It’s true that symbols and gestures can have historical origins that predate their modern meanings. However, intent and context always matter. The Nazi salute, whether or not it had roots in an earlier Roman gesture, is now overwhelmingly associated with fascism, white supremacy, and authoritarianism. When a public figure—especially a political leader—uses a gesture that resembles it, people have every reason to question why.

Dismissing those concerns as “a stretch” ignores the reality that optics matter in politics. If a leader doesn’t want to be associated with fascist imagery, they have a responsibility to be mindful of what they do. The burden isn’t on the public to assume good intentions—it’s on the leader to avoid any association with dangerous ideologies.

As for the claim that Democrats are “closer to democratic socialism” and thus closer to Nazis, that’s a misreading of political history. The Nazis were far-right ultranationalists who used state control to consolidate power, suppress opposition, and enforce racial supremacy. Democratic socialism, on the other hand, is about expanding worker protections and social welfare within a democratic system—not authoritarian rule.

Finally, while I agree that finding common ground is valuable, pretending that ideological divides are just trivial differences overlooks the very real stakes involved. Not all disagreements are just about policy—they’re about fundamental values, including democracy itself. If one side is leaning into authoritarianism, that’s not a “both sides” issue. It’s a problem that needs to be called out.

You should say some of this stuff in public and see what happens to you

When exactly will you start believing the reality before you rather than the one you conjure to insulate yourself from reality?