Ambassador Haley’s slap down of the unctuous, ignorant and paper-thin Ramaswamy was well earned, overdue and deserved. His obnoxiousness seems surreal. Preposterous and affected by design, he is a character escaped from HBO’s “West World,” and loosed upon the world without any bearings, but for his program to trigger gun fights in the saloon. He is a specimen of pure know-it-all-ism, who astonishes in an age in which stupidity, unseriousness and arrogance never stop rising, while dignity never stops falling.
“Arrogant like Ramaswamy, Kushner took $2 billion in Saudi money after his White House service, where he brown-nosed Bibi Netanyahu and every other corrupt foreign official he could meet, which was all of them.”
---Steve Schmidt
First off, great and relevant story about Lidice and the consequences of a Ukrainian capitulation and the blowback that will ensue.
That said, agreed, Vivek is a caricature of a more perverse and clueless version of Apu, who runs the Kwik-E-Mart on the Simpsons. Not to be outdone by Mike Johnson (speaker), who makes of Ned Flanders seem like an atheist in comparison.
As for Kushner? Why is it everyone brings up the $2 billion in Saudi money when Kushner left the Trump administration, but no one seems to remember the $1 billion bailout by Qatar for his 666 Fifth Ave monstrosity, that was about to go into default a month months after Kushner was named Senior advisor for all Middle East policy? Hello? It’s clearly a conflict of interest at best, and extremely illegal at worst!
Furthermore, the corruption of Trump, his sycophants and family, pales in comparison to the threat to democracy and authoritarian rule that Trump poses.
And it’s not just Trump; the Republican house members, and even some Republican senators are the most obtuse, ignorant and inept people one can ever imagine, when it comes to foreign policy initiatives.
What is happening to this nation? I realize Trump is an alchemist in reverse! Only he can turn gold into lead, which explains a lot, since he and his merry band of clueless fascists definitely suffer from severe lead poisoning; which is known to cause brain damage!
Robert, trump is what some of my peeps call a "dry drunk", all the worst behavior of a wet brain who doesn't drink. How anyone can think his behavior, and 'thinking', is normal is beyond me. If he were a dog he'd have been put down long ago as hopeless.
Vivek is a young trump on steroids, his brain has not yet rotted through, but he's still hopeful.
Bless you sir! Words fail us in trying to understand where we are in history. The Internet has really made a mess of Society, don't get me started on the Crack Pipe Phones that No One can let go of. It's disgusting really, and again words fail me. It's because of people like you that I even have hope of a future.
Thank you Robert for letting me know I'm now alone. 💜
History is sure to be repeated with people like Ramaswamy at the helm. People with no understanding of history, cultures or human behavior. He is so full of himself, so full of hot air, but to a naive listener he could sound self-assured and knowledgeable. My words could apply to Trump and other R's also, right? They've unleashed a vicious hatred that is spreading at warp speed.
That’s all they have. Hatred. Or “Retribution”. I’d like to see all the working people who worked for trump, from wedding planners to construction contractors to masons to carpenters to interior designers... all the people over the past 5 decades Trump has stiffed unmercifully on his way to “The Apprentice”. I’d like to see all these ghosts return and carve out their Trump pound of flesh. Now that’s real Justice!
I did not subscribe to your Substack in July of 2022. Your story of Lidice is poignant and one that should be shared far and wide across our country. My foundation of belief in our country's responsibility in Ukraine has been strengthened and reinforced by your story. Thank you for sharing, again.
Yesterday one of the networks ran a piece that “the Rock” should run for President in that “everyone likes him” and he is a movie star. They do mention quickly he has never held an elected office and he knows nothing about Policy. It was an absurd and highly insulting piece. I think to be President you have to qualify and we may need to actually give them the history exams and those in government. These people are puffed up and empty but rich. It is infuriating
Yes. A result of the “dumbing down of America”. A Republican strategy that started with Reagan and the defunding and demonizing of public schools. In 1950’s... my era, our Public Schools were the envy of the World.
Like the current and former Speakers of the House of Representatives. Competence is unnecessary, actually it’s a hinderance. Radical MAGA ideological commitment is the only qualification required. What is MAGA ideology? Simple. Donald Trump is always right. Even as he jackboots his way to Dictatorship and the complete overthrow of our Republic.
