thane August 31st, 2006
With the administrations recent attempts to retake the work ‘Fascist’ and make it apply to people other than them, everyone and their dog is feeling the need to put in their 2¢. Here is mine.
First and foremost, I am opposed to fascism. I am opposed to it in any form, be it theocratic, aristocratic or democratic. Fascism is bad, folks. You heard it here first.
As I was digging around for source material, I came across
Fourteen Defining Characteristics Of Fascism by Dr. Lawrence Britt
. I cannot attest to this document having any more value than any other. Its primary accomplishments are (a) being ranked highly by Google for the word ‘fascism’ and (b) amusing me. Why did it amuse me? I immediately began looking at it as a check list for this administration. Sort of a contest of Fascism versus the Soul of America.
1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism
1 Point Fascism.
2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights
2 Points Fascism.
3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause
3 Points Fascism. Come on America!
4. Supremacy of the Military
Folks, it looked like a close call, but after reading the definition:
Even when there are widespread
domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.
it is an easy point for the fascists.
5. Rampant Sexism
Hey folks, I think we can win this one!
The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Divorce, abortion and homosexuality are suppressed and the state is represented as the ultimate guardian of the family institution.
Abortion is still holding, though tenuously. Divorce seems unchallenged. However, homosexuality is under assault. It could be argued that gender roles are stiffening, but I am willing to give this one to the administration. So far the score is Fascists 4, America 1.
6. Controlled Mass Media
Arguments can be made for this, what with Fox News and the administrations ham-fisted to suppress information, but on the whole, we are doing OK here.
7. Obsession with National Security
Point Fascism.
8. Religion and Government are Intertwined
There have been more attempts this administration than any other I remember, but they have not made that much progress… yet. Still, score one for America.
9. Corporate Power is Protected
Point Fascism.
10. Labor Power is Suppressed
Hmmm… Not sure where I fall on this. I will give them the benefit of the doubt. Fascists 6, America 4.
11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts
You can argue this one if you want, but I think that the administration gets this one. The way they are treating the FDA and NASA, as well as the joke that is funding for the arts… it does not bode well. Point Fascism.
12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment
Patriot Act! Enemy Combatants! Point Fascism!
13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption
Can I give them 2 marks for this one? I guess not. Point Fascism.
14. Fraudulent Elections
Ooooohhh they tried. They are still trying. Diebold is one example (why anyone is still believing their BS is beyond me). However, from
The Raw Story
we have this
A nation-wide push for laws to target voter fraud is likely to disqualify many who are legally eligible to vote, the PBS program NOW will claim in a segment tomorrow night titled, “Your right to vote — is it under assault?”
Still, they have not gotten it yet. 1 point America.
Well folks, there you have it. The fascists in the administration are crushing the soul of America 9 to 5. Sleep well and think free.
