Re: The Fourteen Characteristics of Fascism

On Wed, May 14, 2003 at 04:55:25AM -0500, Andreas Pour wrote:
> Food for thought:  http://www.secularhumanism.org/library/fi/britt_23_2.htm

Okay, let's think.

1. Powerful an continuing expressions of nationalism

This would be hard to prove in the case of the US, as the flag, for example,
has always been a popular item. I know at least 5 food stores with US flags
as their hallmark and I'm not even in a US city. I believe the American
Chicken place even has halal food, by the way. Off-topic, but I thought that
was funny. Anyway, it's not like we have the big whooping military parades.
Sure, we honor our troops and veterans, but when was the last time you saw
50,000 soldiers march on 5th Avenue?

2. Disdain for the importance of human rights

With all those human rights activists walking around? I don't seriously
think this is true in the US.

3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause

For months I've heard the whole population united *against* the war. So
this one doesn't apply either.

4. The supremacy of the military/avid militarism

The US military is supreme because it was boosted in the Cold War to keep
equilibrium. Even since the Soviet Union collapsed and especially since the
Gulf War the army has been getting smaller, cheaper, leaner. Not my idea,
Rumsfeld's. If only the mean-and-lean tactics would've worked for NASA as
well.

5. Rampant sexism

Women as second-class citizens? Sure, for some people that will be true, but
again, I have no indication that this is "rampant" in the US.

6. A controlled mass media

Hello? Internet? Internet is mass media too. Sure, it can be personalized,
the actual requests are individual, but it's Gutenberg all over. You've been
venting against the government and TLC for too long for me to believe the
Internet is controlled.

Or take Michael Moore. Miramax is even sponsering Fahrenheit 911 and I don't
think any media outlet has not reported on his Academy Award speech. I've
seen the tanks, the demonstrations, the bodies and the statues being taken
down. Our mass media is not controlled.

7. Obsession with national security

Hillary Clinton openly attacked the HDS plans and actions. Yet she has not
been "portrayed as unpatriotic or even treasonous". In fact, she might even
run for President in 2008, even though she already served two terms.

8. Religion and ruling elite tied together

True, there is a fair amount of Christianity in the government. I'm not
always pleased with that myself.

9. Power of corporations protected

Yet the airline industry doesn't get what it wants. The MPAA/RIAA are losing
almost every legal battle. Corporations have no power, other than those
providing basic necessities (utilities, housing). That's why I am all for
stricter regulations on those markets. But when it comes to soda and
popcorn: let corporations do as they please. It's an illusion to say
corporations have any power. I spend my money as I please. (don't you?)

10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated

I don't see how organized labor is suppressed in the US.

11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts

Partially a problem, which is why I am a EFF member.

12. Obsession with crime and punishment

The police has no unchecked power, not even almost.

13. Rampant cronyism and corruption

Always present, anywhere. That's not a sign of facsism, but of life.

14. Fraudulent elections

I don't buy that argument actually. Hitler rose to power in a completely
legitimate way. Nothing fraudulent, just a loophole in Weimar law.

As for the 2000 Florida elections: that's further away now than how far the
new presidential elections are ahead. Noone changed the way representatives
are voted for, so if enough people want so, Bush will be gone in less than
two years. Of course, as you believe Clinton was also a muppet, erm puppet,
that won't necessarily do any good.

Kerry, Edwards, Lieberman, Gerhardt, Dean.. do *any* of these meet
your approval? Or how about the Libertarian Party?



Okay, I've thought about it for a bit. And I'm relieved. The US barely has
any signs of fascism. Nor has my own country, except for points 1 (Queen's
birthday is a national holiday, widely celebrated, mandatory day off), a bit
of 12 at the moment (will wear off), 13 (again, it's anywhere) and a bit of
14 (we had elections in January but still no new parliament.. no wonder
politicians get killed here).

Oh, and our crown prince married the daughter of a member of the Argentinian
dicator regime, Zorreguieta. Of course our queen and her mom married Nazi's,
so we're improving.

Damn, I could post so much crap about our royal house.. I can see where you
get your energy from. Any chance Beatrix is in the evil TLC as well? She has
$5.2 billion (not bad for simply being born out of the right cunt),
only second to Liliane Bettencourt (L'Oreal dynasty), so that should make
her a candidate, no?

Rob
-- 
Rob Kaper     | "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little
[email protected] | temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
www.capsi.com | - Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759

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