Kind of like those fools (including some of my repug friends) who voted for TFG in 2016 because, "He's a successful businessman, not a politician!" Oy vey. I tried to rebut that argument, saying, "Have you paid attention to him since he started getting national media attention in the late 80s? And BTW, that Apprentice thing is contrived, he's a phony." Fell on deaf ears.
Nov 11, 2023·edited Nov 11, 2023Liked by Steve Schmidt
Unfortunately, we were not in a position militarily to stop Hitler before he took Poland because of the 2 decades of isolation policies and the great depression. After the appeasement of the Munich Accord Hitler went on and invaded Poland. We were caught with our pants down before WWII and now Republicans want to go back to that isolationist policy that was so devastating to us and the world before the 2nd world war.
Russia will not stop with their conquest of Ukraine. Their ministry has said as much in their comments. Putin has made it clear with his desire to recreate the power of the Soviet Union. There is a new axis of evil and they are getting stronger as we fight amongst ourselves. Russia along with China, North Korea and Iran have showed us their intentions to dominate their neighbors and exploit the 3rd world for their own enrichment. They are sowing division with their disinformation and bad actors in our country and in other Democracies around the world. They are taking advantage of the chaos caused by our division and supporting proxy wars in the Middle East. They back terrorists and and the chaos they cause with their acts of terrorism. The antisemitism is being fueled by Russia and Iran and if we back off our support for Israel will only make their movement stronger. We can not let that happen. To do so would put the world in danger of a global conflict. We need to stand strong in our support for Israel and Ukraine while doing what we can for the suffering in Gaza. Israel didn't start this war and we must not lose sight of that fact.
One can only imagine the influence Putin has on North Korea and Iran who are seeking and getting help from Russia militarily. Imagine the axis of nuclear arsenals among them as desperate Putin willing to take the world down as he is facing his end.
I don’t think that Israel and Ukraine are in the same situation.
Ukraine is fighting for its right to exist as a sovereign nation, against a vicious oppressor.
Israel is a sovereign nation that has for many decades refused to let Palestinians become a sovereign state, and that has viciously oppressed Palestinians and continues to do so today.
Yes, Hamas’s atrocities against Israeli civilians are horrific beyond belief, and they must be stopped.
So yes, America and Canada too should stand by Israel --- but given the horror of this tragic war in Gaza in which over 11,000 Palestinians have already been killed, America and Canada should, like the U.N., be calling for an immediate ceasefire or at least for a humanitarian pause.
Studies have shown that for every one terrorist killed, nine more terrorists arise to take his place. Thus, continued violence especially which destroys civilian lives, is extremely counterproductive.
I really don’t know how Hamas can be destroyed. However, in my opinion, it is high time for a ceasefire in Israel.
I would agree, except that Hamas has stated their intentions are to wipe Israel off the map. I also think the Palestinians have been mistreated by both Israel and Hamas. There are no easy answers but the right to exist belongs to all sides without the fear of aggression.
This piece was outstanding Steve. Your description of Ramaswamy is the best yet. His ignorance and obnoxiousness knows no bounds, truly unbelievable. I was deeply touched by the Lidice memorial and the story that accompanied it. Understanding this history makes me even more terrified of the Republicans in Congress. Their leader is Trump and they are Russian sympathizers, 157 of them are insurrectionists, fascist wanna-be. I am stunned that we have a 14th amendment that clearly states that Trump should not be one the ballot. (Judge Luttig, Lawrance Tribe and other legal minds explain why this is a legitimate, rule of law way to keep insurrectionists from running for office) Yet I'm hearing pundits say "the people" should vote. NO, NO, NO. Where is the rule of law to protect us from a fascists taking power in our country?
I don't understand; if there is a 14th Amendment clearly stated in the Constitution, why the hell aren't they using it? Why have Amendments, if they are worthless? Is the filibuster once again getting in the way?
I don't have sources, just a few days ago, You Tube had a piece about Judge Lutig explaining the specifics about the 14 th amendment, I think on MSNBC?
Dang Steve, I just love your take down of Plastic Man and Boot Boy. Your knowledge of history and your ability to pull it into today, now, the present, is what makes this column rich reading for me. When the real candidate debates start next year I hope that someone asks you to script two or three questions.
