My parents are from Denmark and when WW 2 ended in September 1945, they had to apply to the Government for permission to marry as my Mom was only 17. Three years and five months later they boarded a ship with two year old twins and a four month old baby. They were headed for Canada. They added a few more kids to the mix when they got here and I was the youngest of the lot. My brother once remarked that our Fathers stories were repetitive and all seemed to be from a time way back when. The pleasant memories were from when he came to Canada the first time at the age of 6, only to move back as a young teen due to the depression. Times were tough. He always vowed to return to his adopted homeland one day. Sadly WW2 disrupted his plans. But they were only on hold. Not forgotten. In the meantime, the stories from those years were not pleasant although Dad had a way of softening the reality. I understand now, why he told them over and over again. To quote Charles Dickens, they were the best of times and the worst of times. Unlike Dickens, they weren’t simultaneous. And in Dads young life they made deep impressions on his soul.
Last year I watched the news clip of President Zelensky with The President and Vice President of the United States. (Although my husband died, I still respect his wishes that the name of #45 is not allowed in my home. And I am in my home as I write.) My heart broke as I watched a proud man, a man who had swallowed his pride and agreed to give up precious resources of his broken country, in return for help. To save his country. The country that had been under attack for three years by Russia. The deal was a demand from the States. You can hardly blame Ukraine for choosing appeasement. They say #45 is a deal maker but what we really saw was extortion. I’m pretty sure it’s illegal in most civilized countries but then again we aren’t dealing with a normal human. I used to think he was a Narcissist, something I have a great deal of exposure to in my own life. But more so someone with NPD, Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Simply put, someone with NPD lacks empathy, needs admiration and truly thinks they are better than everyone else. So from a high level my diagnoses seems spot on. Now a psychopath, well, that’s a whole other ballgame. Also lacking in empathy, a psychopath is callous and detached and likes to manipulate others. So now I am thinking, well could be. Yet, they are also liars, promiscuous, impulsive and tend to lean toward the criminal element. Yet, Apparently they are basically evil. So, I don’t know. A sociopath however, has all of the same traits but the psychopath makes an effort to appear normal. The sociopath really doesn’t see a problem with their behaviour. So you can see my dilemma. Suffice to say #45 does fall under the umbrella of ASPD. Anti Social Personality disorder.
So if we get into our time machine and head back to Denmark, one huge difference was the lack of mass and fast communication. Which we have now. What they did have was a lot in common with the world today. There has always been war, since cavemen first hit each other over the head with clubs, but we aren’t going back that far. There is much debate as to what started WW2. Was it the German Invasion of Poland? Or was that the last straw in a world beset with confusion, war weariness and economic problems. Not to mention disease. Yep, WW1, or the Great War had really done a number on the world. And even then, did that start because a young Serb teenager killed the Heir to the Hapsburg Empire? Or was that an excuse. Austria was upset. Obviously. But basically, so much of it was religious as there were many of the Islam faith in Bosnia. If you look back into the history of the world, it becomes clear that it was all about land grabs and changing borders and kill those who are different. Or at least contain them and stifle their freedoms. Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany, who was also Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia, had his alliances as well as a type of friend of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife. So their death gave him an excuse of sorts to get involved when Russia stuck their nose in. In hindsight perhaps Germany should have minded their own business. Anyways, WW1 ended, the Emperor abdicated and Germany became a republic.. Then the Spanish flu killed millions, all spread by soldiers in a war that was already killing millions.
