Do You Think Trump is a Wannabe Fascist Dictator?

 Fascism is an extreme right-wing, authoritarian, and ultranationalist political ideology that emerged in the early 20th-century Europe. Probably the most recognized of Fascist leaders is Benito Mussolini of Italy. Recognizing and taking advantage of a splintering Italian society (caused by the upheaval of WW I), Mussolini formed the Fascist Party in 1919. In 1922 Mussolini and his Fascist Party took control of the Italian government and remained in power until 1943.    

Key tenants of Fascist leadership include intense nationalism, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, the neutering of any power-limiting government checks and balances, the top-down control of society and the subordination of individual interests (except for the elite supporters of the government or the Fascist Party) to the perceived good of the nation or race. 

Over time, Fascist rule develops a system that not only elevates the leader to a cult figure, but places decision-making entirely in the purview of the leader, abnegating all responsibility for any decision at lower levels. At the same time, such a politically corrupt Fascist system of government rewards subservience, servility, obsequiousness and sycophancy. In addition, previously independently elected or appointed representative bodies of government become no more vehicles of propaganda and acclamation of the Fascist leader. Organized opposition in such a situation is as good as impossible to construct. Under this system of government, whether fawningly or cynically, the Fascist leader is told repeatedly that he is infallible and comes to believe these blandishments and acts accordingly. 

There is another constant that is consistent with Fascist leaders and the government they control: They always, always end badly. Not just for the Fascist leader, but also for a society that allows such a leader to attain and retain power. 

So, with this short tutorial on Fascism. Does that help you make your decision about Trump?


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