I would really like to address some other issues, but I’m signing off because I am about to do my part to ensure that the justice system at my state level continues to preserve the rule of law and our constitutional rights. Thanks.

It is absurd and improper, however, to suggest that this “totenkopf” is as well known as the Nazi salute, of which there are pictures of thousands of ppl giving back to Adolf Hitler in every history book. In short, everyone knows a Nazi salute when they see one; almost no one knows this totenkopf.

(This is where the Collins ppl/GOP operatives ppl want me to ask why you do & leave that innuendo there, but I’m going to presume instead that you know for good reasons - maybe you’ve worked for the Southern Poverty Law Center or similar) not than bad ones, because again, I think we agree on a lot).

Next, equating that tattoo with a Nazi salute is a false equivalency that I want to give you the opportunity to rescind. I am an educated person, and I’ve never heard the word “totenkopf” nor do have broad knowledge of nazi symbols beyond the appropriated swatstika & mayne iron cross.

I have made clear what Platner has done is disqualifying if when he got the tattoo he knew of the historical significance. It seems to assume facts not in evidence that that was the case, however. In fact he has stated that he did not know, and that he is having it removed/covered.

I want to try one more time without falling into the trap that is being set here by the GOP to get Collins re-elected (which is to have people here, who are mostly on the same side of things - and we are - to snipe at each other).

My point was that I’m not willing to do the work for the GOP. I’m not willing to do anything to help the concerned Trump enabler Collins get re-elected. If it’s disqualifying for folks (for the reasons above), fine, but folks better be sure that Mills the geriatric can win then. I’m not.

Similarly, if he has admitted he knew its historical significance, it’s disqualifying. But appropriation also runs both ways. It very well could have been others in his infantry unit had this, didn’t know the historical significance, and viewed it as something else (e.g., a unit shibboleth).

So this is a sophisticated analysis clearly based on some historical research. I don’t know when Platner got that tattoo, but if we’re willing to presume that level of analysis/research was undertaken, even if by an 18 or 20 yo kid enlisting, then it’s disqualifying.

Before these fcks appropriated it. Another example: these Nordic tattoos we keep seeing on the ICE idiots. If you’ve got one from 15 years ago (and esp if you have Nordic blood), it’s one thing. If you’ve got one from the last 8 months (and have not a drop of Nordic blood) it’s quite another.

Like anything else, it is useful to walk (or ride) a mile (or 10) in someone else’s shoes. I am a much better driver because I’m also a cyclist. I am a much safe cyclist because I’m also a driver.

If only it had been on West-East Rail that had taken you only about 70 mins from Boston as it should.