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Parallels Between The United States and Nazi Germany: A Comparative Analysis

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Introduction

Today, I want to delve into a critical issue that resonates deeply with my personal experiences and the broader discourse on justice and human rights. This blog explores the unsettling parallels between law enforcement practices in the current United States and those in Nazi Germany. Specifically, it examines the use of law and power to arrest, kidnap, hold hostage, torture, seize assets, and commit murder under the guise of legality. By highlighting specific laws and actions by authorities, I aim to underscore the severity of these issues and call for urgent reforms.

Historical Context: Nazi Germany

Under Adolf Hitler‘s regime, Nazi Germany utilized law enforcement as a tool of oppression, systematically targeting Jews, political dissidents, and other marginalized groups. The Gestapo (secret police) and the SS (Schutzstaffel) were notorious for their brutal tactics, which included arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The Nuremberg Laws institutionalized racial discrimination, stripping Jews of their citizenship and rights. The Holocaust, one of history’s most horrific genocides, was perpetrated under the pretense of legal authority.

“I don’t see much future for the Americans … it’s a decayed country. And they have their racial problem, and the problem of social inequalities … my feelings against Americanism are feelings of hatred and deep repugnance … everything about the behaviour of American society reveals that it’s half Judaised, and the other half negrified. How can one expect a State like that to hold together?”

Adolf Hitler

Modern United States: A Disturbing Parallel

While the United States prides itself on being a beacon of democracy and justice, recent practices reveal troubling parallels with Nazi Germany. This comparison is not made lightly but is grounded in documented instances of systemic abuse, particularly against non-white citizens and residents. It already has a history of customs rooted in white supremacy.

Even more disturbing is those in power in the United States who control the country and its law enforcement mechanisms (Quite Interesting):

Arbitrary Arrests and Kidnappings

The United States has seen numerous instances where law enforcement agencies have exercised their power to arrest and detain individuals without due process. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, for example, has been criticized for its tactics in detaining immigrants, often in ways that resemble kidnappings. In 2020, reports emerged of federal agents in unmarked vehicles detaining protesters in Portland, Oregon, without identifying themselves or providing a legal basis for the arrests.

“It was done to move detainees to a safe location for questioning.”

Homeland Security Acting Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli

Torture and Inhumane Treatment

The use of torture by U.S. authorities has been a controversial issue, particularly in the context of the War on Terror. The CIA’s use of enhanced interrogation techniques, which many consider to be torture, has drawn widespread condemnation. Similarly, reports of inhumane conditions in detention centers, including those operated by ICE, have highlighted the maltreatment of detainees, often involving physical and psychological abuse.

Asset Seizure and Civil Forfeiture

Civil asset forfeiture laws in the United States allow law enforcement agencies to seize property suspected of being connected to criminal activity, often without charging the property owner with a crime. This practice has disproportionately affected non-white communities. In many cases, individuals have had their assets seized without due process, echoing the expropriation of property from Jews and other marginalized groups in Nazi Germany. It is now being perpetrated against communities of people of color.

“The fact of the matter is very rare for an unarmed African American to be shot by a white police officer.”

Former Attorney General, DOJ, William Barr

Extrajudicial Killings

The extrajudicial killings of unarmed Black individuals by police officers in the United States have sparked nationwide protests and calls for reform. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Alton Sterling, Stephon Clark, Eric Garner, Ronald Greene, Elijah McClain, Tyre Nichols, and countless others reflect a pattern of lethal force used disproportionately against non-white citizens. These incidents draw a stark comparison to the state-sanctioned murders carried out by Nazi Germany under the guise of maintaining law and order. The former Attorney General of DOJ, William Barr proved the audacity and deliberateness of the denial of the existence of systemic racism flies in the face of information  from nongovernmental groups, the Justice Department’s own data, and the lived experiences of Black people in the US.

Legal Frameworks and Authorities

The Patriot Act

The USA PATRIOT Act, enacted in response to the 9/11 attacks, expanded the government’s surveillance and investigative powers. Critics argue that it undermines civil liberties and has been used to target marginalized communities, much like the Reichstag Fire Decree and the Enabling Act enabled the Nazi regime to bypass legal constraints and persecute dissidents.

Qualified Immunity

Qualified immunity shields law enforcement officers from being held personally liable for actions performed in the line of duty, unless they violated “clearly established” rights. This doctrine has been criticized for enabling police misconduct and preventing accountability, paralleling the impunity enjoyed by Nazi officers who committed atrocities under state orders.

