14 POINTS OF FASCISM

1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism

From the prominent displays of flags and bunting to the ubiquitous lapel pins, the fervor to show patriotic nationalism, both on the part of the regime itself and of citizens caught up in its frenzy, was always obvious. Catchy slogans, pride in the military, and demands for unity were common themes in expressing this nationalism. It was usually coupled with a suspicion of things foreign that often bordered on xenophobia.

2. Disdain for the importance of human rights

The regimes themselves viewed human rights as of little value and a hindrance to realizing the objectives of the ruling elite. Through clever use of propaganda, the population was brought to accept these human rights abuses by marginalizing, even demonizing, those being targeted. When abuse was egregious, the tactic was to use secrecy, denial, and disinformation.

3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause

The most significant common thread among these regimes was the use of scapegoating as a means to divert the people’s attention from other problems, to shift blame for failures, and to channel frustration in controlled directions. The methods of choice—relentless propaganda and disinformation—were usually effective. Often the regimes would incite “spontaneous” acts against the target scapegoats, usually communists, socialists, liberals, Jews, ethnic and racial minorities, traditional national enemies, members of other religions, secularists, homosexuals, and “terrorists.” Active opponents of these regimes were inevitably labeled as terrorists and dealt with accordingly.

4. The supremacy of the military/avid militarism

Ruling elites always identified closely with the military and the industrial infrastructure that supported it. A disproportionate share of national resources was allocated to the military, even when domestic needs were acute. The military was seen as an expression of nationalism, and was used whenever possible to assert national goals, intimidate other nations, and increase the power and prestige of the ruling elite.

http://www.ellensplace.net/fascism.html

Sound like anyone you know yet?

5. Rampant Sexism

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.

6. Controlled Mass Media

Sometimes the 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.

7. Obsession with National Security

Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.

8. Religion and Government are Intertwined

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.

http://www.favreau.info/misc/14-points-fascism.php

How about now?

but only a few points that line up with Muslims or whoever they are painting as fascists.
:dem:

of the Nazi Propagandist's playbook.

I think that Islam fundamentalists fit them as well, as far as they can. Though it can be argued that they don't express excessive nationalism in the classical sense, they seem to view themselves as part of a great nation of Islam. So in my view that counts as nationalism.

I might have misundestood your post, but I thought you had said that fundamentalists of Islam did not meet those criterion. I think they do.

But in no way do I think it's ok for us (or anyone) to act like that as well.

who don't agree with them, FASCISTS!

I despise anyone, who uses TERROR to get what they want, including fake Terror alerts and lies about WMDs and imminent dangers that don't exist!

Sorry, I guess I misread.

He's claiming anyone opposed to the war is fascist and aiding the terrorists.

Typical Republican crap, by trying to call names to avoid the label themselves - usually a label they richly deserve.


(I Need to learn to type)

9. Corporate Power is Protected: 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: 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: 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: 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

http://lulando.wordpress.com/2006/08/23/14/

How about now?

13.) Rampant Cronyism and Corruption: 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: 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.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/pol/194186215.html

Now who really does act EXACTLY like fascists?

Is America is returning to it's "fascist" days of the 1940's? :sarcasm:

Most of the points seem to match up pretty well with WWII America, though some much better than others.

More like all the way back to 1900-1930 and the Robber Baron era.

I think if you want to hit on more points, you'll see a closer resemblance to these points in the time around WWII than even in the 30 years before it.

And the unions finally came to power. The working people in America started to get a TINY bit of respect and a better share of the wealth. Bush wants to snuff all that out.

I thought this discussion was about the merits of the 14 points, and how they compare to a society, not the benefits of FDR's administration? Here's a few thing I was considering...

1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism

Just go back and look at almost any photo op, movies, comic books, radio programs made at the time and I think you'll find it hard to disagree with this one for that period.

2. Disdain for the importance of human rights
Bombing civilian targets (major cities), Hiroshima & Nagasaki, internment camps, draft...

