Poetin

Why Are Hitler, Putin, and Trump Different? Reflecting on Childhood Struggles and Feeling Out of Place.

May 28, 2025 by Antonius Bakker

Reflecting on my lonely, bullied childhood at Velp's 'De Korenbloem' kindergarten and Prins Bernhard School, I was always different. Struggling with health issues, glasses, and social isolation, I learnt valuable life lessons. Influenced by figures like Hitler and Napoleon, I realised early that people are shaped by circumstances. My story reminds us not to judge, as we all have unique paths.

Sometimes there are moments when I think back as a human being on my past. Do you ever have that too—that early in the morning or late evening, in your easy chair, you slowly let your thoughts run free and think back to those times that are no more? In my opinion, it's not about whether you can still change them or influence them; they just "haunt" your mind again. Some still hurt, while other words subconsciously make you smile.

Do you ever think about kindergarten?

Then spontaneously, the memories of the kindergarten "De Korenbloem" in the Annastraat in Velp come back to me. Actually, this kindergarten time passed me by in a dream; I was there, but actually not. It seemed then, and still does now, like a dream in which I floated along. I looked at everything that happened, but I didn't really see anything or give it my own interpretation. I remember well that I was always lonely there. I had no friends. I always walked there alone and found it strange that classmates were picked up and dropped off by their parents on bicycles or by car.

Was I stubborn, or did I become independent early?

In all my loneliness, I thought it was a strange display at the gate of the kindergarten. I looked with an unconditional look at all those children who cried when they arrived at the kindergarten. One day some fellow students found a dead pigeon in the schoolyard. The teacher came and made sure that the dead pigeon was buried with great honour, just like a human being. I thought it was weird and quite a hassle; why didn't that dead animal just go in the garbage? I was different; I saw badly, because I actually needed thick glasses at a young age, and I was

Picture: Antonius (Ton) Bakker

still peeing in my pants. I was sick, but no one knew this yet; everyone thought I was acting up or too lazy to go to the toilet. I was called names and bullied early on. Many from that time, in all likelihood, still do not know that I was operated on many times for this until I was twenty-three years old, and now, due to cataract surgery, I have gotten rid of my glasses.

Did you also learn so much at your primary school?

After kindergarten came primary school. The Prins Bernhard School again in the beautiful village of Velp. My "dream" continued. Again, I didn't have glasses in the first two classes. Also, on the first day of school at this school I met crying children. I was brought to school on the first day of school in August 1966 by my youngest sister on my mother's Empo bicycle. I was and saw. Everything passed me by, except for one thing. A teacher was getting married, and my classmates and I had to make arches from electricity pipes and paper roses that the bride and groom could walk under. When my fellow classmates got through my "pee problems", I stayed in my loneliness, and I was called names and bullied again. I was different.

Which school years did you like the most?

When I look back on my years of life now, my tenth year of life was one of the most important. It was discovered that I needed glasses with very strong lenses (actually much earlier), and I was treated by a urologist, who discovered that I had "valves" in my urethra that opened involuntarily and caused me to urinate in my bed and pants and my urine to flow back into my kidneys, which could cause kidney poisoning. Many operations follow, but the cursing and pushing continued. Also, at Technical School in Rheden, did all the teachers at the time have plugs in their ears and their eyes in their pockets? I withdrew into myself and saw things differently; I watched political programs on television and followed my "lessons" there.

Do you remember much of what you learnt at school besides reading and writing?

For me, the things that affected me outside of bullying and swearing have stuck to knowledge. I enjoyed the history lessons; the rest passed me by in my dream. I learnt very early on how people can be. I learnt early on that in my eyes, Hitler, Napoleon, Trump, and Putin are not exceptional people. They are people like you and me, if we would have the opportunity. I read books by Carl Gustav Jung and other psychologists very early on and watched documentaries about mass murderers, which makes me understand that everything in life is often like a "dime on its side." He can stand out one way or the other. Fortunately, he fell in the "right" direction with me, but I have no idea how that came about, do you? My lesson in life is: "We cannot judge righteously as human beings." If possible, don't judge and condemn. You don't know the life course of the other; I could have been a completely different person because of the bullying and calling other names. Why didn’t I become a criminal?

Putin, Trump, NATO: A Crisis Demanding Political Change in Europe?

February 23, 2025 by Antonius Bakker

The world’s political system is increasingly unstable. Rising tensions, from Putin’s territorial ambitions to Trump’s NATO stance, highlight weaknesses in the EEC and NATO. In the Netherlands, the fragmented government system leads to ineffective long-term policies. With short election cycles and slow decision-making, should politics adopt modern management methods like Agile, Lean, and Six Sigma to tackle global challenges, or remain unprepared for threats like Russia and China?

Political Change in Europe

Every day when I get out of bed in the morning, I am amazed at the way our world is currently being ruled. When I look at the bureaucracy that runs the current political systems and legislation, I often scratch my head. Every evening you see and hear on television, sounds about how tensions in the world are rising again. Think of the Gaza Strip and our "friend" Putin, who still wants to become the Tsar of Russia by further expanding his territory but would also like to add Western Europe to his territory.

