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Old 06-12-2009, 02:02 PM   #35 (permalink)
loquitur
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Actually, there is a fair amount of stuff in the Nazi party platform that we would identify as leftish (and a lot that is not, and a lot that is kooky and a lot that is repellent). For instanceconsider these left-sounding parts of the Nazi party platform:
Quote:
7.
We demand that the state be charged first with providing the opportunity for a livelihood and way of life for the citizens. If it is impossible to sustain the total population of the State, then the members of foreign nations (non-citizens) are to be expelled from the Reich.
8.
Any further immigration of non-citizens is to be prevented. We demand that all non-Germans, who have immigrated to Germany since the 2 August 1914, be forced immediately to leave the Reich.
9.
All citizens must have equal rights and obligations.
10.
The first obligation of every citizen must be to work both spiritually and physically. The activity of individuals is not to counteract the interests of the universality, but must have its result within the framework of the whole for the benefit of all Consequently we demand:
11.
Abolition of unearned (work and labour) incomes. Breaking of rent-slavery.
12.
In consideration of the monstrous sacrifice in property and blood that each war demands of the people personal enrichment through a war must be designated as a crime against the people. Therefore we demand the total confiscation of all war profits.
13.
We demand the nationalisation of all (previous) associated industries (trusts).
14.
We demand a division of profits of all heavy industries.
15.
We demand an expansion on a large scale of old age welfare.
16.
We demand the creation of a healthy middle class and its conservation, immediate communalization of the great warehouses and their being leased at low cost to small firms, the utmost consideration of all small firms in contracts with the State, county or municipality.
17.
We demand a land reform suitable to our needs, provision of a law for the free expropriation of land for the purposes of public utility, abolition of taxes on land and prevention of all speculation in land.

* * *

20.
The state is to be responsible for a fundamental reconstruction of our whole national education program, to enable every capable and industrious German to obtain higher education and subsequently introduction into leading positions. The plans of instruction of all educational institutions are to conform with the experiences of practical life. The comprehension of the concept of the State must be striven for by the school [Staatsbuergerkunde] as early as the beginning of understanding. We demand the education at the expense of the State of outstanding intellectually gifted children of poor parents without consideration of position or profession.
21.
The State is to care for the elevating national health by protecting the mother and child, by outlawing child-labor, by the encouragement of physical fitness, by means of the legal establishment of a gymnastic and sport obligation, by the utmost support of all organizations concerned with the physical instruction of the young.
22.
We demand abolition of the mercenary troops and formation of a national army.
I'm not saying this to contend that the Nazis were lefties or, for that matter, that lefties are Nazis. What I'm saying is that the labelling of Nazis as "right-wing" - which a fair number of people around here do reflexively - is far from conclusive, especially if one defines "right" and "left" in the same way that Americans do.
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