Key Points:

Hillary Clinton likens Trump supporters to "cult members" in need of "deprogramming."
Communist regimes, such as China, North Korea, and Vietnam, have historically used re-education camps to suppress and control political dissidents.
The use of such camps has led to human rights abuses, torture, and the death of countless individuals.

Diving Deeper:

During an interview that aired Thursday evening, Hillary Clinton told CNN's Christiane Amanpour that "At some point maybe there needs to be a formal deprogramming of the cult members," referring to Trump supporters and his Make America Great Again movement. For those familiar with history, it evokes some of the darkest chapters in the annals of communist regimes.

China's "Re-education through labor" system, active from 1957 to 2013, was a tool to detain not just those accused of minor crimes but also political dissidents and religious groups like the Falun Gong. These detainees, estimated to be anywhere from 190,000 to two million in number at different times, were subjected to political indoctrination. While the system was officially abolished in 2013, its spirit lives on. The Xinjiang internment camps, which have been operational since 2017, are believed to hold between 1-3 million Uyghurs and other Muslims. These camps have been internationally criticized for alleged human rights abuses, including torture and rape.

North Korea's re-education camps are no less harrowing. These camps, operated by the interior ministry, blur the lines between common and political crimes. Inmates, often falsely accused, are subjected to brutal torture, forced confessions, and hard labor. The conditions are so dire that many don't survive their sentences. The camps are designed to break the spirit, with inmates forced to memorize speeches of the ruling Kim dynasty and undergo self-criticism rites.

Vietnam's post-war re-education camps imprisoned between 200,000 to possibly 1 million supporters of the former South Vietnamese government. These camps were not just about "re-education" but also revenge. Inmates were subjected to intensive political indoctrination, forced confessions, and hard labor. Torture was common, and many prisoners succumbed to the harsh conditions, malnutrition, and diseases.

Clinton's comments, whether intended or not, draw a parallel between the idea of "deprogramming" Trump supporters and the historical reality of re-education camps. Such camps have been tools of oppression, used to suppress political dissent, control populations, and instill fear. The very suggestion of "deprogramming" in a democratic society is alarming. It's essential to remember that the freedom to hold differing political views without fear of persecution is a cornerstone of democracy.

Clinton's words serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic values. History has shown us the grim reality of what can happen when political debate is not just silenced but "re-educated." The idea of "deprogramming" has no place in a free society, and drawing attention to its historical implications is crucial for ensuring that such dark chapters are never repeated.

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Hillary Clinton calls for "Deprogramming" Trump supporters