3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause

Isolationists, Nazi sympathizers, Japanese-Americans, infiltrators...

4. Supremacy of the Military

In 1945, Defense spending was roughly 35% of GDP, in 2005 it was less than 5%

5. Rampant Sexism

IMHO, it's pretty hard to make the argument that women had it better, or were more empowered during the 40's than they are now.

6. Controlled Mass Media

CBS, NBC, ABC, stars and stripes, media willing to cooperate with government for "national security" and "general moral" reasons. At least now, you can go online and get news from other countries, back then, the government had a MUCH greater control over the flow of information.

right about people who disagree with his war in Iraq, are fascist.

Fascist governments aren't overthrown at the ballot box, so what's the point. And where in my posts did I even mention Rummy, let alone that I think he's right about people disagreeing with him being fascist?

My point is this, while yes, you can find some similarities between the US and Nazi Germany or other fascist government (just as you can find similarities between the US and Stalinist Russia, Ancient Rome, Victorian England, Modern day France, etc...). There are also significant differences between the current F'd up mess that's running our country, and a fascist regime.

As messed up as the current situation is, it's NOT fascism, it's not even really that close. * is NOT Hitler, though they do share some of the same qualities. Then again, the both share some of the same qualities as Churchill, FDR, Lincoln, Nero...

In any case, I see this argument as a clear case of selectively picking facts. Lets list all of the things where we think we can draw parallels and leave out all of the things where we can't. If we ignore all the inconvenient stuff, it's a very compelling argument. Isn't this how * operates, and aren't we all pretty pissed about it?

:evilgrin:

Just kidding. Some of the items on that list aren't necessary for fascism:
8. Religion and ruling elite tied together
11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts

Worship of the Fatherland and the Fuhrer instead of God the Father is a form of state religion. And although Hitler did not align his rule with any particular church, he certainly used religion for category clarity.

Control of the intelligencia and the artists to ensure that only approved forms are created and disseminated.

I'm not so sure that 8 and 11 don't apply to Hitler.

He himself was not pro-religion and saw the eventual removal of organized churches in the Reich as one of his goals.

We are a people of different faiths, but we are one. Which faith conquers the other is not the question; rather, the question is whether Christianity stands or falls.... We tolerate no one in our ranks who attacks the ideas of Christianity... in fact our movement is Christian. We are filled with a desire for Catholics and Protestants to discover one another in the deep distress of our own people.

-Adolf Hitler, in a speech in Passau, 27 October 1928, Bundesarchiv Berlin-Zehlendorf


We are determined, as leaders of the nation, to fulfill as a national government the task which has been given to us, swearing fidelity only to God, our conscience, and our Volk.... This the national government will regard its first and foremost duty to restore the unity of spirit and purpose of our Volk. It will preserve and defend the foundations upon which the power of our nation rests. It will take Christianity, as the basis of our collective morality, and the family as the nucleus of our Volk and state, under its firm protection....May God Almighty take our work into his grace, give true form to our will, bless our insight, and endow us with the trust of our Volk.

-Adolf Hitler, on 1 Feb. 1933, addressing the German nation as Chancellor for the first time, Volkischer Beobachter, 5 Aug. 1935


The Government, being resolved to undertake the political and moral purification of our public life, are creating and securing the conditions necessary for a really profound revival of religious life.... The National Government regard the two Christian Confessions as the weightiest factors for the maintenance of our nationality. They will respect the agreements concluded between them and the federal States. Their rights are not to be infringed.... It will be the Government's care to maintain honest co-operation between Church and State; the struggle against materialistic views and for a real national community is just as much in the interest of the German nation as in that of the welfare of our Christian faith. The Government of the Reich, who regard Christianity as the unshakable foundation of the morals and moral code of the nation, attach the greatest value to friendly relations with the Holy See and are endeavouring to develop them.

