Ten Characteristics of a Fascist
DONALD TRUMP IS LEADING A FASCIST MOVEMENT
That is not what I defended as a soldier. Farmers, minorities, women, youth, elderly, middle class, poor, our world reputation and our democracy are suffering. No one candidate owns the rights to the issues we all seem to agree on. We need a united Democratic platform and candidates with COMPETENCE and CHARACTER.
Key Characteristics of Fascism (Encyclopedia Britannica)
Authoritarian Leadership: Fascist regimes are typically led by a single, charismatic leader who centralizes power and suppresses opposition. This leader often embodies the state and is seen as a symbol of national unity.
Extreme Nationalism: Fascism promotes a strong sense of national pride and identity, often at the expense of other nations or ethnic groups. This nationalism can lead to xenophobia and the demonization of perceived enemies.
Militarism: Fascist states glorify military power and often prioritize military spending over social programs. The military is seen as a vital component of national strength and unity.
Suppression of Dissent: Fascist regimes typically employ censorship, propaganda, and violence to eliminate opposition. Political dissent is often met with harsh penalties, including imprisonment or execution. (Stephen Colbert)
Control of Media: The government often controls or heavily influences the media to propagate its ideology and suppress alternative viewpoints. This control can take the form of direct censorship or the promotion of state-friendly narratives. (Trump has sued ABC, CBS and other media)
Cult of Personality: Fascist leaders often cultivate a cult of personality, where they are portrayed as infallible and essential to the nation's success. This can involve extensive propaganda and public displays of loyalty.
Anti-Communism and Anti-Liberalism: Fascism is opposed to communism, socialism, and liberal democracy, viewing them as threats to national unity and stability. This opposition manifests in violent repression of leftist movements.
Racial or Ethnic Purity: Fascist movements emphasize racial or ethnic purity, promoting the idea that the nation should be composed of a single, White group. This leads to discriminatory policies and violence against minorities. (ICE and DEI)
Economic Control: While fascism allows for private property, it often involves significant state intervention in the economy, with the government directing economic activity to serve national interests.
Use of Scapegoats: Fascist movements often identify scapegoats—such as immigrants, ethnic minorities, or political opponents—to blame for societal problems, redirecting public anger away from the government. (They're eating the dogs...and the cats.)