The Wall Street Journal has inexcusably published a letter, written by a wealthy venture capitalist, which argues that progressive targeting of the super-rich parallels fascist Nazi Germany's targeting of Jews during World War II.
The letter – entitled "Progressive Kristallnacht Coming?" – is just as offensive and mind-bogglingly misguided as its title suggests. (Note: for those unaware, this is what Kristallnacht means.)
Written by Tom Perkins, who founded the venture capitalist outfit Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, the letter equates Occupy Wall Street protests with Nazis murdering Jews. Here is an excerpt:
Writing from the epicenter of progressive thought, San Francisco, I would call attention to the parallels of fascist Nazi Germany to its war on its "one percent," namely its Jews, to the progressive war on the American one percent, namely the "rich."
From the Occupy movement to the demonization of the rich embedded in virtually every word of our local newspaper, the San Francisco Chronicle, I perceive a rising tide of hatred of the successful one percent.
That the ultra-rich, perched high in their protected castles, feel threatened by the starving and struggling masses is understandable. That they could feel so threatened as to harbor such illogical and offensive views is telling.
But that The Wall Street Journal could publish such outlandish and revolting thoughts? Well, that's another matter entirely.
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David Harris-Gershon is author of the memoir What Do You Buy the Children of the Terrorist Who Tried to Kill Your Wife?, just out from Oneworld Publications.