“That is why the United States and the global alliance for freedom and democracy that she leads must arm Ukraine for the long-term struggle that has already begun to fade in the consciousness of the weary American people.” Steve Schmidt from the story of Lidice
“The weary American people” .... the phrase that jumped out ... what a crying shame that Americans grow weary of conflict so quickly. How dare the cost of freedom ( eternal vigilance ) so rudely interrupt our movies, tv entertainment, vacations and shopping sprees? Not to mention our addiction to social media where misinformation leads to never knowing what the truth really is. Social media is a tower of “babbel” made up of billions of opinions. Our lack of attention and caring is what has led to the rise of Trump, trumpism and hollow sycophants like Ramaswammy. We don’t even know that we don’t know what true weariness is. Imagine being in Ukraine or the Middle East these days. Our obsession with heads in the sand selfism will do us in should we allow another term of MAGA. I can envision Vivek becoming part of a MAGA administration as a shill and propagandist. After the elections this past Tuesday I began to have some hope that people are awakening to that threat. I hope it continues well into 2024 and beyond. Such great two essays today thank you Steve.
Right On!! Diane, I just feel like shouting from a roof top what you just wrote here about "How dare the cost of freedom..." you really took that to the place of a Wake-Up call! Best, xo Lisa
GOP candidate “V” is despicable! And, he should be called out for his actions. How anyone could cast a vote for him or a convicted criminal is beyond me!
Jared Kushner’s peace efforts and his father in law’s connection to Putin. The wars today are the results. Czech and Slovak fighting Nazis in 1942 is Ukraine resisting Russia today. It is imperative for Ukraine to win and they should be given all the support they need now. Call Mike Johnson’s office to release Ukraine aid. 318-840-0309… the total support US is sending Ukraine is very insignificant compared to what US spent fighting wars if necessary, never mind the lives lost.
How many Americans have never heard of Lidice or BabiYar or the fate of so many other towns, villages, cities where Jews had already been evicted to the camps? People like trump and Rama-smarmy will be only too willing to bring back this quaint solution.
I am so glad to have read “Lessons from Lidice. “ Seems fitting on this day of remembrance. Thank you.
Equally so the stirring and highly relevant response of Churchill to Chamberlain’s choice. Should be read on the floor of congress as they consider Ukraine funding.
And the history of the rise of the Nazis should be read by everyone who plans to vote.
The Washington Post had a piece on the history of Palestine, including of course the takeover by Hamas. parallels to Nazi takeover. And to our situation facing a choice of electing someone who is open about wanting to turn America into a dictatorship and who longs to accommodate and emulate the world’s strongmen. People who say that could be our last real election are correct.
Im glad to read this, but i already know and accept it -- Substack is not a big enough forum to share this. I know you (and Joyce Vance) are on MSNBC but that’s not wide enough either. I read Heather Cox Richardson here and subscribe to the WaPost, and i long to know how these historical things- and parallels to today--can be placed before the American people who have been blinded and deluded by Trump, Fox News and worse. I support the Lincoln Project and CREW. What more should i do?
Short of "preaching to the choir", I'm not sure what we can do, because I think it was Reagan's de-regulation of the "Fairness Doctrine" (I'm sorry-Im old, it's late, I'm watching Ali Velchi and I've got brain fog about the stock market...and I don't remember all my facts...) but whatever it was that gave networks the freedom to say whatever they want to say and not be required to provide equal time for an opposing view, that unleashed a true Pandora's box , didn't it? And of course, it's the folks who have the need to spread their slime and ugliness that have gathered up the means to do it, and the audience to listen to it. I have gone years- really, YEARS- without speaking to my now 88 year old mother who was so poisoned by listening to Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck that my children-yes, their 3 granddaughters, will have nothing to do with them still, 12-15 years later. My Grandmother-her mother!-left Germany as things were "changing" in that country in the years leading up to Hitler's reign! And she doesn't see the parallels, and it breaks my heart. I wish I knew what to do as well, Barbara, but all I think we can do for now, maybe, is to share Steve's piece (with proper attributions, of course) and hope that it gets through to enough people to create a crack in the shell?
“Arrogant like Ramaswamy, Kushner took $2 billion in Saudi money after his White House service, where he brown-nosed Bibi Netanyahu and every other corrupt foreign official he could meet, which was all of them.”
---Steve Schmidt
First off, great and relevant story about Lidice and the consequences of a Ukrainian capitulation and the blowback that will ensue.
That said, agreed, Vivek is a caricature of a more perverse and clueless version of Apu, who runs the Kwik-E-Mart on the Simpsons. Not to be outdone by Mike Johnson (speaker), who makes of Ned Flanders seem like an atheist in comparison.