-Adolf Hitler, in his speech to the Reichstag on 23 March 1933

You can't take anything Hitler said publicly as gospel. He excelled at saying what he needed to say to further his goals independently of what he believed. Also note the dates of your speeches. They are early speeches. As time passed and the church(s) started to interfere with his goals he started laying his plans to reduce their power, and eventually possibly eliminate them.

Records of his daily private meetings with Goebbels, Goring and others clearly indicates his distaste for the church(s). It was one of Hitlers major problems in 1937-1938 in trying to reign in party zealots anti-church rhetoric, as he felt he was not ready for that showdown yet.

I'm not saying Hitler was an atheist as he most definitely believed a form of the biblical God, but he was very anti-church, and it certainly could be debated whether or not he was christian in the traditional sense.

(1934) "The National Socialist State professes its allegiance to Positive Christianity"
(1941) "National Socialism and Christianity cannot exist together"

as I feel this country is doing as well.

i would NOT use hitlers word as a measure of anything.

it would be like scholars quoting bush 50 years from now to divine actual truth.

hitler speeches were PURE exercises in propaganda and manipulation.

and used it as a tool for control of the masses more or less.

the religious aspect of nazism.

certain SS groups sought to rekindle ancient germanic pagan religion. in fact, prominent nazi party members were of the impression that jesus was not worth worshipping because in their eyes he was "the illegitimate son of a jewish mother."

during the invasion of france, one SS group took down and destroyed crosses in every town they went through. this was the sign that they specifically had been through there.

and then you have the adolf hitler posters and imagery that sought to portray him godlike in a nordic pagan sense.

http://www.bushflash.com/14.html

:)

Very well done. A wish I could have said it half as well.

1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism

Flags on every republican politician's collar and in every photo op.

2. Disdain for the importance of human rights

Shock and Awe, DU ammo and napalm, Abu Ghraib, Getmo, retention, Katrina...

3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause

You're either with us or against us...that includes democrats, Lamont supporters, or anyone else who doesn't march to the PNAC war drumbeat.

4.) Supremacy of the Military

America spends more on defense each year NOW...than the rest of the world COMBINED...

5.) Rampant Sexism

You tell me who has the best record on this issue...

6.) Controlled Mass Media

FOX, CNN, NYT, Hate radio...even broadcasting Rush Limbo on Armed Forces Radio at the taxpayer's expense...

7.) Obsession with National Security

9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11 Saddam Saddam Saddam Saddam Saddam Saddam WMD WMD WMD WMD WMD WMD Nuclear cloud Nuclear cloud Nuclear cloud Nuclear cloud War President War President War President War President Code Orange Code Orange Code Orange Code Orange 9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11 Saddam Saddam Saddam Saddam Saddam Saddam WMD WMD WMD WMD WMD WMD Nuclear cloud Nuclear cloud Nuclear cloud Nuclear cloud War President War President War President War President Code Orange Code Orange Code Orange Code Orange 9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11 Saddam Saddam Saddam Saddam Saddam Saddam WMD WMD WMD WMD WMD WMD Nuclear cloud Nuclear cloud Nuclear cloud Nuclear cloud War President War President War President War President Code Orange Code Orange Code Orange Code Orange

8. Religion and Government are Intertwined

Prayer Breakfasts, crusadesers with the sword of the lord invading and killing in Gawd's holy name.

9. Corporate Power is Protected

$3.00 gasoline, union busting, exporting jobs, OSHA, SEC, Dept of Labor and EPA made almost extinct.

10. Labor Power is Suppressed

Union busting, importing labor, exporting jobs, wage and benefit cuts, inflation, cutting overtime pay.

11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts

Ignores global warming, ignores diplomats, supression of public radio and TV.

12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment

Patriot acts I and II, spying on God knows who, stacking federal courts with yes men, looking at waht you read watch or listen to, sneak and peek, having your mail man and spy on you, even snooping in you bank accounts...

13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption

Heckuva Job Brownie, Secret Energy meetings, culture of corruption.

14. Fraudulent Elections

DIEBOLD...

