Fascism Part II: The Rise of American Fascism

[cratehorus]

Fascism Part II: The Rise of American Fascism

by R.G. Price - May 15, 2004

The rise of fascism itself is a complex story, much less the rise of American fascism. Just as understanding the rise of fascism in Europe requires understanding the conditions of the time, so too understanding fascism in America requires understanding the conditions leading up to its transformation into a fascist state.

Before getting to that, though, it has to be clear that this is not about proving that something is good or bad, or trying to demonize American policy by associating it with fascism. In some respects American fascism could be considered "benevolent fascism." The rise of fascism in America was a multi-faceted process that took place over time, and was really a part of a larger trend in the 20th century that included other nations as well.

http://www.rationalrevolution.net/articl...ascism.htm


Students reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in school on Flag Day in 1899

[5thHorseman]

One common definition of fascism focuses on three groups of ideas:

The Fascist Negations of anti-liberalism, anti-communism and anti-conservatism.
Nationalist, authoritarian goals for the creation of a regulated economic structure to transform social relations within a modern, self-determined culture.
A political aesthetic using romantic symbolism, mass mobilisation, a positive view of violence, promotion of masculinity and youth and charismatic leadership

Democrats - generally social liberals, some market liberals.
Republicans - generally market liberals, some social liberals(on the libertarian end)

Neither is authoritarian on the economy, Reagan de-regulated, as did Clinton, as did Bush, as has Obama.

Symbolism.......mass mobilisation.............. positive view of violence........ promotion of masculinity............... youth and charismatic leadership.......have you seen Robot Romney?

America is as much of a fascist state as I am an avocado.

[Minimalist]

"Germany lost WWII - fascism won."

--George Carlin

[liam]

What is democracy when it occurs once every four years?

[Polaris]

One common definition of fascism focuses on three groups of ideas:

The Fascist Negations of anti-liberalism, anti-communism and anti-conservatism.
Nationalist, authoritarian goals for the creation of a regulated economic structure to transform social relations within a modern, self-determined culture.
A political aesthetic using romantic symbolism, mass mobilisation, a positive view of violence, promotion of masculinity and youth and charismatic leadership

Democrats - generally social liberals, some market liberals.
Republicans - generally market liberals, some social liberals(on the libertarian end)

Neither is authoritarian on the economy, Reagan de-regulated, as did Clinton, as did Bush, as has Obama.

Symbolism.......mass mobilisation.............. positive view of violence........ promotion of masculinity............... youth and charismatic leadership.......have you seen Robot Romney?

America is as much of a fascist state as I am an avocado.

What keeps the Democrats from being actual social liberals are their asinine beliefs of censorship.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

About 40 years ago, Norman Mailer observed "America is now entering its pre fascist stage"

Don't know about you, but if I was an American, The Patriot Act, Guantanamo Bay prison and the HUGE, sinister--sounding 'Department Of Homeland Security' (with sweeping powers) would scare the crap out of me----added to the fact that POTUS, the Commander-In-Chief, COULD NOT shut down Guantanamo Bay prison.

[Puddleglum]

USA is nowhere near a fascist state.

[liam]

Fascism; Extreme right-wing, authoritarian, or intolerant views or practice.

Ergo, from the blatant WASP-centric culture and political environment, condemning nature of state and general hatred of external influences, I'd consider the USA to be a generally pseudo-fascist nation.

[Tiberius]

POTUS, the Commander-In-Chief, COULD NOT shut down Guantanamo Bay prison.

Could not, or would not?

[JohnDG]

USA is nowhere near a fascist state.

For those who enjoy the perks of fascism so much they don't realize that is fascism. As long as you have a little extra food, a box to live in, a secure job, and entertainment who could care about anything else?