A Question of Words

I've wrestled with the idea of using the word fscistic to discuss the current incarnation of the Republican party, as long-time readers will know. I've been uncomfortable with the idea for a long time (in true liberal fashion, I felt obliged to question myself). Finally, I decided that the hunger for power, the cronyism, the manipulation of information, the use of religion and nationalism to keep Americans frightened and angry, the increase of corporate power under the guise of populist initiatives-- it's pretty much the definition of fascism.

This morning, this very issue was discussed in the final hour of Air America's Morning Sedition. You'll be able to download the show, commercial-free, through this link: http://tinyurl.com/5jlgv

They also talked about an article written in 1944, by FDR's vice president, Henry Wallace.

Excerpt:

"If we define an American fascist as one who in case of conflict puts money and power ahead of human beings, then there are undoubtedly several million fascists in the United States. There are probably several hundred thousand if we narrow the definition to include only those who in their search for money and power are ruthless and deceitful. Most American fascists are enthusiastically supporting the war effort. They are doing this even in those cases where they hope to have profitable connections with German chemical firms after the war ends. They are patriotic in time of war because it is to their interest to be so, but in time of peace they follow power and the dollar wherever they may lead."

This is a must-read, and a chilling piece.