ST. CLOUD TIMES — While speaking in opposition to a citywide mask law during a Monday City Council meeting, council member Paul Brandmire cited a symbol of Nazi oppression of Jews in a comparison some found offensive.
During a presentation opposing the measure before it passed, Brandmire said “I mean if we can mandate masks we can certainly mandate that any COVID-positive people wear some sort of identification badge, maybe like a bright yellow star or something on their lapel.”
Yellow stars were used in Nazi Germany to forcibly mark Jewish people in the early years of the Holocaust.
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Daniel Wildeson, director of the St. Cloud State University Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education, described Brandmire’s use of the symbol as”… a false analogy, and it’s not responsible thinking.”
In an interview with the Times, Wildeson said he watched the council meeting, which was broadcast online, and said he did not think Brandmire was advocating for marking people who have COVID-19.
Read more: Brandmire: ‘Yellow star’ statement meant as cautionary example