"Islamo-fascism" is actually an appellation for the government of Saudi Arabia.

we have to get these scumbuckets out of office.

}(

:kick:

Same as Hitler's "World Order" only newer!

"New World Order" for the first time on Sept. 11, 1990.

Interesting, huh?

Just so you know.

They are derived by finding parallels between the Bush Administration and Nazi Germany - not through any real historical analysis.

Oh and I already know I'm a heretic for saying that this is a crap list. I mean after all it's telling you what you want to hear, so it must be good.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

and his supporters, isn't it?

Of course I'd admit there are some scary annoying parrallels between the Bush administration and the Nazis. There are.

But the list doesn't claim that - rather the list claims to be an anlysis of fascism, but it ignores the areas where fascism and the bush administration differ (in my opinion). It would be one thing if the author were simply saying "Hey look at how this looks familiar." It's another when he says "Here's what fascism is and here's what the Bush administration is - see how similar they are?"

Because the second approach leads people to believe that they understand fascism when they have really barely scratched the service of understanding.

Bryant

sorry. I think calling it a "crap list" is crap in itself. I think the post offends you on a personal.

I suspect you mean level.

And you'd be right - I think substituting soundbites for understanding isn't a good policy whether we do it or whether the other side does it.

Let's face it - this is exactly the same as the Right Wings use of the term Islamo-Fascism and to pretty much the same end.

So bryant.. why not educate us all on the meaning of fascism since fascism is being "misused". But don't draw any parrallels to anything current, because then you to would be doing the same thing the right wing does right? How convenient. Sorry... Bush is a fascist by definition and so is today's Republican Party.

If you have a better definition, then add it. And saying people who agree with the posted "14 points" just because they like what they hear or read is really interesting. Interesting how you might know that for sure, when all we have to do is look up the definition of fascism itself. I'd say the 14 points are right on. What parts don't you agree with and why? Why is it just "crap"?

Fascism is not a nonsensical made-up term by the Dems, yet "Islamo-Fascist" is a nonsensical made up term used to demonize a whole group of people in the Middle East. A bigoted term at that. Huge difference between the two uses.

Are you just upset that people call Bush and the GOP fascists?

Am I upset that people call Bush and the GOP fascists - i wonder why you repeat that question so much? Could it be that you have some really great zinger if I say "yes?" Or is it that you are trying to expose me in some way?

But allow me to say that in usual the term rolls off of my back - I don't really see a difference between the way it is usually used here at DU and the way the Bushistas use it in "Islamo-fascism." And I think it's somewhat intellectually dishonest to pretend it's much more than a nice term of attack. But it doesn't bother me the same way these 14 points do. If you like using it - go right ahead.

The 14 points of Fascism, on the other hand, are insufficient to provide an understanding of Fascism. People who read the 14 points of Fascism believe that they understand Fascism. Therefore I think the 14 points of Fascism are crap. To put it another way they are the Fox News version of understanding - they give the illusion of comprehension while sanding away bits that don't fit the idealogical argument.

I know because I recently had a really bitter argument with a guy who believed that fascism can't exist outside of a state structure - in part because of these 14 points. Obviously there is a distinction between fascism as an ideology and as a government structure.

If you want a good look at fascism, I'd recommend Fascism (Oxford Readers) which is largely a collection of primary documents and covers both Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy as well as the other Fascist parties around Europe. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0192892495/sr=8-4/qid=1154789838/ref=sr_1_4/104-0182215-1078325?ie=UTF8

Bryant

You attacked it while offering very little in the way of a critique up until now. All you did was call it "crap" because in your opinion they give the "illusion of comprehension while sanding away bits that don't fit the idealogical argument."

What bits?

And I have asked, "Are you just upset that people call Bush and the GOP fascists?", ONCE and that you haven't answered. I'm sorry, but your objection to the 14 points seems a bit excessive. "The 14 points of Fascism, on the other hand, are insufficient to provide an understanding of Fascism." Well then...

