German Citizen Raises Concerns Over US Election Debate
A controversial tweet comparing the campaign of Donald Trump to the rise of Adolf Hitler in 1930s Germany has sparked widespread discussion in the United States. Johan Franklin, a German national residing in San Diego, California, shared a note online that began with the phrase “Dear America” and came from “the people of Germany,” questioning the safety of supporting “the guy with the loud voice” who makes threats against his political opponents.
The tweet quickly gained traction after being shared by a supporter of Hillary Clinton under the hashtag #beentheredonethat, leading to an influx of memes that drew parallels between Trump and Hitler. However, the comparison drew criticism from some who felt it was excessively provocative.
Franklin’s Perspective
In an interview with the BBC, Franklin defended his message, admitting that his analogy was blunt but expressed his fears about similar political dynamics resurfacing. He noted, “I got frightened when trying to talk to Trump supporters… and I started to see parallels to what my grandparents and others back home told me about what happened in Germany back in the 1930s.”
In a follow-up post, he clarified, “Of course, I can’t speak for the entire population of Germany. I used that signature line as a way of over-dramatizing to add emphasis.” While Franklin acknowledged the difficulty of making direct comparisons to Hitler, he maintained that there were troubling similarities in the crowds Trump attracted, regardless of the warning signs.
Online Reactions
The virality of Franklin’s message drew mixed responses. Some Twitter users, like Mick Flugennock, expressed irritation at the recurring theme of comparing Trump to Hitler, claiming it had been overly discussed since January.
Conversely, many users resonated with Franklin’s concerns, including individuals from Germany who co-signed the sentiment with retweets and supportive comments. Udo Budding from Berlin wrote, “Couldn’t have said it better myself,” indicating that his message found sympathy among those familiar with Germany’s history.
Franklin, an IT consultant traveling between Hamburg and California, asserted that his intention was to highlight the toxic environment surrounding the US presidential elections, saying, “If there was a ‘kill that person instantly’ button on Twitter, I’m sure people would use it.” Despite understanding that his letter might not sway Trump supporters, he expressed satisfaction that it prompted vital discussions among those sharing similar fears.
Understanding Historical Context
As a father of young children, Franklin is acutely aware of the weight of his ancestry. He shared that his grandparents were consumed by what he called a “German collective guilt,” reflecting on the regret they felt for not opposing Hitler’s regime when they had the opportunity. He said, “We all grew up with stories like: ‘We didn’t know! We really didn’t! Ok we had a hunch, but by then it was too late.'” This historical context underlies his current concerns about America’s political climate.
| Key Points | Franklin’s Commentary |
|---|---|
| Comparison to Hitler | Despite noting it was crude, he highlighted alarming parallels in growing support. |
| Response to Backlash | Franklin was pleased to spark discussions and connect with others sharing his fears. |
| Historical Reflection | Expressed collective guilt of Germans regarding the Nazi regime and concerns of repeating history. |
Franklin’s observations continue to resonate as the electoral process unfolds, with conversations growing increasingly heated on the platform and beyond.
