU 'Way Back Machine'! Hows about September, 2003?
On September 4, 2003, DU's own realFedUP posted this OP on the subject of Fascism. The author of the piece linked to shared a story he'd heard many years previously...
...reminiscing about a professor's midafternoon lecture:
When he was a young man, he told us, he served in the U.S. Army as part of the occupation forces in Germany after World War II. He was put to work gathering information for the military tribunal preparing to prosecute Nazi war criminals at Nuremberg. His job was to spend time in the villages adjacent to one concentration camp and talk to the residents about what they knew.
The villagers, he said, knew about the camp, and watched daily as thousands of prisoners would arrive by rail car, herded like cattle into the camps. And they knew that none ever left, even though the camp never could have held the vast numbers of prisoners who were brought in. They also knew that the smokestack of the camp's crematorium belched a near-steady stream of smoke and ash. Yet the villagers chose to remain ignorant about what went on inside the camp. No one inquired, because no one wanted to know.
"But every day," he said, "these people, in their neat Germanic way, would get out their feather dusters and go outside. And, never thinking about what it meant, they would sweep off the layer of ash that would settle on their windowsills overnight. Then they would return to their neat, clean lives and pretend not to notice what was happening next door.
"When the camps were liberated and their contents were revealed, they all expressed surprise and horror at what had gone on inside," he said. "But they all had ash in their feather dusters."
When he was a young man, he told us, he served in the U.S. Army as part of the occupation forces in Germany after World War II. He was put to work gathering information for the military tribunal preparing to prosecute Nazi war criminals at Nuremberg. His job was to spend time in the villages adjacent to one concentration camp and talk to the residents about what they knew.
The villagers, he said, knew about the camp, and watched daily as thousands of prisoners would arrive by rail car, herded like cattle into the camps. And they knew that none ever left, even though the camp never could have held the vast numbers of prisoners who were brought in. They also knew that the smokestack of the camp's crematorium belched a near-steady stream of smoke and ash. Yet the villagers chose to remain ignorant about what went on inside the camp. No one inquired, because no one wanted to know.
"But every day," he said, "these people, in their neat Germanic way, would get out their feather dusters and go outside. And, never thinking about what it meant, they would sweep off the layer of ash that would settle on their windowsills overnight. Then they would return to their neat, clean lives and pretend not to notice what was happening next door.
"When the camps were liberated and their contents were revealed, they all expressed surprise and horror at what had gone on inside," he said. "But they all had ash in their feather dusters."
"That story neatly compresses the way fascism works: in a vacuum of denial"
The above is derived from the essay "Rush, Newspeak and Fascism: An exegesis, by David Neiwert in collaboration by literally dozens of bloggers, published writers, Professors, and organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League. 10 years ago it was a fascinating study - today it's downright prescient and scary.
"What happened here was the gradual habituation of the people, little by little, to being governed by surprise; to receiving decisions deliberated in secret; to believing that the situation was so complicated that the government had to act on information which the people could not understand, or so dangerous that, even if the people could not understand it, it could not be released because of national security. And their sense of identification with Hitler, their trust in him, made it easier to widen this gap and reassured those who would otherwise have worried about it.
"This separation of government from people, this widening of the gap, took place so gradually and so insensibly, each step disguised (perhaps not even intentionally) as a temporary emergency measure or associated with true patriotic allegiance or with real social purposes. And all the crises and reforms (real reforms, too) so occupied the people that they did not see the slow motion underneath, of the whole process of government growing remoter and remoter.
