More on Propaganda

Years ago, I’d seen a PBS program on Rick Steves and Fascism in Europe. Recently, I watched one on “Fascism in Germany.” What I enjoy about Steves’ presentations is what he can accomplish in a half hour show by keeping to simple facts. (Not that life is simple; things easily get convoluted … and do they ever.)

 

Watching programs like this shows how charismatic leaders sucker the populace into believing what they’re selling – a promise of unity and care for “their people.” Some of the most horrific dealings throughout history have had these kinds of leaders. People believe the words and promises of their leaders because those ideals sound so good and right. And aren’t we supposed to believe our leaders? Don’t they (supposedly) know what’s best for us?

 

However, power corrupts. The more powerful these leaders become, the more power and wealth they want. It becomes not about the people or the country, but how these leaders and their closest administrators start believing they are gods, and no one is allowed to say anything against them.

 

There’s an invisible line that gets crossed somewhere along the way. Even those with the best intentions eventually fall under that addiction to power and wealth. They begin to think they have the right to decide for everyone else.

 

Over and over, history has proven this, and people go along with it until it’s too late. Those in power make laws to make it sound like the populace have rights and choices. The truth, however, is that many promised words have taken on new meanings … just words to deceive and get votes and support from the masses. It’s all smoke and mirrors.

 

Hitler, among many others, was a prime example of this. He kept promising the populace over and over how he was going to make Germany great. He was charismatic, energetic, loud, and his actions and hype gathered thousands of followers. He started programs to begin teaching children; indoctrination at a young age, so they’d be on board with his beliefs when they grew up. He told people what they wanted to hear; how he was going to save them. And they believed …

 

But look what happened. How out of control it got as he and his cronies gained more wealth and power. And, as they did so, their power turned more ominous as they quelled any kind of opposition to their goals. Then, in the end, Hitler was totally out of his mind. (Maybe he’d always been that way.)

 

What should this teach people today? After all, Hitler wasn’t the only one. There are and have been many. As Steves said, “Strong charismatic leaders capitalize on fear to lead a society astray. Democracy is fragile – take freedom for granted and lose it.”

 

Don’t get sidetracked by all the bullying and name calling the politicians do to one another. Ask yourself, “What are they hiding and not saying?” Don’t fall for the pretty promises that sound oh, so good. Look to see what these leaders are actually doing or have done. Don’t believe that going to the polls means you really have a choice. (Your choice is only whether to vote or not.)

 

The government itself isn’t rich … especially when you hear how in debt many countries are, including this one. Before jumping on the latest bandwagon good-sounding hype, be thoughtful and think things through using logic and reason. What is actually doable compared to what is being promised? What’s it going to really cost and who is going to have to pay for it? Who is getting rich off whatever new programs are being proposed? (Someone is always getting rich off most everything.) And look at all the programs out there to supposedly help people in need – that money must come from somewhere. Someone is having to pay for it.

 

So, don’t believe everything you’re told. In other words, as someone said, “Do not trust people that promise you very easy answers for complicated problems. It never works.”