I believe the 14 points make a very good argument for the re-emergence of Fascism today in America. I'd say it's far from "crap".

I am not uspet that people call Bush and the GOP fascists - I think it's stupid but i'm not upset.

The 14 points do not address the ideological underpinnings of fascism except in a generalized way - he fails to address what makes/made fascism appealing, not just to elites but to working class people as well. What did the Fascists/Nazis promise to their followers? Was it just scapegoats?

It oversells the connection between fascism and religion (one of the clearer signs that these 14 points are intended specifically to parralel President Bush's America). It screws up the sexism bit, ironically, by underselling it.

A Controlled Mass Media, Obessesion with Nation Security, Power of Corporations Protected Power of Labor Surpressed are all characteristics of a fascist state - but fascism can, of course, exist outside of a state.

The bit on corporations also ignores the ambivilence of Fascism and to a lessor extent Nazism towards capitalism.



Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

Firstly, true fascism emerges and displays itself as an "anti-establishment", revolutionary force, sweeping aside an existing system of government and implementing another. Fascist systems begin as outsiders; although they may be backed, initially and eventually, by parts of the establishment, they are not of it, and where given a choice between subverting a political, cultural or societal system or replacing it, will nearly always choose to replace it.

Secondly, an important part of fascism is open and honest contempt for democracy. Fascism does not pretend to be democratic or pander to democratic ideals, even in opposition. It presents democracy as a failure, and itself as the replacement.

here nor "coincidence theory".
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=199853#top

My mistake.

I guess everybody likes hearing what they want to hear.

From what I've read, about the Nazis and the Fascists, which BTW, is quite a lot of reading, I think the 14 points are pretty well in line with most historical accounts that I've ever read.

Now if you wish to carry on with your personal assult. PM me!

Unless you wrote it - but since i've seen it around pretty regularly, i don't think you did. If you did create this list I apologize for being to direct. Heck, I'll apologize anyway.

But I'm a historian and I don't like the type of mental laziness this list encourages.

that the Axis leaders once engaged in the same type of behavior, or activity, that you see listed there, in those 14 points. I could but I'm probably "too lazy." So do yourself a favor and ALWAYS, find out the truth for yourself.

"He who chops his own wood, warms himself twice," My Old Daddy...

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/mussolini-fascism.html

here is a tiny excerpt:

...The Fascist State organizes the nation, but leaves a sufficient margin of liberty to the individual; the latter is deprived of all useless and possibly harmful freedom, but retains what is essential; the deciding power in this question cannot be the individual, but the State alone....

Dr. Britt studied the fascist regimes of: Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), Franco (Spain), Suharto (Indonesia), and Pinochet (Chile).
Where do you get that Britt derived his list to find parallels involving Bush?

A dangerous oversimplification in dangerous times. This list was composed with the Bush administration in mind, with the sole end of "demonstrating" Bush=fascist. Bushco is authoritarian, nationalist, corrupt, and oligarchical, but not fascist. This list ignores the important distinction between different types of Fascism - German Nazism, which is what most people think of when they here fascism, and its unique forms in other countries. Oversimplifications like this misunderstand some of the most important features of fascism, and are thus dangerous as they make it more difficult to identify real fascism.

or most would not "get it" unfortunately. I do agree there is a difference between fascism and the nazi fascism of Germany just as there is a difference between communism and soviet communism in the USSR.

truth hurts, divert it.

The Nazis are restless! Threads like this draw the dreaded things out of the woodwork sometimes, But I keep hearing "NEVER AGAIN" in the back of my mind!

They can't let people know the truth, now can they?! :eyes:

FWIW, I'm glad you posted this thread! :applause:

p.s. got a link for that thread you are referring to?

It was reports on every "news show" on TV this morning that repeated Rummy's charges that 60% of America are fascists because we don't get with his stupid program in Iraq!

And BTW, thanks for the kind words of appreciation...I'm glad you approve. :hi:

Nazi threads always get the things blood boiling. The truth just about kills 'em. The things thrive on lies and Bushit!

