No, you didn’t read that wrong — and no, this isn’t a cheap shot at Rep. Self.
During a recent hearing in Washington, Rep. Keith Self — who represents TX-3 — quoted Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s propaganda minister.
Yes, that Goebbels.
“It is the absolute right of the state to supervise the formation of public opinion.”
— Goebbels, as quoted by Rep. Self
Self says he used the quote to criticize government overreach, pointing specifically to the now-defunct Biden-era Disinformation Governance Board.
But here’s the thing:
He could’ve quoted anyone else.
A Founding Father. A civil rights leader. A journalist. Someone who actually believed in democracy and free speech. But instead, he quoted a Nazi — and he didn’t walk it back.
He had to know that quoting a Nazi — any Nazi — would cause backlash. And it did. Democrats called him out immediately, and critics questioned his judgment. So why do it?
Was it really about principle? Or was it just another culture war jab — a quick hit on “the left,” with no concern for how it landed back home?
And if it’s the latter, what does that say about his judgment?
When you’re a member of Congress, your words carry weight — not just in D.C., but right here in the communities you serve. Quoting Joseph Goebbels is a choice. So is refusing to acknowledge the harm it causes.
Sadly, this isn’t the first time.
Back in 2010, during his campaign for re-election as Collin County Judge, Rep. Self used another Goebbels quote:
“If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.”
According to a report from NBC DFW, the quote was featured in his campaign material and sparked immediate criticism. His defense? He claimed he wasn’t comparing anyone to the Nazis — just calling out what he saw as deceptive tactics.
But now, with a second Goebbels quote on the record, we have to ask:
Is this really just an innocent comparison — or is there a pattern here?
A pattern of quoting Nazis to provoke headlines, stir outrage, and draw attention to himself?
Because that kind of move doesn’t reflect leadership.
It shows a willingness to say anything for attention, no matter the cost.
It brings to mind the words of Joseph Welch, the attorney who famously stood up to Sen. Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare:
“Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?”
We’re not saying Rep. Self is McCarthy.
But we are saying: decency still matters. And when a line is crossed, someone has to say so.
Meanwhile, while Rep. Self warns of censorship under Democrats, he’s been completely silent as President Trump’s administration threatens journalists, attacks judges, sues media outlets, and talks openly about rewriting libel laws.
If the concern is truly about government control of speech, shouldn’t that concern apply no matter who’s in power?
TX-3 deserves leadership that reflects our values — not someone who quotes Nazis in Congress, or on the campaign trail. So we’ll close with the same question Welch asked nearly 70 years ago:
“Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?”
