"Fourteen Characteristics Of Fascism"

[Skip Intro]

Dr. Lawrence Britt, a political scientist, wrote an article about fascism which appeared in Free Inquiry magazine, a journal of humanist thought. Dr. Britt studied the fascist regimes of Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), Franco (Spain), Suharto (Indonesia), and Pinochet (Chile). He found the regimes all had 14 things in common, and he calls these the identifying characteristics of fascism. The article is titled "Fascism Anyone?," and appears in Free Inquiry’s Spring 2003 issue on page 20.

The 14 characteristics are:

1.. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism – Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.

2.. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights – Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of "need." The people tend to ‘look the other way’ of even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.

3.. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause – The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe; racial, ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists; terrorists, etc.

4.. Supremacy of the Military – Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.

...more:
http://www.chetzar.com/fascism.html

[porphyrian]

1. Is it soup yet?

These have been posted before, but I think it's good to bring them back up now and then. Thanks.

[Sherman A1]

2. Well Said

[democrank]

6. Soup yet? I`ll let you know

after I read John Dean`s new book. I`m leaning toward a "Hell, yes" answer.

[Sydnie]

3. I love this link

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

They show actual news reports that correlate to the 14 points!

[Imalittleteapot]

4. Good link to send

to fence sitters. Thanks.

[Sydnie]

5. You're welcome

and I agree. Sharing that link with those that don't see it yet is a greast resource.

[malaise]

11. Thaanks for that link

Will share it with some young people.

[cally]

7. Thanks for posting this...nt

[IndyOp]

8. MUST SEE VIDEO: Mike Malloy reads & Eric Blumrich illustrates!!

The 14 Characteristics of Fascism: Bush Style
http://www.bushflash.com/14.html

I just LOVE #14...!!

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

On edit: Clarify.

[Nothing Without Hope]

9. An important update and extension - John Dean's new book, just released

Hear about it, read about it. Here's a link for his interview with Olbermann, and there are links to other info on this important book too:
http://www.crooksandliars.com/posts/2006/07/11/john-dean-on-countdown-conservatives-without-conscience/
You could call this "the psychology of fascism," but it's more than that and it seems to be pretty universal when stimulated - something like a quarter of the population responds mindlessly, sets aside all their moral concerns and even rationality. Scare the population, unite them against an "enemy," pose as an authoritarian figure who can lead the way, and they will literally die for you. Wait until you hear what G. Gordon Liddy told Dean during the Nixon fall. He was willing to die because he "knew too much," only asked that he not be killed in his home because he had children.

Very scary, very important.

[femrap]

10. You can buy a t-shirt with 'Fascism Sucks'

on the front and the 14 signs of fascism written on the back....

http://www.syrculturalworkers.com/catalog/tshirts/tshirt6.html

Some of the politically naive come up to me and say, 'We'll never have fascism." I turn around and they begin to read and all of sudden they get real quiet....and when I look back at them, their eyes are as big as saucers!

Great gift! Syracuse Cultural Workers have some great posters, t-shirts, etc.