To: i-node who wrote (435401 ) 11/18/2008 12:24:06 AM From: tejek Read Replies (1) | Respond to Fully half of Hitlers 25 points are in direct alignment with modern-day progressivism found in this country. The concept of fascism is the importance of the homeland. All citizens must be committed to its defense and must show loyalty to the symbols that represent it. That was America's racism coming to the surface. Had there been a GOP president the same thing would have happened. It does not....liberals never invoke nationalism, militarism and patriotism like you guys do. In fact, you drive us nuts with that stuff. The important thing to remember is that facism is conservatism run amok. I know of no conservative who "demands" patriotism; however, many conservatives are disgusted by those who receive the benefits of living in the United States yet have no allegiance to it. I am among that group. As to "nationalism", it is an outgrowth of popular sovereignty which was expressed in this country by everyone from Ben Franklin to Mark Twain. "What American 'conservatism' has become fits closely within the definition of fascism: an intensely nationalist movement intent on defining membership in the 'nation' on linguistic, religious, and (increasingly) ethnic/racial criteria, accompanied by an unquestioning loyalty to (male) authority, enshrined in family leaders, business leaders, religious leaders, and especially, the leader of the nation, who is seen as embodying the Nation. Loyalty to the Party or Movement and its ideology is of great importance. Violence is the preferred means of accomplishing goals. Diplomacy, compromise, negotiation, are all identified with (feminine) weakness. The rule of law is also despised, because it lacks the immediacy of (violent) action, and its emphasis on balance and its concern with proper procedure is also seen as a sign of (feminine) weakness.
