fourteen defining characteristics of FASCISM-- this bears repeating....

[mike_c]

This first appeared in 2003 in Free Inquiry Magazine and it has been posted on DU before, but perhaps it's time to take another look-- or just be reminded. This version is linked from the Veterans for Peace site. I had a long phone conversation about this list with another DUer yesterday, and we agreed that Americans all too frequently refuse to even entertain the idea that America is veering toward fascism, despite the evidence. It's difficult to not acknowledge the parallels between this list and current events in America.

http://www.veteransforpeace.org/The_14_characteristics_030303.htm

The 14 Characteristics of Fascism
by Lawrence Britt
Spring 2003
Free Inquiry magazine


Political scientist Dr. Lawrence Britt recently wrote an article about fascism ("Fascism Anyone?," Free Inquiry, Spring 2003, page 20). Studying the fascist regimes of Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), Franco (Spain), Suharto (Indonesia), and Pinochet (Chile), Dr. Britt found they all had 14 elements in common. He calls these the identifying characteristics of fascism. The excerpt is in accordance with the magazine's policy.

The 14 characteristics are:

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


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 or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.


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.


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@link>

http://www.veteransforpeace.org/The_14_characteristics_030303.htm

I thought I posted this earlier today, but couldn't find the thread when I tried to check in after having my DUing interrupted for several hours by actual, productive employment. Musta' had a senior moment and accidentally not posted, LOL.

[doublethink]

1. Please repeat it once a week .

Thank you. K&R. :kick: Peace :)

[wakeme2008]

2. I like the flash version myself

:)
http://www.bushflash.com/14.html

[Disturbed]

3. Mussolini said that Fascism is "Corporatism".

The present regime in power over the USA is following the Mussolin model, not the 3rd Reich.

[mike_c]

5. yep-- that's my opinion as well....

eom

[democrank]

4. mike....

Post this thing every week.

[mim]

6. I like the original Free Inquiry version, minus the 1st paragraph

But FI made another Website take it down; FI apparently doesn't want it posted without the antireligious spin. So when I saw it elsewhere without the first paragraph I saved it to my hard drive. It's a keeper.

Nevertheless, following an article on fascism that appeared in the New York Times Magazine in the late 60's, I would either replace "rampant sexism" with "cult of masculinity," or include "cult of masculinity" under "rampant sexism." You could see that in the 2004 presidential race: the "he-man" Bush against the "effete" Kerry, with Schwarzenegger calling the Dems girlie men.

Unless Suharto's Indonesia didn't have a cult of masculinity?