The term fascist is tossed around a lot by both republicans and Democrats, each accusing the other of being fascist.
What is a fascist?
From the Oxford Dictionary:
An authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government and social organization.
(in general use) extreme right-wing, authoritarian, or intolerant views or practices.
Dr. Laurence Britt, a political scientist, studied the fascist regimes of: Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), Franco (Spain), Suharto (Indonesia), and Pinochet (Chile). He compiled a list called “The 14 Points of Fascism.” Here they are (see addictinginfo for more details):
1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism
2. Disdain for the importance of human rights
3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause
4. The supremacy of the military/avid militarism
5. Rampant sexism
6. A controlled mass media
7. Obsession with national security
8. Religion and ruling elite tied together
9. Power of corporations protected
10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated
11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts
12. Obsession with crime and punishment
13. Rampant cronyism and corruption
14. Fraudulent elections
Who fits these criteria better -- republicans or Democrats?
You decide! I think the answer is self-evident!
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Are you sure it isn't the socialist dictators who are the fascists? That's what a conservative told me recently on another message board. I gave him the same definition you just cited, and he said I was engaging in self-serving definition shopping.
ReplyDeleteDon't like the definitions? Fine. Let's go with the 14 characteristics...or am I characteristic shopping? :)
ReplyDeleteGreat graphic.
ReplyDeleteI will be stealing this.:-)
I have been screaming for a long time that America will welcome Fascism with open arm.
All the ingredients are in place.
We exist under a one party system.
The Congress critters, MSM, MIC, Corps., are all on the same page.
Americans have chosen security over freedom.
They have now grown accustomed to the face of war.
And their silence is deafening.
Austerity is another ingredient of Fascism.
And it has also come to our shores. The Corps. and Banksters are privatizing the planet at the cost of Main St.
Corporate capitalism is corrupt, and a plague to humanity.
Socialism is the only thing that will save us.
http://realityzone-realityzone.blogspot.com/2011/07/interests-of-us-corporations-and.html
ReplyDeleteIt could not be more clear! I wish all liberals would post on this subject.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Sue and I'm a Socialist!
It is clear, isn't it, Sue.
ReplyDeleteSad, yet true this Post.
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice if those that are elected; view their position as humble servants; and not in an egoism fashion.
I like how Eckhart Tolle calls the human mind insane. (and he calls politicians mainly clever and not intelligent). Republicans are worse ..most dysfunctional.
You know 12 Steps Program also have 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts. (many not in a 12 step program do not know that those are listed too).
The 12 Concepts are based on Doing Service. Would be nice if all read them and lived by them. Did service to all of humanity.. :)out of sense of love for all
hugs..
I've been amazed how many different definitions there are for "fascism," once I decided to look it up. Although no matter what--we know which party we're dealing with.
ReplyDeleteNo. 11: "Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts" -- that's exactly what conservatives used to warn us about during the Cold War, Vietnam War; when there was a communist under every bed, etc.
ReplyDeleteNow the same conservatives are trying to delete all funding for education and the arts. And the word "intellectual" is one of the worst insults they can think of (along with "liberal").
And no doubt they don't see any irony whatsoever.
VERY self-evident, Jerry! That's why it is so infuriating to hear ignorant right wing fanatics call Obama a fascist, because, in reality, BUSH and CHENEY were DEFINITELY fascists!
ReplyDeleteTom Harper:
ReplyDeleteLets not forget the comment by the O administration about the "professional left".
They threw the left under the bus once they got into office.
O is not a lefty or even a dem.
He is a Corporatista that continues the W legacy of endless wars without borders.
Wow, a perfect portrait of the George W. Bush administration. Amazing, how the MSM never quite made the connection, at least not for public consumption. Something to do with not angering the guys upstairs at corporate HQ. Plus, y'know, there was the access thing. And then, today's top network correspondents have more reason to identify with a wealthy, ruling elite than with the guy on the street.
ReplyDeleteThey use to interview the "guy on the street". Now, they don't give a shit about him.
ReplyDelete"6. A controlled mass media"
ReplyDeleteGreat list. I'm going to go write my senators and congressman right now to have them zero out funding to NPR and PBS, and to reiterate the importance of keeping the "fairness doctrine" of government micro-management of news content from ever returning. We need as little control of the mass media as possible.
Then I can assume that you are also in favor of breaking up the large corporate communication/media businesses as well.
ReplyDeleteNo. That's the equivalent of the government smashing the presses. No censorship, please. But a lot CAN be done to open up broadcasting and licensing to make it easier for community, alternative, etc radio and TV broadcasters to get in the game.
ReplyDeleteMedia consolidation creates censorship... because the little guy no longer has a voice. Breaking up the large corporate communication/media businesses diminishes censorship because it allows more voices to be heard. I fully support it.
ReplyDeleteThe breakup of AT&T oh so long ago didn't seem to be harmful to communication, business, or democracy.
ReplyDeleteWD: Thankfully, there is no media consolidation. That tends to happen the most in socialist countries, really.
ReplyDelete"Breaking up the large corporate communication/media businesses diminishes censorship"
No, that is censorship, because you are clobbering media voices just for being too popular.
"because it allows more voices to be heard."
It does not do that at all, because the other voices can be heard before and after.
"I fully support it."
You tend to support any expression of the might of the most powerful to crush the ruled.
"You tend to support any expression of the might of the most powerful to crush the ruled."
ReplyDeletePerhaps the first two questions that should be asked and answered are who are the "most powerful" and who are the "ruled"?
To address your 2 questions Jerry... The "most powerful" dmarks refers to are "we the people". dmarks hates it that THE PEOPLE are able to restrict the power of the wealthy via their elected representatives. "The ruled" (in dmarks world), are wealthy individuals who THE PEOPLE try to restrict the power of. It is dmarks' belief that the rich should have zero restrictions on them using their wealth to buy the government they want. This is the "crushing" he refers to.
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ReplyDeleteWD lied: dmarks hates it that THE PEOPLE are able to restrict the power of the wealthy via their elected representatives."
ReplyDeleteI don't hate being able to elect representatives at all. Also, these people represent all American citizens. only a small percent of whom are rich.
""The ruled" (in dmarks world),"
I am referring to the ruled in the REAL world.
"are wealthy individuals... "
Actually, the people who are subject to the laws of the US and are represented by the wealthy people in Congess and our multi-millionaire President are overwhelmingly poor and middle class.
"It is dmarks' belief that the rich should have zero restrictions on them using their wealth to buy the government they want."
I strongly support restrictions on buying government. I have been quite clear on this.
"This is the "crushing" he refers to."
No, I am referring to the ruling elites using their power to crush dissent. I oppose this.
You are a fascist AND a liar. And yes, I could not let your pack-o-lies slide by, old as it is.
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