In case of emergency, lie BIG.

Howard Dean, as mentioned in Cornell's student newspaper:

"Dean pointed out that, while he would not endorse this, if Social Security were left alone for 30 years, its benefits would be reduced to 80 percent of what it is now. He acknowledged that while there were indeed problems with the program, turning to Wall Street was not the answer."

Robert Novak on CNN:

"[T]hey've got to really get Howard under control. He spoke at Cornell University last week, and the only paper that covered this was "The Cornell Daily" student paper, and he said, yes, Social Security has a big problem. Over the years it's going to lose about 80 percent of the benefits. That, Judy, is not the Democratic line. The Democratic line is there is no problem."

The Republican National Committe on Novak on Dean:

In Case You Missed It: CNN's "Inside Politics," 02/28/05

CNN'S ROBERT NOVAK: "[T]hey've got to really get Howard under control. He spoke at Cornell University last week, and the only paper that covered this was "The Cornell Daily" student paper, and he said, yes, Social Security has a big problem. Over the years it's going to lose about 80 percent of the benefits. That, Judy, is not the Democratic line. The Democratic line is there is no problem."

So, Dean makes a moderate, sensible statement on privatization. Novak lies about it and takes a "Dean is crazy" potshot in the process. And the RNC approves so heartily that they post it on their official site.

Late last summer, I reluctantly started referring to the current GOP as alarmingly close to fascism. By the end of last year, I had lost my reluctance in talking about their fascistic leanings. Now I'm not afraid to shout it from the proverbial rooftops: the current Republican party is a fascist party.

The link above is to a site that posts the now-famous "14 Characteristics of Fascism." It was good for some cynical laughs last year, but it's getting more frightening by the month. Have another look, and scare yourself all over again.