I'm doing some research for a course we are developing on conflict management and I came across a quote in the book Leading Through Conflict by Mark Gerzon. The quote was from Hermann Goering, Hitler's 2nd in command. He was explaining his strategy to a psychiatrist in prison:
"Naturally the common people don't want war..." But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leader. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country."
Indeed that seems to be true.
1 comment:
Yikes, yikes and more yikes. How sad that we can't seem to learn from the past!!!
Post a Comment