Wednesday, April 12, 2017

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

3 comments:

LL said...

Fascism is most closely associated with National Socialism. The candidate who most closely identified with that political philosophy was Bernie Sanders. Sure, Hillary would have gone that far once elected, but she only danced around the topic. Barack was a National Socialist and the progressive, corrupt, elite, lying, smug mainstream media loved him. Does that mean that they are fascists/national socialists as well?

The Progs have never shown themselves to be all that bright.

Good call, Race.

LL said...

PS -- I'd be more content if the progs identified with one of the few communist leaders left on the planet such as Kim Jong Un or Raul Castro. Their politics are far more in line there and the whole "running dog capitalist" would seem more natural flowing from their lips than calling a conservative who is reducing the size and scope of government, a "fascist".

Unknown said...

Race,
Saw the start of your post over at the virtual mirage. Of interest might be the origin of the term, from the Latin : Fasces. Typically a war totem composed of a bundle of wooden dowels with a war axe in the middle bound by leather thongs. The troops (for example) were the dowels and they were bound to the whole under threat/penalty of the axe. Q&A time, what is the most prominent display of Fasces in the USA today?

The front legs of the throne upon which is perched Abe Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial. Honest Abe, Honestly Fascist.