March To The Abyss ?

(March To The Abyss ?)

The American Heritage Picture History of WORLD WAR II is one of the best single volumes on the Second World War. It has an opening chapter called "March to the Abyss," where it chronicles how from the end of the First World War, how with revolution, economic chaos, allowed for the rise of Fascist and otherwise totalitarian regimes in Germany, Italy, and the Soviet Union. How the League of Nations was a failure. The rise of Hitler, Mussolini, or Stalin, Tojo in Japan. Collectively, these were the men that were responsible for starting World War II. It is becoming increasingly possible that Donald Trump could be elected President, again.


People love making the comparison between Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler. It is more an emotional reaction, linking Trump's Art of the Deal to Hitler's Mein Kampf. Once back in Office, Trump might require a "loyalty oath." That he will his own "Night of the Long Knives" and ruthlessly exterminate his enemies. It has been endlessly argued that there were any number of spots where Hitler could have been stopped. The Rhineland, Austria, holding firm on Czechoslovakia. Poland would not have happened. Millions could have been saved had certain world leaders had more courage facing der Führer.


Or facing Donald Trump. Like holding the Rhineland, Austria, Czechoslovakia, so the former President is facing four indictments, over ninety charges overall over several jurisdictions. He has even received a 34-count guilty verdict from New York. Hitler himself only came to prominence when his Nazi Party scored big in German elections, which compelled German President Hindenburg to appoint Hitler Chancellor. On Hindenburg's death, Chancellor Hitler adopted the moniker Führer, "leader."


It has been a fear that a Donald Trump back in the White House will expose all those who conspired to kick him out to some sort of Trump vengeance. For his part, Trump has promised "success" will be his revenge. And that is also a dish best served cold. If Trump does win, however, how will Republicans fare in down-ballot races ? It has been suggested that even with a new Trump Administration, the House will have flipped back to the Democrats.


So, although complete cataclysm is not predicted for Democrats, the idea that Donald Trump could be elected again in spite of all that has been arrayed against him is perhaps the most remarkable political story in American history. It did not necessarily need to be. At the end of the day, Donald Trump was a developer, got a successful TV show, and believed he could be a good President. If his potential return to Office is a "march to the abyss," the hole could prove shallow. 

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