By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The firing of Tom Alter from Texas State University followed a speech at a socialist conference, and was framed as incitement to violence by the university president. The action came after a video clip, circulated by right-wing influencer Karlyn Borysenko, who has expressed extreme views, including Holocaust denial, was posted online. Borysenko, who has also appeared on Fox News, has been accused of taking a role in this larger crackdown on speech. This instance highlights the escalating role of right-wing influencers in amplifying accusations and influencing outcomes related to academic freedom, while using propaganda to push biased narratives.
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It’s truly unsettling to contemplate a world where the very ideals we fought to defend – freedom, democracy, and basic human decency – are being openly challenged and warped. It’s hard to ignore the rising tide of rhetoric that seems to normalize, even celebrate, figures like Hitler, and the unsettling influence of individuals like Karlyn Borysenko.
The very idea of a “Fox News expert” suggesting Hitler might be in heaven is a stark indicator of where the discourse is heading. It’s not just an isolated comment; it’s a symptom of a larger problem. We’re seeing the spread of ideologies that were once universally condemned. When we see prominent individuals seemingly embracing fascism, or downplaying the atrocities of figures like Hitler, it’s a clear sign that something is deeply wrong. And the fact that these views are being amplified by a major media outlet is particularly concerning.
It’s especially disturbing when these views are espoused by someone who self-identifies as a fascist, like Karlyn Borysenko. The fact that she’s gaining influence, and reportedly contributing to the firing of those with differing viewpoints, is a dangerous precedent. This isn’t just about disagreeing on policy; it’s about the fundamental principles of a free and open society. It’s about the right to hold different opinions without fear of retribution, and the dangers of a system where dissent is silenced.
We are confronted with an environment that is both disturbing and disorienting. There’s a sense that the ground is constantly shifting, and the things we once considered settled are now up for debate. This includes the most basic tenets of morality and human decency. The fact that someone can openly express admiration for Hitler and still find a platform to speak, is frightening. The fact that this sentiment is gaining traction within certain political circles, is downright chilling.
The very people that fought against Nazi ideology in WWII would be appalled by these sentiments. The sacrifices made to defeat fascism, both on the battlefield and on the home front, seem to be forgotten, or worse, deliberately undermined. It raises the question of what exactly we fought for, if the values we defended are so easily discarded. It is a complete betrayal of the service men and women who gave their lives.
The rise of this rhetoric isn’t just a matter of words. It has real-world consequences. We see it in the targeting of specific groups. We see it in the erosion of civil liberties and the suppression of opposing viewpoints. We see it in the normalization of hate speech and the dehumanization of others. The rhetoric does have consequences, it leads to violence.
It’s a reminder that history isn’t just a collection of facts; it’s a living, breathing thing that must be actively defended. We cannot afford to be complacent. We have to speak out against this rhetoric, call it out for what it is. We have to stand up for the values of tolerance, inclusion, and respect that are the cornerstones of a free and just society.
It feels like a moment when the world has turned upside down. It’s important to remember that those who embrace such views are often driven by a desire for power, control, and the exclusion of others. They are predators, and their methods involve the manipulation of information, the spread of misinformation, and the exploitation of fear and division.
This is where the true danger lies. We must remain vigilant and resolute in our defense of truth, and our commitment to building a better world for all. It’s not just about politics, it’s about the very soul of our society.