The threat from the east is increasing, and we can read everywhere we want that Western Europe is not yet prepared for a possible war with Russia. Every day you also hear that US President Donald Trump no longer feels called upon to fulfill his role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO. He thinks that the United States of America must contribute far too much and does much more than the rest of the members of NATO.

We now know that President Trump, the forty-seventh president of the USA, immediately issued twenty-six decrees when he took office this year (2025). With these decrees, he changed various laws in his country within twenty-four hours. America the country that consists of fifty states< and only started its status in 1776, the "country" that thinks more and more like a country, and comes out. Every law enacted in the Washington district applies to all three hundred and thirty-two million inhabitants. And these residents are proud to be American.

Picture: RNZ

I said before, I look at the development of Russia with suspicion and with a kind of admiration in America. I wouldn't feel very comfortable under a "sufferer" like Trump, but do you feel safe under the current way the European Economic Union is run? I certainly don't now. Many people have long forgotten that the EEC is a trade agreement, a way of promoting trade between the various European countries. This has nothing to do with promoting unity or protecting each other when Putin visits. And the N.A.V.O., the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is stuck together like loose sand in several places. How strong is the N.A.V.O. in relation to Russia or China if all hell really breaks loose?

I could take any European country as an example for the disgrace that in my view is currently taking place within the N.A.V.O. and the E.E.C., but for the moment I will limit myself to the Netherlands, my own home country. It starts with the way of governing, in my opinion there is a far too extensive party system in our country that leads to far too much fragmentation between the voters. A new government is elected once every four years. The then elected government parties always take plenty of time to form a coalition. Then opinions must be aligned, and ministers must be elected, and a Prime Minister must be elected. After that, there are often only three or two and a half years left to govern before the next elections come around.

These ministers determine the long-term policy of our country, but can this be done in a period of up to three years? As a minister, can you read up on and empathize with such a relatively short time? And to some extent, this also applies to the rest of the world. Are the current terms of office, elections, terms of government and the way of deciding still of this time, can we in Europe keep up with Putin and Trump?

Former project managers in the business world still remember the older project management tools. A plan was made at the start of a project, and it was only when that project was completed that it became clear whether it had been successful. Everyone knows by now that this often went terribly wrong. The outcome of the project no longer fitted in with the environment that had developed in the meantime, the money had been thrown away, and the problem had not been solved, strategic problems were maintained.

Does the "project" Politics also need to be overhauled?

The "old" project management developed, and new tools were developed again and again, such as Prince 1 and 11. To waterfall, Scrum, and Agile. Think of the way companies are now working successfully with Lean and Six Sigma. Think of the implementation of strategic, tactical and operational management. Isn't it time that this way of thinking is also adopted by politicians, Or are we all waiting for Putin, or Trump with their armies to cross our borders? Perhaps our politicians will then realize that the system is indeed in need of change?

Can Trump End the Ukraine War? Risks to Europe & NATO?

November 20, 2024 by Antonius Bakker

As the 2024 U.S. election approaches, many are turning to Donald Trump as a solution to their frustrations. Trump claims he could end the war in Ukraine within days, but how realistic is this? This article explores whether Trump’s "America First" approach could make him a hero to Ukraine or jeopardize Europe’s future security and NATO’s strength.

Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign promises to end the war in Ukraine quickly, but his approach raises questions about Europe’s future security. With Trump’s “America First” stance, Europe may face a weakened U.S. commitment to NATO. This article explores Trump’s foreign policy, the risks to European defense, and whether Russia could expand its influence in Europe.

Will Donald Trump Become the Hero of the Ukrainian People?

As the 2024 U.S. election approaches, many are turning to Donald Trump as a solution to their frustrations. Trump claims he could end the war in Ukraine within days, but how realistic is this? This article explores whether Trump’s "America First" approach could make him a hero to Ukraine or jeopardize Europe’s future security and NATO’s strength.

Trump’s Unfulfilled Promises and the War in Ukraine

One of the most striking claims made by Donald Trump during his 2024 campaign is that he could bring an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine “in a matter of days.” While this bold statement might appeal to voters seeking a quick resolution, Trump has provided little detail on how he intends to achieve such a feat. His prior presidency was marked by a more isolationist foreign policy, raising questions about whether his promises to resolve the conflict are more about political rhetoric than feasible action.During his first term, Trump voiced criticism of U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, particularly in Europe. He often expressed skepticism about NATO and suggested that European countries should take more responsibility for their own security. Trump’s "America First" stance, focusing on reducing American military commitments abroad, has led some to believe that his approach to the Ukraine war would be similarly hands-off.

Can Trump Keep His Promises? Will He End the War?

