terror

i started reading "rise and all of the third reich" and this quote from hitler's "mein kampf" stuck --- the essence of what the nazis did to subvert the body politic --- words from a master, and way too scarily relevant today ---

I understood the infamous spiritual terror which this movement exerts, particularly on the bourgeoisie, which is neither morally nor mentally equal to such attacks; at a given sign it unleashes a veritable barrage of lies and slanders against whatever adversary seems most dangerous, until the nerves of the attacked persons break down. . . . This is a tactic based on precise calculation of all human weaknesses, and its result will lead to success with almost mathematical certainty unless the opposing side learns to combat poison gas with poison gas. . . . Terror at the place of employment, in the factory, in the meeting hall, and on the occasion of mass demonstrations will always be successful unless opposed by equal terror.   Adolph Hitler, Mein Kampf, 1925