While talking to a friend recently via email, she told me that once a generation dies out that remembers the atrocities of an historical era, humans will tend to repeat the same events. This is the usual "those who forget history" tropes that we hear a lot. The "doomed to repeat it crowd." I believe these are, for the most part, true. One need only study recent history to see similar instances of it reinventing itself in the "modern" era.

Take, for example, the rise of authoritarianism and fascism in the 30s and 40s is resembling what we're seeing right now in the United States. Similar instances are occurring at the same time in Hungary, Poland, and the ongoing Russian involvement in never ending war with Urkraine. There have even been attempts by far right parties in previously notable fascist regimes like the AFD in Germany, the rise of far right leaders in France, Austria, Italy, and even Canada. The biggest and most disappointing example is the United States. We tend to be the trend setters in the world. The rise of Trumpism has been excruciating to watch. A slow motion fall into despotism, fascism, and all things related to hate.

Rising military expansionism and conquest is on the rise, too. We've already mentioned Urkraine, but what has the United States also done? We've threatened our neighbors, notably Canada. We've threatened to take Greenland from the Danes, take over the Panama canal, and sent threats south of the border into Mexico.

Another facet of repeating history is the rise (once again) of unceasing propaganda and misinformation that is threatening global alliances and causing tensions worldwide. Just yesterday, I noticed the Trump White House releasing on their website a propaganda piece on COVID. Where once before there were sites filled with information and facts, there is now propaganda against China as the cause. China as the reason. China to blame. Trump is attempting to harm our trade partner for whatever reason. Perhaps he's being vindictive, because Chinese leadership managed to duck the idiotic trade tariffs Trump temporarily imposed. Who knows. Another glaring example is that Trump routinely calls COVID "The China Virus". Hence, the whole "repeat something often enough, it will become the truth." These are all easy to spot instances of repeating history.

Economic crises and social issues have risen, as well. Trump tariffs have only served to cause tensions and economic crises throughout the world. While we have weathered them so far, how long can we hold out? Flash point social issues such as immigration have to the forefront as Trump "deports" persons supposedly in the country illegally. Trans people, who have always been with us, are being demonized and many are fleeing the country. Academics and universities and places of learning are being attacked in various ways to undermine their intellectual freedoms. Even the word itself, "intellectualism" is being used to demonize higher learning. I have personally experienced this from MAGA family members who have berated my tendency to hold skepticism to most claims to facts without evidence. I'm not sure where this is coming from, though. Perhaps Fox news, I'm not sure yet. I was told "common sense" is better than abstract claims to intelligence whatever that means.

Intelligence operations and international alliances are being threatened. Trump has attempted to shut down operations against Russia, for example. He has attempted to undermine NATO presumably at the behest of Russian influence. International bodies such as the United Nations are undermined, and trade agreements ignored, such as NAFTA. (North American Free Trade Agreement.

Multiple population displacements due to war, turmoil, and hate. One look no further than Israel and Gaza to see the population shifts (and massacres!). Refugee populations are being demonized. Aid organizations are undermined (USAid). All reminiscent. All seen before. All repeating.

All these things are history repeating itself in the 30s and 40s. All of them.

While it is important to keep objectivity and a calm approach to such matters, our Allies, especially Germany, the UK, France and even eastern European countries should be sounding the alarm and be up in our faces demanding answers. We cannot continue down this path to fascism. It must end.