Well, now MY blood is boiling from the new line of propaganda Rummy is spreading! :argh:

Obviously this thread was a must! :thumbsup:

If you missed his show tonight, you should try and catch the rerun. I SWEAR I think KO reads DU.

how can people ignore this?Why are smart men and women not more concerned about this?How does the media sleep at night?

They are charter members of the I've got mine club...

When the neoconfascists get all the use out of them, they'll be as shit outta' luck as you and me. Look at Miz Harris!

and many more to come.

That goes for every member of the House and Senate as well.They're certainly not going to risk losing it all by upholding the Constitution or fighting for Democracy or America.

Truly, it is stunning what is going on in our country.

Loyal

Helpful

Kind

Cheerful

Thrifty

Brave

Clean

Reverent

Obedient

Be prepared

Neat/clean

And thats only the beginning....of their violations to a good Society.

Collectively, we have been Mentally Herded into this Mess called Conservatism

which is now approaching a Facist State. The signs are there for all to see.

Its Reality. To Deny this state of affairs is to delve into FANTASY...

Come, we go think, review history, and solve...

Storming here like crazy. Power went off and on so many times, I just pulled the plug on the whole house! I thought the PNAC/Nazi Terraists were attacking me. Willie was under the bed hiding. Ready to pounce if a freeper type tried to come out of the crapper, or the JWs tried to get their feet in my door.

About the Boy Scouts...the GOPers are trying to help the little old ladies to the poor house, or worse.

Rummy's runny mouth has caused the Democrats in Washington to wake up and raise some hell. Too little too late? We shall see. CNN just said that 61% now were against the war in Iraq. I wish the sheep had listened to us sooner.

via:

Denial

Fantasy

Anger

Deception

Distortion

etc

etc

The JWs and their types are NUTZ

The GOP and their CROP are Nutz too

Oh Woe unto us who are Blinded by the GOP TOP and see not the Harm they bring us....

Which reminds me....the 35% GOP CROP is a MINORITY who is not listening to the MAJORITY

WTF is wrong with their Brains...?

Is this the result of Brain Strain or Brain Stain??

Even the smartest ones are dumb. They are blinded by believing their own lies. They have repeated the same lies so often the have sunken into a total permanent state of brain fart. They even scare themselves.

And to waste money spying on Americans instead of using it to fight real terrorists is providing aid and comfort to the enemy. Tax breaks that drain the country's wealth when we are under attack, is providing aid and comfort to the enemy. Destroying/depleting our military in Iraq is providing aid and comfort to the enemy.

We have seen the Enemy, and the enemy is PNAC stupidity!

The PNAC crony corps at the Pentagon makes plans for the defense of our country, just like they planned the war in Iraq! We see NOW...how their grand plans for Iraq have turned out!

and flummoxed...they pretend all is well.

Delusions of Grandeur

Something tells me Rummy's comments are going to backfire on him.

Welcome to DU Unbowed.

Al PNAC's strong arm politics and bombastic bullcrap, is starting to take a toll on the entire GOP's public image. Nobody believes the liars anymore, but the totally stupid.

to BLUFF his way outta the History Books as a LOSER.

FLOWERS my ASS

6-7, and 10-14 sure sound a lot like......Cuba. Thats 11 hits out of 14.

(Saying that your enemy is supporting the terrorists) the same as repression of all opposition and extreme nationalism? In a fascist government (like Nazi Germany), or in a communist government (like Soviet Russia), or in a government run by a dictator (Like Hussein's Iraq or Pinochet's Chile) this happened all the time. In those countries, rather than saying bad things about the people who oppose the government, like they do here, the governments would execute, imprison, or at least exile dissenters.

To say that this is a characteristic of fascism ignores the fact that it is ALSO a characteristic of despotism and some types of communism (among other types of government). To equate the government calling someone unpatriotic with imprisonment, torture, or execution just makes the analogy all the weaker.

Just my opinion, though.