Recovery after WW1 is slow and painful. Germany is punished for starting all the hoopla and land is dispersed, borders changed and more countries were developed. Of course no one thought things were fair. Meanwhile, as things improved, people became optimistic and of course the best way to increase the economic outlook is of course, spending. And that is what people did. The 1920’s were named the roaring twenties for a reason. There was an optimism brought on by relief and also due to a gratitude of coming out the other side alive. The war effort brought new inventions and technology and people embraced it. People wanted to let their hair down and live life fully. And money was another big surprise. People were feeling good and wanted what the wealthy had. They got into the stock market, many buying on margin. The term “buying on spec” comes from the word speculation. Well today we have a new term. Buy now pay later. Same thing. It gets just as many people in trouble today as it did a hundred years ago. Buying stocks on margin When the call comes, there is no money to pay. We all know what happened. October 24, 1929 happened. But that was the crash. The signs were there and once people realized what was up panic ensued and everybody tried to sell. But there were no buyers and peoples savings were wiped out. There were many things contributing to that day. If you look into it, you will see the similarities to the world today. Speaking of the world today…
Last night, the world waited to see who would blink first. The U.S. or Iran. Events leading up to that moment really only affect my life in a financial way. Investments fall. Gas prices go up. Some retail products go up. The people around me complain but continue to live life as they always have. That my friends is because we are privileged. But this last year, or even the last nine years have really made me understand a bit more about who my parents were. What they went through. They met in 1941. WW2 was well underway and my Dad was in the Army. Denmark was declared neutral and signed a non aggression treaty with Germany. Yet Germany occupied Denmark anyways, although life continued much as before. Their stories from those earlier years were very like those of all young teens in love. They went to dances and parties. My mom finished school, which was typical for a 13 year old and she went out to work. There were few stories about the bad side of things. During the occupation Denmark refused to cooperate when the Nazi’s wanted the Jews rounded up. The Danes were fed up and pushing back. The resistance was growing stronger and Germany finally invaded in 1943. It took 6 hours as the Danes were totally ill equipped. That was when things got worse. After the invasion my Dad was locked up for 6 weeks. 19 soldiers died. Mom went every day, accompanied by her brother, to where she thought my Dad was being held. She stood outside the fence and waved for an hour, hoping he was there and saw her. Dad told of looking out a window at night and seeing people loaded on to large trucks and driven away. Over time more of those stories were revealed. And we came to understand a bit more about that time in their lives. The next two years were much harder for the Danish people and they fought back. My Dad hated two of Mom’s brothers. I was in my fourties when I learned they had joined the German army. To my Dad they were traitors. My Mom always dreamed of being a hairdresser, yet her parents couldn’t allow her to go to Copenhagen for training. It was too dangerous with the occupation. Mom spoke of the Aunt who took in Jewish kids whose parents were smuggled out of the country. The Aunt pretended they were her own children. The underground was very efficient. Over 7000 Jews were transported to Sweden and safety. The majority of deaths and concentration camp inmates were those who fought back against the Nazi’s. My Dad was always so proud of his fellow Danes. He said in Denmark you are a Dane first. Jewish second. And that country did everything they could to protect their fellow Danes. Even at risk to themselves.
As I watch what is unfolding in the Country south of my beloved Canada, I can’t help but think about my parents. What would they be thinking if they were here watching the events unfold. The Dictator they knew was struck down in time. But not before immeasurable damage was done to the entire world. Today we see another man, in the US. One who differs in upbringing from Hitler. One who was privileged. Born into wealth. Evaded army duty. Hitler started his career in the army. Mainly due to lack of work. Their differences are not what is striking to me. It is their similarities. Putting aside the improbable rise to the top of their Government positions, it is what happened after their placement in powerful positions. It is not just startling but terrifying in my mind that the 45th President of the States seems to be using Hitlers playbook. Although their paths differed the desired end game seems to have been the same. Absolute power. They both had large followings mainly due to economic concerns from the common folk. Both used the middle class to achieve their rise to power and yet both turn their backs on the middle class. The night of long knives was Hitlers purge of opponents as well as the SA (Nazi paratroopers) whose leader was deemed a threat to Hitlers power. #45’s policies are especially hard on Black middle class people. Both demand loyalty. From everyone. Enemies, perceived or real are punished. Both leaders use their power to strike down education institutions, free speech press agencies. Both invent scapegoats to blame for all of the woes of the country. Both made hate okay. Both use lies and propaganda to poison the people they are elected to lead. Both push for taking territories through intimidation or force. The similarities are so scary it is amazing to me that the people of the United States can’t seem to stop a man who is seriously trying to become King of the world or destroy it. Not sure which. Hard to know what is rattling around in that brain.