They thought they were free
And, if I may, one of the responses to this 2003 DU OP almost 10 years ago; thanks indepat (and thanks also to scarletwoman, DrBB and all others who posted on that thread - read this and let it sink in, really, really read this:
indepat (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-04-03 03:44 PM- indepat
Response to Original message
2. Fascism might not have arrived in America, but all the seeds have been sown and are germinating in full regalia: the breakdown of the separation of powers doctrine; the Congress's abrogation of its Article 1, Section 8 powers; the Supreme Court's indifference/acquisence to seemingly unconstitutional law, such as the USA Patriot Act; a political party which marches to the beat of the drummer in virtual lockstep; a mainstream media which shill for the wars, regressive tax schemes, unilateralism, abrogation of international treaties, and other far-right policies; a mainstream media which fail to keep the public informed; an emerging corporatism; the branding of dissent and threatening of dissenters; the operation of government in secrecy; an indifferent and lethargic public cowered into not questioning any action of those who control the levers of power, i.e., an abrogation of the patriotic duty to dissent when elected and appointed leaders fail in their oaths of office and fail to uphold the Constitution, our own and international law, and the principles upon which this nation was founded. Topped off by Britney-types and other talking heads telling us to trust, go along with everything our leader wants. Does that about cover it?
Apropos of where we find ourselves some 10 years later, isn't it?
Prescient essay which, unfortunately, I am limited by copyright to posting. And so, I hope those reading these words will make the time to read Neiwert's essay so that we might more thoughtfully examine and discuss the rise of corporatism and its take-over of this country before its too late.
April 24, 2013
I pray you find peace in this passing...
Please know that if there is anything, ANYTHING that we at DU can help to make things more comfortable for you, we will. I've seen it happen over these many years, and I'll be the first to step up and help in anyway possible.
My heart goes out to you and your loved ones... I've been fighting a similar fight for many years now, and I know. I know.
May the Lord surround you with angels and bring you peace. All you need do is call out here, and DU angels will come running.
((((((SmileyRose)))))) you are loved - you are family.
December 15, 2012
Read full post and thread here
To be clear - these are not my words, nor my experience. I am bringing them to DU from another site. I thought DU might like to read the heartbreaking perspective of one of Newton, CT young residents, as well as survivors of the VA Tech and Aurora killings. The thread is HUGE, but full of wisdom and insight and other things worth learning or even considering. There is much information there from friends of the Lanza family, especially friends of Ryan Lanza's. There is a link to an on-point video made by someone named Charlie Booker after a similar massacre in Germany back in 2009; the admonishment by a Psychiatrist is brilliant:
Might we could all take a step back, and reflect.
I'm from Newtown, and I have something to say to the world:
I don't care about karma, that's why I made this throwaway.
I was raised in newtown from aged 8 until my graduation from N.H.S. I walked the hallways of Sandy Hook Elementary school and have nothing but positive memories of the place. I remember Mrs. Chard in the library, always smiling and never having a bad thing to say about us. I remember when, in 4th grade, the teachers decided to let us have a bit of fun during lunch and they brought in a karaoke machine for anyone to use. I remember seeing the same sign you've seen on tv every morning before I entered a school full of love, happiness and innocence. Like you, I always considered my hometown a bit special, a bit above the violence and carelessness of the world; a safe haven for my development into the young man I am today.
I was torn apart, as was the rest of the world, when I awoke Friday morning to the news. My best friends mother was freaking out, I knew I had to be with them, and I stayed with them all day.Bit by bit our neighbors and friends chimed in, letting us know their children were safe. Some stayed quiet, and we knew why.
We all gathered, at Saint Rose to mourn the death of children so young, and the teachers who saved them. If you can imagine what it's like mourning the death of the little neighbor you used to babysit, or the kids you watched hop up on the bus every morning, you can understand that it's a solitary moment. As a community we gathered, forgoing the feuds (and trust me, we're human, we aren't perfect to one another at all times in this town, just like in yours) all the bitterness and anger, and we came together in love.
You can comprehend my anger at hearing cameras go off as I watched my best friends father break down. You can relate you wanting some alone time to be able to talk about how to get over this as a community without the intrusion of public opinion, reporters, and all the like. To the reporters hoping to get a Pulitzer prize for their efforts yesterday I ask: Is your soul worth it?
Read full post and thread here
To be clear - these are not my words, nor my experience. I am bringing them to DU from another site. I thought DU might like to read the heartbreaking perspective of one of Newton, CT young residents, as well as survivors of the VA Tech and Aurora killings. The thread is HUGE, but full of wisdom and insight and other things worth learning or even considering. There is much information there from friends of the Lanza family, especially friends of Ryan Lanza's. There is a link to an on-point video made by someone named Charlie Booker after a similar massacre in Germany back in 2009; the admonishment by a Psychiatrist is brilliant:
Might we could all take a step back, and reflect.