For those who have placed their hope in Trump, the promise to end the war in Ukraine represents the desire for a swift resolution. However, the war is complex, rooted in deep historical, political, and territorial issues that cannot be solved with a simple agreement. Ukraine’s fight is fundamentally about sovereignty and territorial integrity, which makes any negotiated peace far more difficult than Trump's bold rhetoric suggests.

Trump’s claim that he could quickly resolve the war in Ukraine may, unfortunately, be wishful thinking. A real solution would require intricate diplomacy, military strategy, and international pressure, none of which can be delivered with a simple negotiation. Furthermore, Trump’s past isolationist policies—particularly his doubts about NATO—could alienate European allies who view the United States as a critical partner in countering Russian aggression.

Europe’s Security: Has the U.S. Become a Weakened Ally?

For much of the 20th and 21st centuries, the United States has been a cornerstone of European security. After World War II, the U.S. played a central role in rebuilding Europe through initiatives like the Marshall Plan, and NATO became the bedrock of the continent’s defense. However, Trump’s rhetoric during his presidency and his current stance suggest that the U.S. may no longer be as committed to European security as it once was.If Trump were to return to power and implement policies that reduce U.S. involvement in international conflicts, particularly in Europe, Europe could find itself in a precarious situation. Without the full backing of the U.S., European nations might need to reassess their own defense capabilities. This could lead to a shift in the continent’s security strategy, including higher defense spending and perhaps even a greater degree of military independence. However, this would also expose Europe to significant vulnerabilities, especially if the U.S. were to reduce its support for NATO.

Will the "Cold War" Resurface?

Trump’s "America First" foreign policy, combined with Vladimir Putin’s aggressive actions, could lead to a renewed geopolitical divide. While we are not yet in a "new Cold War," the tensions that defined the first Cold War—great power rivalry, proxy conflicts, and nuclear deterrence—are re-emerging in different forms. A U.S. withdrawal from Europe, or a weakening of NATO, could reignite these tensions, particularly with Russia.The geopolitical environment has shifted in recent years, with China’s growing influence and Russia’s military actions. If Trump were to step back from European security, Russia could become more emboldened, potentially leading to a new arms race and escalating military tensions. For Europe, this would be a troubling prospect, especially considering the continent’s historical experience with conflict and instability.

Has Putin Misled the World?

Vladimir Putin’s military aggressions, particularly his invasion of Ukraine, have sparked fears of a resurgent Russia. But how powerful is Russia really? While Putin frequently boasts about his military’s capabilities, the ongoing war has exposed several weaknesses in Russia’s conventional forces. Despite having a formidable nuclear arsenal, Russia has struggled in Ukraine, facing logistical challenges, resistance from Ukrainian forces, and international sanctions.However, the fear of a stronger Russia is not entirely unfounded. NATO remains a powerful counterbalance, but if the U.S. were to reduce its commitment to European security, Russia might become more aggressive in pursuing its territorial ambitions. Europe, particularly countries in Eastern Europe, is already feeling the pressure and increasing defense spending in response to the perceived threat.

Will Russia Conquer Europe?

While it is unlikely that Russia will conquer all of Europe, the growing fear of Russian territorial expansion is palpable, especially in countries like Poland, the Baltic states, and Ukraine. These nations are especially vulnerable to Russian influence and military incursions. If the U.S. pulls back from Europe, Europe could find itself in a weaker position to resist Russian aggression.The question remains: can Europe defend itself without U.S. support? The EU has often struggled with military integration, and without NATO's collective defense framework, Europe would face a significant challenge in uniting its forces against a powerful adversary. The possibility of Russian expansion into Eastern Europe remains a legitimate concern, and without the backing of NATO, Europe could be left exposed.

Could Europeans Become Refugees in Their Own Land?

The ongoing war in Ukraine has already led to millions of refugees fleeing to Europe, but if Russia’s territorial ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, Europe could find itself in the midst of a much larger refugee crisis. If conflict spreads across the continent, it could lead to the displacement of millions of Europeans, reversing the flow of refugees Europe has seen in recent years.Additionally, the threat of nuclear conflict, while unlikely, cannot be ignored. Russia’s nuclear capabilities are well-documented, and while a full-scale nuclear war seems improbable, the risk of escalation—whether through conventional warfare or limited nuclear strikes—remains high. If conflict spreads to Europe, the consequences could be catastrophic.Is Trump’s Promise to End the War in Days a Reality?In conclusion, Donald Trump’s promise to end the war between Russia and Ukraine in just a few days seems highly unrealistic.

The war is far more complex than a quick resolution allows for, and any real peace would require careful diplomacy, military strategy, and international cooperation. While Trump’s “America First” policies may appeal to some, they could also undermine Europe’s security and destabilize the international order.Europe faces a critical decision: should it continue to rely on U.S. support for its defense, or should it take on more responsibility for its own security? If the U.S. reduces its role, Europe could face greater risks, especially with an increasingly aggressive Russia. Trump’s presidency could be a turning point for both Europe and the world, but whether he can deliver on his promises remains to be seen