Editor, Times-Union:
The term “fascism” seems to be thrown around a lot recently — by both Republicans and Democrats. Therefore, it seems necessary to reiterate the definition of this term and the signs that should help everyone recognize just who is using the term correctly and exactly who the real would-be fascists are.
The definition: fascism is a far-right authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology and movement characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the perceived good of the nation or race, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.
The signs: In early 2017, the Washington Monthly published the “Early Warning Signs of Fascism.” Following are those 14 signs plus real examples of words, beliefs, and actions — demonstrated and proclaimed in the past, continued in the present, and currently promised for future enactment by Donald Trump and his minions.
Powerful and continuing nationalism …. “America first;” go it alone, cut off allies and interdependency on the rest of the world; align with new authoritarian allies
Disdain for human rights …. overturn long-held women’s rights, suppress voting rights, restrict educational rights, marriage and family rights
Identification of enemies as a unifying cause ... falsely proclaim that teachers and LGBTQ+ people are “grooming” children; non-white people aim to replace caucasians; immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country”
Supremacy of the military … total control of the populace by using the military force on authoritarian leader’s whims
Rampant sexism …. Accuse American men of losing their masculinity; government control of women’s rights (health care/reproductive choices, wages, career choices)
Controlled mass media … free press is the enemy of the people and should be shut down; media and its content should be determined by authoritarian leader
Obsession with national security … all immigrants are terrorists and threats to Americans’ lives
Religion and government intertwined …. Christian religion should run our government, our schools, our judicial system - in spite of our Constitution’s mandate that the two be separate from each other and everyone entitled to their own beliefs. (Suspend our Constitution)
Corporate power protected … allow affluent elitists unrestricted control - for their own benefit - over judicial system; promise tax breaks and fewer corporate restrictions to all who are “rich as hell”
Labor power suppressed … discredit unions; make it more difficult for workers to organize; keep giving more tax breaks to business owners — not laborers
Disdain for intellectuals and the arts …. complain about and vilify people who speak out against the leader and attract bigger crowds (Taylor Swift, Robert DeNiro, authors, TV personalities)
Obsession with crime and punishment … seek vengeance against, imprison, or even execute anyone who doesn’t please the authoritarian (“I will be your retribution.”)
Rampant cronyism and corruption … Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Paul Manafort, Rudy Giuliani, Michael Flynn, Peter Navarro, etc. (“Only the best people”)
Fraudulent elections … Coup; insurrection; false electors; gerrymandering; voter suppression; violent threats against election workers
Be honest. Isn’t it blatantly obvious who the aspiring fascists are?
Jeanne Schutz
Winona Lake, via email