November 7, 2012
Good morning DU!!! Are you FEELING GOOD?
Akin is toast!! (my personal fav!!!)
The grown-ups remain in charge (yeah Obama!)
SCOTUS is safe!!
Healthcare remains intact!! (and looks like the PO may still be in play!)
Democrats still control the Senate!!
And Michele can cancel the movers!!
Please, Duers, lets make music today! Please add your musical choice(s) and show why YOU are 'feeling good' this morning!
For your enjoyment:
November 7, 2012
ALLAN LOSES AGAIN!!! Later dayz Macaca man!!!!!!!!!
November 2, 2012
FreePress.org
Because, this is the PERFECT TIME to EXPERIMENT on the machines that count the votes!!!!
Confirmed installation of uncertified last minute election tabulation reporting software in Ohio
The Free Press confirms installation, secret justification of uncertified last minute election tabulation reporting software in Ohio
by Gerry Bello and Bob Fitrakis
November 2, 2012
The Free Press has obtained internal memos from the senior staff of the Ohio Secretary of State's office confirming the installation of untested and uncertified election tabulation software. Yesterday, the Free Press reported that "experimental" software patches were installed on ES&S voting machines in 39 Ohio counties. (see Will "experimental" software patches affect the Ohio vote?).
Election Counsel Brandi Laser Seske circulated a memo dated November 1st renewing the already shaky justification for installing software made by Election Systems and Solutions on vote tabulation equipment used in 39 Ohio counties. The letter to Ohio Secretary of State personnel Matt Masterson, Danielle Sellars, Myra Hawkins, Betsy Schuster, and Ohio's Director of Elections Matthew Damschroder, clarified the dubious justification for not complying with the legal requirements for the examination of all election related equipment.
Seske begins by explaining what she purports to be the purpose of the software patch: "Its function is to aid in the reporting of results that are already uploaded into the county's system. The software formats results that have already been uploaded by the county into a format that can be read by the Secretary of State's election night reporting system."
According to the contract between the Ohio Secretary of State's office and ES&S, this last minute "experimental" software update will supposedly transmit custom election night reports to the Secretary of State's office from the county boards of elections, bypassing the normal election night reporting methods.
FreePress.org
Because, this is the PERFECT TIME to EXPERIMENT on the machines that count the votes!!!!
October 30, 2012
Full text of open letter
Hi! I’m a rapist. I’m one of those men who likes to force myself on women without their consent.....
***Disclaimer*** While this is correctly deemed "satire", this open letter to conservatives may very likely 'trigger' deep emotional responses in women who have been raped, women who have become pregnant as a result of rape, and women who have given birth and raised the child born of the rape.
Women like me. I hope at some point to be able to put my life experiences into words, the incest at the hands of my grandfather, the several molestations and near molestations as a child, the first time I was raped at age 14, the suicide attempt immediately thereafter, the last time I was raped at age 17, and the subsequent pregnancy from this rape. The emotional damage I incurred over the first 18 years of my life lasts to this day.
Triggers.
Todd Akin triggered an emotional breakdown several months ago. And damn near every day I read something else proposed by the GOP that triggers me back yet again... I want to write of this, but I am terrified at the same time. I kept my baby and he is now a man who looks just like my rapist. I am 58 years old, but the trauma of these experiences have left me as broken and scared. The scars will never heal.
I don't know why I just shared this, but I am going to post it and deal with the pain as it comes.
The reason for this post:
A Fan Letter to Certain Conservative Politicians
October 25, 2012 By John Scalzi
WARNING: this post is going to be oh-so-very-triggery for victims of rape and sexual assault. I am not kidding.
