Comparisons to Hitler are sometimes referred to as Godwin’s Law where ultimately all comparisons can revert somehow into Naziism. The Teaparty tried that with Obama, although not one iota of parallel existed. The GOP is on a mad dash to becoming very much like a Fascist regime. This time, I will provide concrete examples to back up these assertions. There is far too much similarity to be ignored.
TeaParty Rallies: Breeding Grounds for Hate
Political scientist Dr. Lawrence Britt wrote an article about fascism “Fascism Anyone?,” Free Inquiry, Spring 2003 . Studying the fascist regimes of Hitler, Franco, Mussolini and Pinochet for example. I’ve likened each point with an obvious example of current Republican practices and policies.
The 14 characteristics are:
1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism
i.e. THE AMERICAN TEAPARTY
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
VOTER SUPPRESSION AND FOR-PROFIT HEALTHCARE
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. In the USA, people have often died because they are uninsured. This is fine to all the “TeaParty Patriots” apparently.
3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause
STATES PASS ANTI SHARIA LAW MEASURES
States with Sharia Law on the Books
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
ROMNEY wants to increase military spending and start new conflicts while Democrats try to end wars. The GOP plutocracy rarely has served militarily yet insists on widespread participation ironically.
Even when there are massive domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected.
5. Rampant Sexism
AKA The GOP War on Women
The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Opposition to abortion is high, as is homophobia and anti-gay legislation and national policy.
Watch Lisa Brown and other Democratic Members of the Michigan Legislature try to fight the war on women
6. Controlled Mass Media
FOX NEWS AND BAIN CAPITAL OWNERS OF CLEAR CHANNEL
Sometimes to media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in war time, is very common. POLITICO admitted journalists have NOT reported on Republican obstructionism.
7. Obsession with National Security
Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses. THE GOP CLAIMS PRESIDENT OBAMA IS TOO SOFT ON NATIONAL SECURITY. Romney has all but declared war with Iran and has little regard for the loss of life that would be assured.
8. Religion and Government are Intertwined
CREATIONISM SHOULD BE TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS??
Many in the GOP believe this. Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government’s policies or actions
Separation of Church and State in Jeopardy
9. Corporate Power is Protected
“CORPORATIONS ARE PEOPLE MY FRIENDS” AND CITIZENS UNITED
The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite.
10. Labor Power is Suppressed
GOVERNOR WALKER AND THE KOCH/WISCONSIN ANTI-UNION MOVEMENT
Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely, or are severely suppressed .
11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts
GOP REFERS TO HOLLYWOOD AS THE LIBERAL ELITE
Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked, and governments often refuse to fund the arts.
12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment
THE RISE OF PRIVATE PRISONS IN THE NATION WITH THE MOST PRISONERS PER CAPITA
Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses and even forego civil liberties in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations.
13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption
THE OIL AND GAS LOBBYISTS making energy and environmental policy simultaneously. Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions and use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.
14. Fraudulent Elections
THE 2000 ‘ELECTION’ OF GEORGE W BUSH BY SCOTUS
Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against or even assassination of opposition candidates, use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.
I’m sure there are even more examples of each of these tenets one could find. A comparison to fascism is absolutely warranted and we must be wary of history’s lessons to avoid making mistakes again. Mitt Romney would be a mistake of massive proportions. Just look at this SCOTUS illustration. Enough to frighten you silly!
Supreme Court Scenarios
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Tags: Fascists, GOP, Hitler, Koch, Romney, unions, Walker
Lisa Brown of the Michigan House