Absolute Immunity for Prosecutors and Judges

One of the most egregious aspects of the U.S. legal system is the concept of absolute immunity for prosecutors and judges. This legal doctrine protects these officials from being held accountable for their actions, even when they knowingly violate the law. Prosecutors can present false evidence, suppress exculpatory evidence, and engage in misconduct without fear of personal consequences. Judges, similarly, can make biased and unlawful rulings with impunity. This lack of accountability mirrors the unchecked power wielded by Nazi officials, who committed atrocities without fear of retribution.

Executive Orders and Directives

Executive orders and directives, such as the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy, have led to widespread human rights abuses. This policy resulted in family separations and the detention of thousands of children, drawing parallels to the state-sanctioned abductions and internments in Nazi Germany.

A Personal Note

My understanding and perspective on these issues are not merely academic or theoretical—they are deeply personal. I have experienced firsthand the American criminal justice system in the state courts of Arizona, the family courts of Arizona, the immigration system in the federal courts, and its supposed ‘appellate process’. In each of these arenas, I encountered egregious violations of state court rules, the United States Constitution, fundamental freedoms, and the global consensus on human rights laws it cannot grant nor withdraw. These violations were not just incidental but were committed knowingly by those in positions of power, highlighting a systemic problem that mirrors some of the darkest chapters in history.

“The American Criminal Justice System apparatus is hopelessly opaque, concealing racist aims behind contorted justifications..”

Ewing Redmond Samuels III

Conclusion

The parallels between law enforcement practices in the current United States and Nazi Germany are deeply troubling. Both systems have utilized legal frameworks to justify acts of oppression, targeting marginalized groups under the guise of maintaining order and security. It is imperative that we recognize these patterns and advocate for reforms that uphold justice, accountability, and human rights for all.

By drawing attention to these issues, I hope to contribute to a broader movement for change and justice. It is through awareness and collective action that we can prevent history from repeating itself and ensure a more just and equitable future for everyone.

Thank you for reading.

Until Next Time…

I Am,

Ewing Redmond Samuels III

Embracing China’s Ascent: Navigating the 21st Century’s New Landscape

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“No amount of media propaganda can change the reality that the 21st Century belongs to China.”

Ewing r. samuels III

The 20th Century: America’s Era of Dominance

Reflecting on history, it’s evident that the 20th century belonged indisputably to the United States. With its economic prowess, military might, and cultural influence, the U.S. dominated the global landscape, shaping the world in its image.

China’s Meteoric Rise

As we stand on the precipice of a new era, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the dynamics of power are shifting, and the winds of change are blowing in China’s favor. China’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. In just a few decades, it has transformed from a primarily agrarian society into an economic juggernaut, boasting the world’s second-largest economy.

Challenging the Media Narrative: Myth versus Reality

But what about the media narrative that often portrays China’s rise as a threat to the established world order? Let’s call it what it is: propaganda. Yes, there are legitimate concerns and challenges that come with China’s ascendance, including issues of human rights, geopolitical tensions, and economic competition. However, it’s crucial to put these concerns into perspective. And remember the ‘established world order‘ is not for the benefit of all, but a chosen few.

A History of Hypocrisy: Lessons from the Past

When we examine history, it’s essential to acknowledge that no nation is without fault. The United States and the United Kingdom, for example, were never initially feared as threats, yet they introduced slavery (Afrikans), genocide (Native Americans), torture (prisoners), wars with nuclear bombs (Hiroshima and Nagasaki), and nefarious activities against sovereign peoples. In contrast, China has no history of such actions on a global scale.

Personal Reflection: My Experience in the Global Context

As someone who has experienced the complexities of global power dynamics firsthand, I can attest to the fact that neither I nor my family have ever been violated by any Chinese individuals in my entire lifetime. My case serves as a reminder that geopolitical tensions should not overshadow the shared humanity that binds us all.

In the I.C.E. facility (CORE CIVIC) in Eloy, Arizona, I witnessed hundreds of Chinese, Afrikans, and Middle Easterners being violated, only because of being from ‘elsewhere‘. I became friends with a Chinese man, named Mr. Shue, only because I speak a little Mandarin-Chinese, and the facility for the U.S. government provided him no translator for assistance. I told the facilities supervisor that Mr. Shue had diabetes numerous times, and they ignored him countless times, until he had a ‘code red’ on the recreation field, dealing with 115 degree Arizona heat.

Mr. Shue died in Eloy, Arizona in 2023.

Embracing Change: Opportunities for Collaboration

Instead of succumbing to fear-mongering and xenophobia, we should recognize the inevitability of China’s rise and seek to understand its implications. Embracing China’s emergence as a global powerhouse opens up a world of opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and progress.

