Between Oppression and Freedom

Vienna, seven years of Nazi rule. Then, Soviet rule. Seven years, they are purging the Jews and company and ten years of Soviet control marked by abuses—raping Austrian girls and stealing industrial output—17 years of suffering. The first seven were cloaked under something beautiful, the latter explicitly oppressive. The Nazis are gone, and so are the Russians. Yet, the battle between Nazism and "Soviet" influence remains constant. Nazi ideology flows from rural areas toward the capital, defended by liberals who forget that they, too, are part of the problem. Politicians retire to work for Russian companies; Vienna's police receive gifts from the Russian embassy.

The war of influence is unrelenting on one side, Nazi fascists, and on the other, post-Soviet Imperialists. Neither side seems to realize how outdated they are. While Europe prides itself on freedom, the battle to preserve it is ongoing and is often lost. At times, the only hope for a liberal society lies in a "liberal" dictator like Napoleon Bonaparte. He conquered much and was banished to a remote island, yet he turned primitive European regions into progressive societies. But the forces of regression are ever-present, pulling us back into isolation and tribal hatred.

Like an elastic band, societal progress sometimes feels as if it's stretched thin, always at risk of snapping back. But unlike an elastic band returning to its original shape, society has generally moved forward, with each generation learning from past horrors. While there are cycles of conflict and moments where authoritarianism resurges, the world has not returned to the pervasive fascism, racism, or imperialism that once dominated. Instead, we've built systems—human rights protections, democratic institutions, and international alliances—that help prevent a full relapse. Still, the risk is there. In times of hardship, these gains can feel fragile, and we may inch toward regression like shadows creeping in when the light dims. It's a reminder that maintaining progress requires vigilance, lest past mistakes reemerge and overshadow what we've built.

They say that all it takes for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing. Yet none of us are purely good or evil; our influences shape our choices. A friend once told me they only remember you if you're evil or very good; it's far easier to be bad. Perhaps these men of evil choose the easier path, revealing a profound weakness of character. Those with weak characters gain influence in dark times, appealing to that weakness within us. Instead of striving to improve our lives and the world, we expect these figures to do it for us, only to find that they bring us disaster upon disaster.

To take pride in our race or nationality above all else is the lowest form of pride. It denies individuality and appeals to a base animal desire to belong, while true leaders inspire the person's individuality. True leaders look beyond nation or race, emphasizing what each person can contribute to society with their unique identity. This flourishing of the individual brings periods of progress and light. But nothing lasts forever. Eventually, the elastic band slips from the finger.