It seems some politicians and pundits just can’t resist dragging out those tired analogies every time they want to make a point. Take the recent example from Minnesota’s very own Tim Walz, now famously comparing ICE agents to the Gestapo during a commencement speech. One would think he could come up with a more original angle. After all, there’s no shortage of clichés ripe for the picking when trying to paint the current administration or its policies as the ultimate villains. But no, we’re back to the same old narrative, one that minimizes the true horrors of history to score cheap political points.
Tim Walz, once a vice-presidential hopeful, decided that equating law enforcement with a historically notorious police force was the way to inspire young graduates. Of course, one might wonder how such hyperbolic rhetoric benefits new graduates poised to face the real world, but clearly, Governor Walz had other priorities. If one is to believe his portrayal, immigration enforcement is an unforgivable sin—never mind the realities of managing borders and upholding laws.
Critics of the speech were quick to point out the irony. Here Walz decries a “crumbling rule of law,” yet conveniently ignores the chaotic protests and riots that erupted in cities like Minneapolis on his watch, often left unchecked. If anything really demonstrates a breakdown of law and order, it might be the scenes of destruction to businesses and communities he failed to quell. But consistency in narrative is not always a strong suit for some politicians.
While Walz and others push their narratives, Americans across the country might beg to differ on their priorities. Many find comfort in policies that focus on immigration control, energy independence, and tax cuts—measures that, arguably, have had tangible benefits. It seems ignoring these concerns to paint a misleading picture of an administration committed to enforcing the law is just another way some leaders fail their constituents.
The overblown comparisons Walz and like-minded figures make serve only to dilute serious discourse. So here’s a thought: perhaps it’s time to retire the Gestapo comparisons and instead engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges this nation faces. Maybe, just maybe, we can choose words and discussions that foster understanding rather than division. Until then, we can only brace ourselves for the next round of sensationalist comparisons.