I understand that the entire country isn’t behind the current president. I understand that many US citizens believe that the rest of the world realizes that he does not represent their true values. But let me just say this. Hitler is often said to be the most evil man in recent history. Over 80 years since his death and Germany still carries with it the shame and remorse of that era. They memorialize their shame and have spent the ensuing years making sure the world remembers. So history will not repeat. Many of the people back then were afraid. For good reason. And now, they are placed in awkward positions because of their need to show the world a kinder and gentler face. Their shame keeps them firmly behind Israel even when what is happening in Gaza is reprehensible. The world has forgiven and Germany must forgive itself. If only to stand up and be counted among those countries who are prepared to fight evil. As for the American population, the damage #45 has done to your Countries reputation in one year is more than you can ever comprehend. And that is saying something. Back in 2006 we were in London with two of our teenage children. My 15 year old son stopped us up short when he caught sight of a large billboard which said “Bush is just another word for cunt”. The Brits sure know how to curse. The sentiment was clear. Tony Blairs relationship with George W and his shared ideas for Iraq were his downfall. The British people weren’t pleased with the influence over their Prime Minister. And now, all of Europe and so many Allies of the United States are walking on eggshells. Once again a President has started a war. No clear plan. Just trying to help out a buddy. And the world is concerned. I think the people who need to be the most concerned though are the people of the United States. Iraq was a bust and 20 years later it is worse than it was before the US went in guns a blazing. The financial cost was astronomical. More importantly, civilian loss of life was in the hundreds of thousands. How can you put your trust in a real estate developer for Gods sake.
It is hard for me to get through any news about that land mass sitting south of my beautiful country. I am always thinking about my Dad. What he would think about the parallels. So let me ask you. Where do you wish to be when history is studied? Yes the concept is overused. Ben Shapiro even titled a book “The Right Side of History”. To be clear, I doubt there is a singe idea, concept or opinion that I share with that guy. We will be on opposing sides in the history books. I know my Dad would be appalled at what we are seeing. I am disgusted with the actions, words, tones, opinions and general existence of that evil man I call #45. Hard to believe that I am even more disgusted with people who like him. Can’t you see what is happening? Or don’t you care? I do. I care. I don’t want my grandchildren to live in a world like the one my parents had to endure. My Mom was 11 when WW2 broke out. She was 15 when Germany invaded. We are so smug and cocky when we think we are immune to the ways of the world or the man who loves to play with peoples lives. It isn’t just about our investments or gas prices. It is about moral integrity. Standing up for what is right. It is about speaking up instead of being silent. We are none of us immune to the autocrats of the world.
They say Iran hates Western society. Their biggest beef however is with the United States. And Britain. That goes back to the 1950’s when once again Britain and the States interfered in a country. Of course it all came down to oil. Yes I am talking talking about Iran. Look it up. Once again the bad guys were the west. Turns out Iran has a long memory. It will be interesting to see how the world moves forward. After WW2 much of the rebuilding and eventual economic booms in Europe came from loans from the United States. War is easier on a country when it isn’t fought in your own back yard. So economically the States economy recovered much faster. There are many reasons the United States became a world power. However as I look to the future I wonder if they will become the next Germany. Like I said, that is what it feels like to me. For 80 years much of the world has looked to the States as an ally. A friend. Someone to be counted on. And for those same 80 years the people of that country have been told they are the greatest country in the world. But I think they are resting on their Laurels. This past year under the current leadership has the rest of us rethinking our own lethargic existences. Rather than succumb to the bully, we are moving forward in our own way. Maybe #45 is a blessing in disguise. Maybe the once content allies of the United States will do what they want. Invest more in our own militaries. Secure new trading partners to reduce the imaginary or perceived inflated trade rip-offs. Stop being lazy. And maybe, just maybe, if the US has to fight their battles alone, there will be less battles. Perhaps there will be more peace. Less killing of innocent people. Or not. At the end of the day I have learned that it is best to leave tomorrow alone and just live for today. Because today was a lot! But let me leave you with this. It is best to chose your own enemies. Don’t get dragged into someone else’s fight. They may need you now but discard you tomorrow. Sound familiar?
Things I've learned since I thought I knew everything... 