Historical Echoes: Chicago 1968 and the Recursive Loop

I always struggle with writing thoughts that seem to pick a staunch political side. My primary role as a Christian worldview writer is to constantly encourage the gospel to all men and women of any persuasion. The kingdom of God and the government of man are not in coordination, though God ordains the state as an imperfect sword of justice on a sin cursed world until He returns. There are Christian citizens in Communist China as well as other regimes throughout the globe- each has its challenges and unique circumstances. With all of that being said, I do believe the upcoming election this November compels me to voice a concern regarding the direction and policy of the DNC. The party is very heavily influenced by extremes of the radical left and it has me concerned for the future of our republic. No doubt, extreme ideologies on both sides are dangerous- but currently the far left extremism is more mainstream in the DNC than the far right is at the RNC. This is more about ideas than people.... and that forces me to be more vocal regarding my political opinion.

The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was marked by intense political turmoil, widespread protests, and violent clashes between demonstrators and police. It became a symbol of a nation deeply divided, with a loss of faith in leadership and growing fears of authoritarian responses to civil unrest. This moment in history serves as a potent reminder of how political tensions can escalate into chaos, and how the struggle for power can lead to the suppression of dissent.

Today, as the Democratic National Convention returns to Chicago, there’s an eerie sense of déjà vu. The city’s selection as the host site may seem like an invitation to reflect on the past, but it also opens the door to repeating history’s darker moments. This post is going to be controversial, but I am too concerned to not at least get on the record.

The current slogan gaining momentum in our electorate is "Strength through Joy" -a slogan originally used by Nazi Germany to promote the idea of unity and national pride through state-controlled leisure activities-  now finds unsettling echoes in current political rhetoric.

"Strength through Joy": A Dangerous Promise

"Strength through Joy" was a propaganda tool that promised the German people happiness and strength through collective activities, but it ultimately served as a vehicle for totalitarian control. The message of national unity and joy masked the underlying reality of a regime that would lead to unimaginable horrors.

In today's political climate, the resurgence of similar themes—where promises of unity, strength, and national revival are made—can be seductive. However, they carry the risk of repeating the past, where such promises led not to freedom, but to oppression. The loop here is recursive, where history seems to replay itself with subtle variations, but the underlying dangers remain the same.

The Recursive Loop: Awakening Awareness

The 'Droste effect', or the recursive loop, is a fitting metaphor for this situation. Just as an image within an image creates an infinite loop, so too can political ideologies and rhetoric create a cycle that repeats itself, often with increasing intensity. The return to Chicago, the echoes of 1968, and the revival of dangerous promises like "Strength through Joy" all contribute to a sense that we are caught in a loop—one that could lead us back to the darker paths of history if we are not vigilant.

This loop should serve as a wake-up call, a reminder that the patterns of the past are never fully behind us. They are always present, ready to reemerge when conditions allow. By recognizing the recursive nature of these historical and political patterns, we can become more aware of the dangers that lie within and outside our current situation. It’s a call to break the cycle, to ensure that the promises of today do not lead to the tragedies of tomorrow.

BEWARE- of the Government that Gives and Promises Gifts

Hopefully, there will be some people who will see the danger we are in. As I read commentary, I get concerned people are voting against a person who they extremely dislike. I get it... but the actual promises and ideologies should be in mind. 

I was brought up in a home that was historically democrat. My parents were clue collar and deep blue (during the 60's and 70's- though were Reagan democrats in the 80's). But neither of them would be able to stay with what democrats stand for today. 

Sorry- this is my opinion and I hope we keep a country where I am free to express it without consequence- that freedom is in danger from the radical left today. These views are my own and do not necessarily represent any organization I may be acquainted with.