From Freedom to Fascism?

Think about the above picture for a moment. How many of us actually understand what Fascism is? If we had it, would we recognize it?

A recent study by Lawrence Britt compared the fascist regimes of Hitler’s Nazi Germany, Mussolini’s Italy, Francos Spain, Salazars Portugal, Papadopouloss Greece, Pinochets Chile, and Suhartos Indonesia. It recognized that these regimes have all followed fourteen similar traits.

The question is: Are any of the fourteen Fascist traits visible in today’s America?

“Fascism isn’t imposed. It thrives where it’s accepted by a large portion of the native populace.” — Anonymous

1. Powerful and continuing expressions of Nationalism.

From the prominent displays of flags and bunting to the ubiquitous lapel pins, the fervor to show patriotic nationalism, both on the part of the regime itself and of citizens caught up in its frenzy, was always obvious. Catchy slogans, pride in the military, and demands for unity were common themes in expressing this nationalism. It was usually coupled with a suspicion of things foreign that often bordered on xenophobia.

How it relates: After 9/11, Americans saw terms such as “Anti-American” and “Anti-Patriotic” emerge and slandered against some who challenged the Federal government, Patriot Act, and War in Iraq. The patriot act was passed because no one wanted to be called “unpatriotic” or “soft on terror.”
Those who oppose the War in Iraq are often smeared as unsupportive of the troops.

“When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the American flag.” — Sen. Huey Long

2. Disdain for the importance of human rights.

The regimes themselves viewed human rights as of little value and a hindrance to realizing the objectives of the ruling elite. Through clever use of propaganda, the population was brought to accept these human rights abuses by marginalizing, even demonizing, those being targeted. When abuse was egregious [outrageously bad], the tactic was to use secrecy, denial, and disinformation.

How it relates: Guantanamo bay detention camp. The US cannot afford to have one if its “GITMO” inmates die. As a result, a painful feeding tube is forced upon anyone who tries to go on a hunger strike. Reports of tactics close to torture have also surfaced. Meanwhile, back is Washington, the CIA comes out and states that it has tortured people in the name of fighting terror. However, much of the American public still believes these tactics are saving their lives and therefore turn their heads from the matter.

The Declaration of Independence states: “…all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Do these rights apply to “Gitmo” detainees?

3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause.

The most significant common thread among these regimes was the use of scapegoating as a means to divert the people’s attention from other problems, to shift blame for failures, and to channel frustration in controlled directions. The methods of choice relentless propaganda and disinformation were usually effective. Often the regimes would incite spontaneous acts against the target scapegoats, usually communists, socialists, liberals, Jews, ethnic and racial minorities, traditional national enemies, members of other religions, secularists, homosexuals, and terrorists. Active opponents of these regimes were inevitably labeled as terrorists and dealt with accordingly.

How it relates: Increasingly terrorists are blamed more and more for natural disasters (Fox suggested that Al-Qaeda started the California wild fires) or any act of violence that’s caused by some lunatic.

We must absolutely keep away from labeling American citizens who protest the government as “terrorists.”

4. The supremacy of the military/avid militarism.

Ruling elites always identified closely with the military and the industrial infrastructure that supported it. A disproportionate share of national resources was allocated to the military, even when domestic needs were acute. The military was seen as an expression of nationalism, and was used whenever possible to assert national goals, intimidate other nations, and increase the power and prestige of the ruling elite.

“If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.” — James Madison

The War in Iraq is likely to become America’s most expensive war. Some estimates even put the final cost at $3 trillion dollars. What could we have accomplished if we used the money on our domestic needs? Could we have invented an alternative source of energy for our vehicles? What about a stronger domestic national defense and building a border fence?

5. Rampant sexism.

Beyond the simple fact that the political elite and the national culture were male-dominated, these regimes inevitably viewed women as second-class citizens. They were adamantly anti-abortion and also homophobic. These attitudes were usually codified in Draconian laws that enjoyed strong support by the orthodox religion of the country, thus lending the regime cover for its abuses.

There is already a strong movement for women’s rights in the US. Therefore fascism loses on this one.

6. A controlled Mass Media.

Under some of the regimes, the mass media were under strict direct control and could be relied upon never to stray from the party line. Other regimes exercised more subtle power to ensure media orthodoxy. Methods included the control of licensing and access to resources, economic pressure, appeals to patriotism, and implied threats. The leaders of the mass media were often politically compatible with the power elite. The result was usually success in keeping the general public unaware of the regimes excesses.

“Criticism in a time of war is essential to the maintenance of any kind of democratic government.” –- Sen. Robert Taft

I am not suggesting that the American government controls the media. But there are many powerful men and women in the media who have interests in corporations who profit from war. Moreover, major networks continue to limit stories that conflict or criticize the status quo. Instead, the American media distracts from the real issues by spending huge amounts of time covering unimportant stories relating to celebrities and sidestepping the important problems.

7. Obsession with National Security.

Inevitably, a national security apparatus was under direct control of the ruling elite. It was usually an instrument of oppression, operating in secret and beyond any constraints. Its actions were justified under the rubric of protecting national security, and questioning its activities was portrayed as unpatriotic or even treasonous.