As for Kushner? Why is it everyone brings up the $2 billion in Saudi money when Kushner left the Trump administration, but no one seems to remember the $1 billion bailout by Qatar for his 666 Fifth Ave monstrosity, that was about to go into default a month months after Kushner was named Senior advisor for all Middle East policy? Hello? It’s clearly a conflict of interest at best, and extremely illegal at worst!
Furthermore, the corruption of Trump, his sycophants and family, pales in comparison to the threat to democracy and authoritarian rule that Trump poses.
And it’s not just Trump; the Republican house members, and even some Republican senators are the most obtuse, ignorant and inept people one can ever imagine, when it comes to foreign policy initiatives.
What is happening to this nation? I realize Trump is an alchemist in reverse! Only he can turn gold into lead, which explains a lot, since he and his merry band of clueless fascists definitely suffer from severe lead poisoning; which is known to cause brain damage!
Just some thoughts!..:)
Robert, trump is what some of my peeps call a "dry drunk", all the worst behavior of a wet brain who doesn't drink. How anyone can think his behavior, and 'thinking', is normal is beyond me. If he were a dog he'd have been put down long ago as hopeless.
Vivek is a young trump on steroids, his brain has not yet rotted through, but he's still hopeful.
Fire up the branding iron:
DRY DRUNK DONALD TRUMP
Now bend over, Donald. Got something to give you.
.
Well said...:)
But...but...but...Hunter Biden's laptop!!! Joe gave his brother a loan!!! OMG scandal!!!
Come on’, everyone knows Hunter’s laptop is the most egregious crime ever committed by a civilian, who never held elected office...:)
Bless you sir! Words fail us in trying to understand where we are in history. The Internet has really made a mess of Society, don't get me started on the Crack Pipe Phones that No One can let go of. It's disgusting really, and again words fail me. It's because of people like you that I even have hope of a future.
Thank you Robert for letting me know I'm now alone. 💜
History is sure to be repeated with people like Ramaswamy at the helm. People with no understanding of history, cultures or human behavior. He is so full of himself, so full of hot air, but to a naive listener he could sound self-assured and knowledgeable. My words could apply to Trump and other R's also, right? They've unleashed a vicious hatred that is spreading at warp speed.
You’re 100% correct. He is the biggest pompous idiot next to Trump!
That’s all they have. Hatred. Or “Retribution”. I’d like to see all the working people who worked for trump, from wedding planners to construction contractors to masons to carpenters to interior designers... all the people over the past 5 decades Trump has stiffed unmercifully on his way to “The Apprentice”. I’d like to see all these ghosts return and carve out their Trump pound of flesh. Now that’s real Justice!
My hope is Ramaswarmy (pun intended) is unnerving enough to disqualify himself even among the MAGA faithful.
He is a "foreigner."
I did not subscribe to your Substack in July of 2022. Your story of Lidice is poignant and one that should be shared far and wide across our country. My foundation of belief in our country's responsibility in Ukraine has been strengthened and reinforced by your story. Thank you for sharing, again.
Yesterday one of the networks ran a piece that “the Rock” should run for President in that “everyone likes him” and he is a movie star. They do mention quickly he has never held an elected office and he knows nothing about Policy. It was an absurd and highly insulting piece. I think to be President you have to qualify and we may need to actually give them the history exams and those in government. These people are puffed up and empty but rich. It is infuriating
Yes. A result of the “dumbing down of America”. A Republican strategy that started with Reagan and the defunding and demonizing of public schools. In 1950’s... my era, our Public Schools were the envy of the World.
Actually dumbing down by the Republicans has been a thing since I can remember and I know it was as early as 1952
Obviously, I believe you.
Rump was Pres. So anyone can become, no experience, or morals needed.
Like the current and former Speakers of the House of Representatives. Competence is unnecessary, actually it’s a hinderance. Radical MAGA ideological commitment is the only qualification required. What is MAGA ideology? Simple. Donald Trump is always right. Even as he jackboots his way to Dictatorship and the complete overthrow of our Republic.
Kind of like those fools (including some of my repug friends) who voted for TFG in 2016 because, "He's a successful businessman, not a politician!" Oy vey. I tried to rebut that argument, saying, "Have you paid attention to him since he started getting national media attention in the late 80s? And BTW, that Apprentice thing is contrived, he's a phony." Fell on deaf ears.