Dear certain conservative politicians:
Hi! I’m a rapist. I’m one of those men who likes to force myself on women without their consent or desire and then batter them sexually. The details of how I do this are not particularly important at the moment — although I love when you try to make distinctions about “forcible rape” or “legitimate rape” because that gives me all sorts of wiggle room — but I will tell you one of the details about why I do it: I like to control women and, also and independently, I like to remind them how little control they have. There’s just something about making the point to a woman that her consent and her control of her own body is not relevant against the need for a man to possess that body and control it that just plain gets me off. A guy’s got needs, you know? And my need is for control. Sweet, sweet control.
So I want to take time out of my schedule to thank you for supporting my right to control a woman’s life, not just when I’m raping her, but for all the rest of her life as well.
Ah, I see by your surprised face that you at the very least claim to have no idea what I’m talking about. Well, here’s the thing. Every time you say “I oppose a woman’s right to abortion, even in cases of rape,” what you’re also saying is “I believe that a man who rapes a woman has more of a right to control a woman’s body and life than that woman does.”
Oh, look. That surprised face again. All right, then. On the chance that you’re not giving me that surprised face just for the sake of public appearances, let me explain it to you, because it’s important for me that you know just how much I appreciate everything you’re doing for me.
So, let’s say I’ve raped a woman, as I do, because it’s my thing. I’ve had my fun, reminding that woman where she stands on the whole “being able to control things about her life” thing. But wait! There’s more. Since I didn’t use a condom (maybe I’m confident I can get other people to believe it was consensual, you see, or maybe I just like it that way), one thing has led to another and I’ve gotten this woman pregnant.
October 25, 2012 By John Scalzi
WARNING: this post is going to be oh-so-very-triggery for victims of rape and sexual assault. I am not kidding.
Dear certain conservative politicians:
Hi! I’m a rapist. I’m one of those men who likes to force myself on women without their consent or desire and then batter them sexually. The details of how I do this are not particularly important at the moment — although I love when you try to make distinctions about “forcible rape” or “legitimate rape” because that gives me all sorts of wiggle room — but I will tell you one of the details about why I do it: I like to control women and, also and independently, I like to remind them how little control they have. There’s just something about making the point to a woman that her consent and her control of her own body is not relevant against the need for a man to possess that body and control it that just plain gets me off. A guy’s got needs, you know? And my need is for control. Sweet, sweet control.
So I want to take time out of my schedule to thank you for supporting my right to control a woman’s life, not just when I’m raping her, but for all the rest of her life as well.
Ah, I see by your surprised face that you at the very least claim to have no idea what I’m talking about. Well, here’s the thing. Every time you say “I oppose a woman’s right to abortion, even in cases of rape,” what you’re also saying is “I believe that a man who rapes a woman has more of a right to control a woman’s body and life than that woman does.”
Oh, look. That surprised face again. All right, then. On the chance that you’re not giving me that surprised face just for the sake of public appearances, let me explain it to you, because it’s important for me that you know just how much I appreciate everything you’re doing for me.
So, let’s say I’ve raped a woman, as I do, because it’s my thing. I’ve had my fun, reminding that woman where she stands on the whole “being able to control things about her life” thing. But wait! There’s more. Since I didn’t use a condom (maybe I’m confident I can get other people to believe it was consensual, you see, or maybe I just like it that way), one thing has led to another and I’ve gotten this woman pregnant.
Full text of open letter
October 27, 2012
**Satire Alert** BARACK OBAMA: PURE EVIL
*disclaimer: I am sharing a 2 min SATIRICAL political ad that may well have been created by The Rude Pundit's evil, pure evil, DEMOCRAT voting twin. Satire, funny stuff, NSFW 'cause the language is, well - rude punditry. Oh, don't let small children near the screen when viewing. Enjoy. 
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="
October 20, 2012
I am not joking!!! LOOK at this mother fletcher!!!!!!!!
Someone post the image, please? TTTIA!!
Independent Contractor my ass... Guy arrested in VA for tossing ballots is employed by GOP!!
Look at his RESUME!!I am not joking!!! LOOK at this mother fletcher!!!!!!!!
Someone post the image, please? TTTIA!!
Profile Information
Name: MelindaGender: Female
Hometown: Central California
Member since: 2002
Number of posts: 5,465
