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I recently read British author Philip Kerr’s novel, “The Winter Horses,” based on the World War II German invasion of the Soviet Union. Specifically, it’s about the devastation of the Askania Nova game preserve in Ukraine, where Nazis killed the nearly-extinct Przewalski horses, declaring them an inferior breed.
Ending equine diversity was not their only mission. History records that whole villages of Jewish citizens were mass murdered. They, too, were considered inferior and a threat to the purity of the Aryan race. Likewise, people the Nazis deemed infirm, physically or mentally handicapped, or too old were summarily killed.
My purpose is not to review Kerr’s book, but having read it, I was jolted by hearing versions of the Nazi argument against diversity being restated by our newly inaugurated president. Contrary to his claims, diversity does not lower standards, it removes barriers to inclusion.
Attacking diversity and even disparaging the value of people with handicaps is not an original strategy of governance. It was the guiding ideology of the losers of World War II.
Where is our nation headed? I’m worried, but worrying wastes time. Organizing to defend values like diversity, equal opportunity, and democracy is a far healthier option.
John H. Curtis
Surry