Give Me Free Markets, Or Give Me Death...

The terms "Fascist" and "Fascism" get thrown around a lot, especially when Republicans are elected. Like most complex topics, or ones involving history, the terms are misunderstood and misused by most people. 

I looked it up, and the simplest short definition could be "a form of radical authoritarian nationalism."  So, a small-government Republican or conservative should be far from being confused with 'radical authoritarianism.'  But, a no-borders Democrat or progressive can hardly be confused with anything 'nationalistic.'

So - can we drop it?

The person most closely associated with Fascism is Benito Mussolini, who said, "We have buried the putrid corpse of liberty." 

There. Sounds like a Democrat to me.

[ I was aware of how Mussolini died (see Mummer Gaddafi for modern reference), but I was unaware how many photos exist of his mutilated body. Thanks Internet. ]

Mussolini is also credited with saying (before his head was caved in), "The definition of Fascism is the marriage of corporate and state."  Sounds like a Cable TV company to me?

Why People Hate Capitalism by Kevin Williamson, National Review