Can you believe it? Randi Weingarten just invoked the horrors of Nazi occupation to promote her latest book. This reckless comparison isn’t just outrageous; it’s a disservice to every American who values history and education.
On MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” the president of the American Federation of Teachers flaunted her paper clip with a self-righteous flair. “I wear two things now: the American flag — no one can take patriotism away from me — and a paper clip,” she claimed. But her attempt to tether herself to the bravery of Norwegian teachers during the Nazi occupation is a blatant misstep.
Weingarten prattled on, suggesting that public education “binds society together,” asserting that “fascists fear knowledge.” This is not only misguided; it’s profoundly offensive. Public education is crucial, but trivializing the experiences of those who truly suffered under tyranny is unacceptable.
Critics have rightfully condemned her for exploiting historical atrocities to boost book sales. Corey DeAngelis, an American Culture Project fellow, nailed it: “Is this what you call lowering the temperature?” His call for Weingarten to resign echoes the sentiments of many who are fed up with her antics.
Comments such as, “A woman who so casually downplays the Holocaust should not be allowed anywhere near the education of children,” aren’t mere reactions; they reflect widespread disappointment in someone wielding power in the education system.
David Wagner, a research fellow at the National Legal Foundation, summed it up succinctly: “LARPing as someone in actual danger in Nazi-occupied Norway is a next step.” How tone-deaf can one individual be? Families who endured the real Hitler regime have every reason to be outraged.
This is not an isolated incident. The ultimate aim of Weingarten’s remarks is crystal clear: promote her agenda at the expense of historical integrity. It’s disgusting, revolting, and, frankly, expected.
Maryland GOP State Sen. Justin Ready hit back, questioning why Weingarten is even considered a serious figure. “Turning down the temperature means stopping with the Nazi name-calling,” he stated, hitting the nail on the head. The gravity of such terms should never be diluted for the sake of a book endorsement.
The experiences of educators under Nazi rule were horrifying. Many faced dire consequences for standing against tyranny, which Weingarten would do well to remember before making such irresponsible comparisons. Every student deserves a history rooted in accuracy, not sensationalism.
