I'm glad to see that we've finally begun using the word "fascist."

[Guaranteed]

A lot of us tried to use the word "fascist" back during the run-up to the Iraq war- the lies, opportunistic corporate interest and media control were already apparent then, but it wasn't well taken to.

But, people here on DU are at the very least using it freely, now, and I've started using it more openly with my friends around town, too. I'm hoping it catches fire.

Keep it up, folks. It's one of the best words we have left. Very effective.

I feel sad every time it comes out of my mouth, but the truth must be told.

[Kahuna]

1. I've been using the word since the coup in 2000. I don't know..

where you've been. No. I don't spew it every other day. But I'm sure a lot of DUers would agree with the use of the word.

[Guaranteed]

2. Oh, well aren't you special.

I think a needless invasion was a good time to start.

And I use it as much as I can.

[Demit]

3. tsk tsk. guys, guys. Frank Zappa trumps both of you.

Somebody on yesterday's board pointed us to a Crossfire clip from 1986 (which was GREAT, btw, and thanks) in which FZ said the US was moving toward a fascist theocracy.

[SHRED]

4. Yes I did

And here it is:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x92610

:toast:

[Hatalles]

24. And this was back in '86 too...

He sure called it.

[KarenS]

5. I've been the word "Fascism" too,,,,

it makes folks cringe ~ I usually say it then follow up with 'look it up' in the dictionary,,,,,

too bad, I just call it like I see it !!

[nascarblue]

7. You know, it really is ironic that the left have been called "Commies"...

If you consider the Bush admin's attempt to wipe out the middle class and strip the poor of much of their aid, they are much more like a Communist party than anything else.

[lastliberalintexas]

28. Um, no

Communist theory doesn't call for the destruction of the middle class. Not sure where you got that idea, but you might read up a little on Communism over the holidays.

And please don't point to the Soviet Union, China, Vietnam or North Korea. They are/were not Communist countries, no matter what the American media told you. They are/were totalitarian dictatorships or oligarchies. And Stalin wasn't a Communist either.

[KG]

6. time to start applying the 'fascist' label the way the RW uses 'liberal'

[Englander]

8. "If The Shoe Fits"....

.....In "Fascism Anyone?," Dr. Lawrence Britt, a political scientist, identifies 14 characteristics common to fascist regimes. His comparisons of Hitler, Mussolini, Franco, Suharto, and Pinochet yielded this list of 14 "identifying characteristics of fascism.";

http://oldamericancentury.org/14pts.htm

[JohnyCanuck]

12. USA turning into a military dictatorship

says a former US Army War College Department Head.

Military Dictatorship USA
by Dr. Norman Livergood

We usually think of a nation being controlled by a military dictatorship when a military leader seizes control through a putsch, as in the case of General Pervez Musharraf in Pakistan or Saddam Hussein in Iraq. The previous government is overthrown and a military strong man places himself in power with few if any constraints from judicial or legislative oversight.

But we must look for the essence of a military dictatorship, those features which are present whenever this form of oppression occurs. In essence, a military dictatorship is a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a repressive ruler or a small clique who use military and police power to dominate the people mentally and physically.

Taking this definition as our touchstone, in the United States we know we're living under a military dictatorship when we see:

* a leader retaining power through stealing the election of 2004 and put into power in 2000 by a coup d'etat, not through democratic elections

*the military used to control the civilian population in violation of the U.S. Constitution

*the president ordering a US citizen held indefinitely by the military

* a shadow government being set up consisting entirely of executive branch officials in violation of the Constitution

*government informants spying on fellow citizens

*the highest amount of government funds going to military initiatives:

taxpayer money being used to subsidize and fund domestic and foreign "defense" corporations

taxpayer money being used to subsidize and fund domestic and foreign military operations: wars, embargoes, training, etc.

* a dictatorial ruling clique creating unnecessary, homocidal wars as a way of remaining in power

*a dictatorial ruling clique committing crimes and assuming illegal powers and not being brought to justice because of manipulated, powerless legislative and judicial branches

*the spread of militaristic values and the increasing power of the military in our society


All these conditions are now present in the United States.

www.new-enlightenment.com/militarismindex.htm

[Artemis Bunyon]

25. Make that a "dinktatorship". We are talking about Dubya, after all.

x

[merbex]

16. I sent the link to a "political newbie" who is for the 1st time in their

life is becoming VERY active and really jumped into politics with a big splash(canvassing,giving money,on local dem committee)

This person replied to the email with "shock and awe" but doesn't want to use it because it might offend people

My response was that facsism was a political term that has been well defined and researched and just because the term"might offend" some IF THE SHOE FITS- WE MUST USE THE TERM

They came around and they have forwarded the email with the link

One voter at a time

[Englander]

17. Good . There's enough to convince most people....

It definitely convinced me that * is not a democratic politician.

It's an excellent link,using multiple convincing sources for each of the 14 characteristics.

[tblue37]

9. Another appropriate word to use

is "Stalinist." It captures the whole "total institution" quality of security in Bush's America, as well as their uncanny ability to revise history.

[carnie_sf]

10. Fascism = Corporatism

in the words of its inventor, Benito Mussolini

[Guaranteed]

11. Yup, that's the motive, but the products are social. nt

[sinkingfeeling]

13. I have it on a bumper sticker in a 'red' state! Has the GOP

elephant and says "Friendly Fascism: when compassionate conservatism just isn't enough".

[Guaranteed]

14. LOL!! nt

[femme.democratique]

23. Cool, where did you get it? eom

[Skittles]

15. I used the word fascist when that evil f*** was my governor

no bones about it

[BiggJawn]

18. The Fascist Theocracy of Il Douche.

"What's the gas mask for?"
"It's in case the Fishes tear-gas me!"
"That's FASCISTS, dear..."

Why, just this morning I heard a piece on Nat. PUTSCH Radio about how a retiring $150,000 a year congress-critter can make over a million dollars a year by consumating his marriage with his Corporate friends by becoming a lobbyist...

What a doctrine. Big Business must be protected at all costs. Our Army must go attack people in other countries for no reason. What's our job? Just STFU and go shopping, you smelly mobs.

[Guaranteed]

20. LOL nt

[RandomKoolzip]

22. Nice Bloom County reference, BiggJawn!

n/t

[G_j]

19. "Compassionate Fascism"?

How long until we hear that?
nothing would surprise me at this point.

[JNelson6563]

21. Fascist is so applicable

Best to use a wonderful word like that when it's the perfect fit.

:toast:

Julie

[Forkboy]

26. I was berated by another DUer and told that they aren't fascists

but it IS creeping fascism :crazy:

I hope he shows up :)

[donheld]

27. Since Nov 2 i've wanted to call America

United Fascist States of America, but really it's the Divided Fascist States of America. United we are NOT!