who's a fascist?
by John at 4/23/2004 02:15:00 PM
For starters, some people think I'm a fascist (you know who you are - when I finally grab the reins of power, I'll have my thugs beat the crap out of you and your little dog Toto!). Nonetheless, others have taken a more nuanced view of fascism; e.g.,
Robert O. Paxton, a former professor of social sciences at Columbia University and longtime historian of the political movement, sets out to formulate a working definition in his new book, "The Anatomy of Fascism."
Paxton says that there have been only two true fascist regimes, Nazi Germany and Mussolini's Italy. Franco? Not a fascist. Milosevic? Close, but not a fascist (he was sitting president of Yugoslavia when his fascist tendencies kicked in, not a political outsider). Islamic militants? Not fascists (fascism must arise from failed democracies, not failed monarchies or non-states).
What about George W. Bush? Good news, he's definitely not a fascist. Bush is actually one of the "traditional elites" that grudgingly find common cause with fascists in order to preserve their own wealth, power, and priviledge. So it looks like we have nothing to worry about.
Robert O. Paxton, a former professor of social sciences at Columbia University and longtime historian of the political movement, sets out to formulate a working definition in his new book, "The Anatomy of Fascism."
Paxton says that there have been only two true fascist regimes, Nazi Germany and Mussolini's Italy. Franco? Not a fascist. Milosevic? Close, but not a fascist (he was sitting president of Yugoslavia when his fascist tendencies kicked in, not a political outsider). Islamic militants? Not fascists (fascism must arise from failed democracies, not failed monarchies or non-states).
What about George W. Bush? Good news, he's definitely not a fascist. Bush is actually one of the "traditional elites" that grudgingly find common cause with fascists in order to preserve their own wealth, power, and priviledge. So it looks like we have nothing to worry about.