“The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.” -– James Madison

How it relates: The creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the obsession of National Security by some politicians is actually quite scary. Yes, we all want to be safe. But do we really need to so readily exchange our precious freedom for security?

8. Religion and ruling elite tied together.

Unlike communist regimes, the fascist and pro fascist regimes were never proclaimed as godless by their opponents. In fact, most of the regimes attached themselves to the predominant religion of the country and chose to portray themselves as militant defenders of that religion. The fact that the ruling elites behavior was incompatible with the precepts of the religion was generally swept under the rug.

Propaganda kept up the illusion that the ruling elites were defenders of the faith and opponents of the godless. A perception was manufactured that opposing the power elite was tantamount to an attack on religion.

How it relates: The United States must make sure that it does not suggest a “Holy War” or crusade against Islamic regimes or extremism. We must be clear on our goals and stay away from the idea that Islamic Extremism is about destroying Christianity or any other major religion in the US.

9. Power of corporations protected.

Although the personal life of ordinary citizens was under strict control, the ability of large corporations to operate in relative freedom was not compromised. The ruling elite saw the corporate structure as a way to not only ensure military production (in developed states), but also as an additional means of social control. Members of the economic elite were often pampered by the political elite to ensure a continued mutuality of interests, especially in the repression of have-not citizens.

How it relates: With the recent passage of Telecom Immunity, companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Quest are now protected against privacy lawsuits for giving personal information to government spy agencies (National Security Agency). Moreover, lobbyists and war profiting companies have increasingly more power in Washington.

10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated.

Since organized labor was seen as the one power center that could challenge the political hegemony of the ruling elite and its corporate allies, it was inevitably crushed or made powerless. The poor formed an underclass, viewed with suspicion or outright contempt. Under some regimes, being poor was considered akin to a vice.

Aren’t Unions one of the most powerful forces in the work force? Fascism loses on this one too.

11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts.

Intellectuals and the inherent freedom of ideas and expression associated with them were anathema to these regimes. Intellectual and academic freedom were considered subversive to national security and the patriotic ideal.

Universities were tightly controlled; politically unreliable faculty harassed or eliminated. Unorthodox ideas or expressions of dissent were strongly attacked, silenced, or crushed. To these regimes, art and literature should serve the national interest or they had no right to exist.

Not really prevalent in the United States. Fascism loses on this one too.

12. Obsession with crime and punishment.

Most of these regimes maintained Draconian systems of criminal justice with huge prison populations. The police were often glorified and had almost unchecked power, leading to rampant abuse. Normal and political crime were often merged into trumped-up criminal charges and sometimes used against political opponents of the regime. Fear, and hatred, of criminals or traitors was often promoted among the population as an excuse for more police power.

How it relates: Our domestic police do a great job. However, we must make sure that police power never infringes on the Bill of Rights. We must also make sure that a national force is never allowed to be created. Our constitution right to bear arms protect us against abuses in a Federal Army and Police power. This right must never be lost.

13. Rampant cronyism and corruption.

Those in business circles and close to the power elite often used their position to enrich themselves. This corruption worked both ways; the power elite would receive financial gifts and property from the economic elite, who in turn would gain the benefit of government favoritism. Members of the power elite were in a position to obtain vast wealth from other sources as well: for example, by stealing national resources. With the national security apparatus under control and the media muzzled, this corruption was largely unconstrained and not well understood by the general population.

How it relates: We have one of the most uncorrupted governments in the world. But corruption still exists and is largely fueled by lobbying. Lets try to keep corporate interests away from Washington and our politicians! There’s a lot of talk about “Change” right now. Do we really want Bush – Clinton – Bush – Clinton?

14. Fraudulent Elections.

Elections in the form of plebiscites or public opinion polls were usually bogus. When actual elections with candidates were held, they would usually be perverted by the power elite to get the desired result. Common methods included maintaining control of the election machinery, intimidating an disenfranchising opposition voters, destroying or disallowing legal votes, and, as a last resort, turning to a judiciary beholden to the power elite.

How it relates: The Presidential elections of 2000 and 2004 used electronic Diebold voting machines in many states. These machines were proven by Princeton University to be easily hackable in under one minute. These machines open the door to voting fraud. Let’s see states enact better election standards and protocols to protect the integrity of future elections.

Conclusion

Is the United States a fascist country? Absolutely not. Is fascism going to overtake America? Probably not. But could a watered down version of soft fascism be on the rise in America? The evidence in this article suggest so.

Is this subtle philosophy of creeping fascism dangerous to our freedom? Yes. But what’s more dangerous is when we don’t even recognize our loss of liberty. Americans must recognize what freedom really means. We must become leaders that stand for freedom and liberty.

So what can you do about it?

1. Educate yourself. Take a few minutes a day and read up on current events and issues.
2. Vote. Vote for those who stand for personal liberty and against corporate interests.
3. Write your congressmen. Tell them not to support things like Telecom Immunity.
4. Get involved in local politics. Go to your party’s county meetings and run for a position.

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