Unfortunately, we were not in a position militarily to stop Hitler before he took Poland because of the 2 decades of isolation policies and the great depression. After the appeasement of the Munich Accord Hitler went on and invaded Poland. We were caught with our pants down before WWII and now Republicans want to go back to that isolationist policy that was so devastating to us and the world before the 2nd world war.
Russia will not stop with their conquest of Ukraine. Their ministry has said as much in their comments. Putin has made it clear with his desire to recreate the power of the Soviet Union. There is a new axis of evil and they are getting stronger as we fight amongst ourselves. Russia along with China, North Korea and Iran have showed us their intentions to dominate their neighbors and exploit the 3rd world for their own enrichment. They are sowing division with their disinformation and bad actors in our country and in other Democracies around the world. They are taking advantage of the chaos caused by our division and supporting proxy wars in the Middle East. They back terrorists and and the chaos they cause with their acts of terrorism. The antisemitism is being fueled by Russia and Iran and if we back off our support for Israel will only make their movement stronger. We can not let that happen. To do so would put the world in danger of a global conflict. We need to stand strong in our support for Israel and Ukraine while doing what we can for the suffering in Gaza. Israel didn't start this war and we must not lose sight of that fact.
One can only imagine the influence Putin has on North Korea and Iran who are seeking and getting help from Russia militarily. Imagine the axis of nuclear arsenals among them as desperate Putin willing to take the world down as he is facing his end.
Patrick, I really appreciate what you've written here and compliments on your writing:-)
I don’t think that Israel and Ukraine are in the same situation.
Ukraine is fighting for its right to exist as a sovereign nation, against a vicious oppressor.
Israel is a sovereign nation that has for many decades refused to let Palestinians become a sovereign state, and that has viciously oppressed Palestinians and continues to do so today.
Yes, Hamas’s atrocities against Israeli civilians are horrific beyond belief, and they must be stopped.
So yes, America and Canada too should stand by Israel --- but given the horror of this tragic war in Gaza in which over 11,000 Palestinians have already been killed, America and Canada should, like the U.N., be calling for an immediate ceasefire or at least for a humanitarian pause.
Studies have shown that for every one terrorist killed, nine more terrorists arise to take his place. Thus, continued violence especially which destroys civilian lives, is extremely counterproductive.
I really don’t know how Hamas can be destroyed. However, in my opinion, it is high time for a ceasefire in Israel.
I would agree, except that Hamas has stated their intentions are to wipe Israel off the map. I also think the Palestinians have been mistreated by both Israel and Hamas. There are no easy answers but the right to exist belongs to all sides without the fear of aggression.
Rama-smarmy. He is way out over his skis. And he's an odious creep. Let's not give him any air to survive.
Hey, I thought I came up with that name, LOL!
Great minds!
So did I but apparently I was the last one. :) :). :)
This piece was outstanding Steve. Your description of Ramaswamy is the best yet. His ignorance and obnoxiousness knows no bounds, truly unbelievable. I was deeply touched by the Lidice memorial and the story that accompanied it. Understanding this history makes me even more terrified of the Republicans in Congress. Their leader is Trump and they are Russian sympathizers, 157 of them are insurrectionists, fascist wanna-be. I am stunned that we have a 14th amendment that clearly states that Trump should not be one the ballot. (Judge Luttig, Lawrance Tribe and other legal minds explain why this is a legitimate, rule of law way to keep insurrectionists from running for office) Yet I'm hearing pundits say "the people" should vote. NO, NO, NO. Where is the rule of law to protect us from a fascists taking power in our country?
I don't understand; if there is a 14th Amendment clearly stated in the Constitution, why the hell aren't they using it? Why have Amendments, if they are worthless? Is the filibuster once again getting in the way?
I don't have sources, just a few days ago, You Tube had a piece about Judge Lutig explaining the specifics about the 14 th amendment, I think on MSNBC?
Dang Steve, I just love your take down of Plastic Man and Boot Boy. Your knowledge of history and your ability to pull it into today, now, the present, is what makes this column rich reading for me. When the real candidate debates start next year I hope that someone asks you to script two or three questions.
