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Politics : Libertarian Discussion Forum
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To: Daniel W. Koehler who wrote (3621)5/13/2000 3:30:00 PM
From: chalu2  Read Replies (1) of 13062
 
It's a case of exaggeration, which does a disservice to history. Just as every person who has crazy fantasies is not Charles Manson, every excessive government action is not similar to the acts of the Gestapo.

For many years, some say until at least 1965, African-Americans could not vote in this country in many major states. Jews could not vote in Nazi Germany after 1935. Was the U.S. in 1964 exactly the same as Nazi Germany in 1935? I don't think so; if you do not see these distinctions, I think you have to look at the particular circumstances and philosophies of each place and time a little more closely.

I have a different take on the guns as opposition to oppression issue. In most countries where oppressive regimes arise, most of the populace is either indifferent or supportive. A small minority cares enough or is opposed enough to take up arms. This small minority--if ever bold enough to act--would be overwhelmed by the military, police and fellow-citizen sympathizers (traitors). Small arms against the military would not win--the only answer in such a case would be for the dictatorial regime to somehow lose the support of the military. I think most of the "we need arms to protect ourselves against government" argument relies on a presumption (probably wrong) that fellow citizens would not support the dictatorial regime, following whatever chaos or disruption brings that dictator to power.

Think about it--the Nazi troops were no special creatures--they were drawn from the common folk. They had all the arms they needed in that army to shoot their commanders and Hitler full of holes. They didn't. It's funny that the "armed citizens" who make up the rank and file in the armies committing atrocities never seem to revolt. Aren't they all "just boys from Kansas"? How do you explain this phenomenon?
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