Shaping a Collective Future

As we look ahead, it’s essential to acknowledge that the 21st century is not a zero-sum game. China’s rise does not automatically spell the decline of the United States or any other nation. Rather, it signals a shifting paradigm in which multiple powers coexist and cooperate on the world stage.

Conclusion: Building a Harmonious World

In conclusion, the 21st century belongs to China, just as the 20th century belonged to the United States. No amount of media propaganda can change that reality. But instead of fearing this change, let’s embrace it as an opportunity to build a more interconnected, prosperous, and harmonious world.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and discovery. Until next time…

I am,

Ewing Redmond Samuels III

U.S. Human Rights Landscape: Insights from the 2023 GRIP Annual Report

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Introduction

In an era where the narrative of American exceptionalism often pervades, it’s imperative to scrutinize the nation’s performance on a global scale, especially concerning human rights. The recently released 2023 GRIP Annual Report, a collaborative effort between the Global Rights Project (GRIP) and the CIRIGHTS data project, offers a sobering evaluation of the United States’ commitment to human rights.

Assessing America’s Standing

The report, which evaluates 195 countries across various human rights metrics, paints a nuanced picture of America’s standing in the world. Divided into four categories—physical integrity, empowerment, worker rights, and justice rights—the assessment aims to provide a comprehensive overview of each nation’s adherence to fundamental human rights principles.

A Closer Look at Challenges

Regrettably, the findings reveal a widespread disregard for human rights globally, with 60% of countries receiving failing grades. In this landscape, the United States narrowly avoided a failing grade, scoring a 64 and ranking 59th overall. While this may seem favorable compared to some nations, it underscores significant room for improvement within America’s human rights framework.

One of the report’s focal points is the discrepancy between America’s perceived strengths in civil and political rights and its shortcomings in other areas. Specifically, issues such as torture, extrajudicial killings, and labor rights highlight areas of concern. Law enforcement’s use of interrogation techniques bordering on torture and the disproportionate use of lethal force against black Americans underscore systemic issues that demand urgent attention.

Connecting Personal Experience to the Larger Context

As we absorb these findings, it’s essential to reflect on how they resonate with individual experiences. In my case, as someone who has faced egregious and flagrant violations of fundamental rights and due process within the U.S. legal system, this report strikes a particularly poignant chord. I have endured due process violations, fraud against me, the kidnapping of my 5 year old child, state authorities engaged in perjury in courts against me, deception to paint a picture that never existed and still doesn’t exist, overt racism, poisoned while incarcerated, denial of medical care while incarcerated, assaulted by correctional officer while in Florence, Arizona, placed in a dog cage all day, deplorable living conditions, torture, witnessing law enforcement smuggle drugs and phones in prison, and witnessing multiple murders while I was in prison. And NO, I will never help any law enforcement with what I have seen.

My wrongful and unlawful conviction served as a stark reminder of the imperfections within America’s justice system. It exemplifies how individuals can become ensnared in a system that, despite its professed commitment to human rights, can perpetuate injustice and deny individuals their fundamental rights.

2016 (BEFORE) 2022 (INCARCERATED) 2023 (RELEASED) 2024 (TODAY)

A Call for Vigilance and Accountability

In light of these revelations, it becomes evident that the U.S. government cannot be trusted with more significant matters if fundamental human rights are not safeguarded at home. The need for transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to upholding human rights cannot be overstated. Only through collective vigilance and concerted efforts can we hold our institutions accountable and ensure that justice prevails for all.

Finding Hope Amidst Challenges

Despite these challenges, the report offers a glimmer of optimism by positioning the United States favorably compared to other populous countries and geopolitical rivals. While not without flaws, America’s relatively stronger performance in certain human rights indicators serves as a testament to the enduring values enshrined in its founding principles. Yet the country is seeing a downward spiral with clear knowledge of violating human rights on account of race, color, sex, religion, and national origin.

Moving Forward Together

As we reflect on these findings, it’s crucial to recognize that human rights progress is not linear. The report’s insights serve as a call to action for policymakers, activists, and citizens alike to redouble their efforts in upholding and advancing human rights both domestically and globally.

In closing, let us heed the words of Skip Mark, director of the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies, who aptly remarked, “There’s a lot of work to do in terms of ensuring that all people have a chance to live a life of dignity and respect.” Together, let us strive to build a world where human rights are not just an aspiration but a lived reality for all.

I am,

Ewing Redmond Samuels III