The article "Double Edged Sword" by Paul Wolf, published on September 11, 2002, explores the dual nature of patriotism and its historical applications. It begins with a quote from Julius Caesar, highlighting how patriotism can both inspire and narrow one's perspective. Caesar's military strategies, such as the phalanx formation, exemplify the psychological dominance that characterized the Roman Empire. The article then delves into the rise of Adolph Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany. Hitler's use of symbolism, particularly the Roman salute, and his manipulation of public sentiment to create a sense of solidarity and conformity are discussed. The author traces the Nazi rise to the 1933 Reichstag fire, which Hitler used to justify suspending civil liberties and consolidating power. The fire, allegedly set by a Dutch Communist named Marinus van der Lubbe, was a pivotal event that led to Hitler's rise to chancellor and the eventual establishment of a fascist regime. The article also examines the broader implications of this event, including the suppression of political opposition and the erosion of civil liberties. It concludes by reflecting on the current context, suggesting that the anniversary of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks provides an opportunity to consider the balance between democratic and imperialistic foreign policies and to remember the victims of these attacks.The article "Double Edged Sword" by Paul Wolf, published on September 11, 2002, explores the dual nature of patriotism and its historical applications. It begins with a quote from Julius Caesar, highlighting how patriotism can both inspire and narrow one's perspective. Caesar's military strategies, such as the phalanx formation, exemplify the psychological dominance that characterized the Roman Empire. The article then delves into the rise of Adolph Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany. Hitler's use of symbolism, particularly the Roman salute, and his manipulation of public sentiment to create a sense of solidarity and conformity are discussed. The author traces the Nazi rise to the 1933 Reichstag fire, which Hitler used to justify suspending civil liberties and consolidating power. The fire, allegedly set by a Dutch Communist named Marinus van der Lubbe, was a pivotal event that led to Hitler's rise to chancellor and the eventual establishment of a fascist regime. The article also examines the broader implications of this event, including the suppression of political opposition and the erosion of civil liberties. It concludes by reflecting on the current context, suggesting that the anniversary of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks provides an opportunity to consider the balance between democratic and imperialistic foreign policies and to remember the victims of these attacks.