“That is why the United States and the global alliance for freedom and democracy that she leads must arm Ukraine for the long-term struggle that has already begun to fade in the consciousness of the weary American people.” Steve Schmidt from the story of Lidice
“The weary American people” .... the phrase that jumped out ... what a crying shame that Americans grow weary of conflict so quickly. How dare the cost of freedom ( eternal vigilance ) so rudely interrupt our movies, tv entertainment, vacations and shopping sprees? Not to mention our addiction to social media where misinformation leads to never knowing what the truth really is. Social media is a tower of “babbel” made up of billions of opinions. Our lack of attention and caring is what has led to the rise of Trump, trumpism and hollow sycophants like Ramaswammy. We don’t even know that we don’t know what true weariness is. Imagine being in Ukraine or the Middle East these days. Our obsession with heads in the sand selfism will do us in should we allow another term of MAGA. I can envision Vivek becoming part of a MAGA administration as a shill and propagandist. After the elections this past Tuesday I began to have some hope that people are awakening to that threat. I hope it continues well into 2024 and beyond. Such great two essays today thank you Steve.
Right On!! Diane, I just feel like shouting from a roof top what you just wrote here about "How dare the cost of freedom..." you really took that to the place of a Wake-Up call! Best, xo Lisa
Xoxo ☺️💕
Spelling correction Ramaswasmy
No, it's Rama-Smarmy...
Yes!! Great name Cheryl 🤣
Why bother!?!
GOP candidate “V” is despicable! And, he should be called out for his actions. How anyone could cast a vote for him or a convicted criminal is beyond me!
Steve - you mentioned Mark Burnett in your article- he should be hung out to dry for bringing us TFG- I could never watch another show he produced
Jared Kushner’s peace efforts and his father in law’s connection to Putin. The wars today are the results. Czech and Slovak fighting Nazis in 1942 is Ukraine resisting Russia today. It is imperative for Ukraine to win and they should be given all the support they need now. Call Mike Johnson’s office to release Ukraine aid. 318-840-0309… the total support US is sending Ukraine is very insignificant compared to what US spent fighting wars if necessary, never mind the lives lost.
Thank you, you pointed out another piece of history I did not know!
How many Americans have never heard of Lidice or BabiYar or the fate of so many other towns, villages, cities where Jews had already been evicted to the camps? People like trump and Rama-smarmy will be only too willing to bring back this quaint solution.
I am so glad to have read “Lessons from Lidice. “ Seems fitting on this day of remembrance. Thank you.
Equally so the stirring and highly relevant response of Churchill to Chamberlain’s choice. Should be read on the floor of congress as they consider Ukraine funding.
And the history of the rise of the Nazis should be read by everyone who plans to vote.
The Washington Post had a piece on the history of Palestine, including of course the takeover by Hamas. parallels to Nazi takeover. And to our situation facing a choice of electing someone who is open about wanting to turn America into a dictatorship and who longs to accommodate and emulate the world’s strongmen. People who say that could be our last real election are correct.
Im glad to read this, but i already know and accept it -- Substack is not a big enough forum to share this. I know you (and Joyce Vance) are on MSNBC but that’s not wide enough either. I read Heather Cox Richardson here and subscribe to the WaPost, and i long to know how these historical things- and parallels to today--can be placed before the American people who have been blinded and deluded by Trump, Fox News and worse. I support the Lincoln Project and CREW. What more should i do?
Short of "preaching to the choir", I'm not sure what we can do, because I think it was Reagan's de-regulation of the "Fairness Doctrine" (I'm sorry-Im old, it's late, I'm watching Ali Velchi and I've got brain fog about the stock market...and I don't remember all my facts...) but whatever it was that gave networks the freedom to say whatever they want to say and not be required to provide equal time for an opposing view, that unleashed a true Pandora's box , didn't it? And of course, it's the folks who have the need to spread their slime and ugliness that have gathered up the means to do it, and the audience to listen to it. I have gone years- really, YEARS- without speaking to my now 88 year old mother who was so poisoned by listening to Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck that my children-yes, their 3 granddaughters, will have nothing to do with them still, 12-15 years later. My Grandmother-her mother!-left Germany as things were "changing" in that country in the years leading up to Hitler's reign! And she doesn't see the parallels, and it breaks my heart. I wish I knew what to do as well, Barbara, but all I think we can do for now, maybe, is to share Steve's piece (with proper attributions, of course) and hope that it gets through to enough people to create a crack in the shell?
Get your nose out of social media. Read a book people. We are doomed.