A few nights ago, just before bedtime, I was swimming a final blog lap for the day and came upon an entry at my friend Rand Simberg’s blog, Transterrestrial Musings. It was a simple comment about Mike Huckabee’s plan to be “energy free by 2017.” Rand was merely pointing out that a commenter had made the coveted Simpsons Nerd / Physics Nerd / Political Nerd trifecta: “In this campaign we obey the laws of thermodynamics!”
Ha-ha! And now a quick scan of the comments before off to bed…
…and I find the following – apropos of precisely nothing – nasty little cut-and-paste slash job:
Have you considered the possibility yet that you might be ignorant American redneck hillbilly fascists?Analysis of these seven regimes reveals fourteen common threads that link them in recognizable patterns of national behavior and abuse of power. These basic characteristics are more prevalent and intense in some regimes than in others, but they all share at least some level of similarity.
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.
5. Rampant sexism. Beyond the simple fact that the political elite and the national culture were male-dominated, these regimes inevitably viewed women as second-class citizens. They were adamantly anti-abortion and also homophobic. These attitudes were usually codified in Draconian laws that enjoyed strong support by the orthodox religion of the country, thus lending the regime cover for its abuses.
6. A controlled mass media. Under some of the regimes, the mass media were under strict direct control and could be relied upon never to stray from the party line. Other regimes exercised more subtle power to ensure media orthodoxy. Methods included the control of licensing and access to resources, economic pressure, appeals to patriotism, and implied threats. The leaders of the mass media were often politically compatible with the power elite. The result was usually success in keeping the general public unaware of the regimes’ excesses.
7. Obsession with national security. Inevitably, a national security apparatus was under direct control of the ruling elite. It was usually an instrument of oppression, operating in secret and beyond any constraints. Its actions were justified under the rubric of protecting “national security,” and questioning its activities was portrayed as unpatriotic or even treasonous.
8. Religion and ruling elite tied together. Unlike communist regimes, the fascist and protofascist regimes were never proclaimed as godless by their opponents. In fact, most of the regimes attached themselves to the predominant religion of the country and chose to portray themselves as militant defenders of that religion. The fact that the ruling elite’s behavior was incompatible with the precepts of the religion was generally swept under the rug. Propaganda kept up the illusion that the ruling elites were defenders of the faith and opponents of the “godless.” A perception was manufactured that opposing the power elite was tantamount to an attack on religion.
9. Power of corporations protected. Although the personal life of ordinary citizens was under strict control, the ability of large corporations to operate in relative freedom was not compromised. The ruling elite saw the corporate structure as a way to not only ensure military production (in developed states), but also as an additional means of social control. Members of the economic elite were often pampered by the political elite to ensure a continued mutuality of interests, especially in the repression of “have-not” citizens.
10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated. Since organized labor was seen as the one power center that could challenge the political hegemony of the ruling elite and its corporate allies, it was inevitably crushed or made powerless. The poor formed an underclass, viewed with suspicion or outright contempt. Under some regimes, being poor was considered akin to a vice.
11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts. Intellectuals and the inherent freedom of ideas and expression associated with them were anathema to these regimes. Intellectual and academic freedom were considered subversive to national security and the patriotic ideal. Universities were tightly controlled; politically unreliable faculty harassed or eliminated. Unorthodox ideas or expressions of dissent were strongly attacked, silenced, or crushed. To these regimes, art and literature should serve the national interest or they had no right to exist.
12. Obsession with crime and punishment. Most of these regimes maintained Draconian systems of criminal justice with huge prison populations. The police were often glorified and had almost unchecked power, leading to rampant abuse. “Normal” and political crime were often merged into trumped-up criminal charges and sometimes used against political opponents of the regime. Fear, and hatred, of criminals or “traitors” was often promoted among the population as an excuse for more police power.
13. Rampant cronyism and corruption. Those in business circles and close to the power elite often used their position to enrich themselves. This corruption worked both ways; the power elite would receive financial gifts and property from the economic elite, who in turn would gain the benefit of government favoritism. Members of the power elite were in a position to obtain vast wealth from other sources as well: for example, by stealing national resources. With the national security apparatus under control and the media muzzled, this corruption was largely unconstrained and not well understood by the general population.
14. Fraudulent elections. Elections in the form of plebiscites or public opinion polls were usually bogus. When actual elections with candidates were held, they would usually be perverted by the power elite to get the desired result. Common methods included maintaining control of the election machinery, intimidating and disenfranchising opposition voters, destroying or disallowing legal votes, and, as a last resort, turning to a judiciary beholden to the power elite.
Does any of this ring alarm bells? Of course not. After all, this is America, officially a democracy with the rule of law, a constitution, a free press, honest elections, and a well-informed public constantly being put on guard against evils. Historical comparisons like these are just exercises in verbal gymnastics. Maybe, maybe not.
Posted by american at December 12, 2007 07:24 PM
Now I see this sort of nonsense all the time. But for some reason, the sheer inappropriateness of it – the random, smug, bastardousity of it just got to me. I am somewhat ashamed to say it woke my inner Balrog:
And so, despite the lateness of the hour, I responded on the fly and wrote this (with three or four additional sentences added this evening):
Carl Sagan, when responding in detail to the obvious lunacy in Velikovsky’s WORLDS IN COLLISION thesis, said that doing so “sharpened the mind for useful work."I don’t really have the time to do this correctly, but just as something to do over a milk and cookie before bed:
American, have you considered the possibility you might be a f**king idiot?
1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism. During WWII, “Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism” were indeed common in Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Imperial Japan. They were identically common in the United States, Great Britain and the Soviet Union. If patriotic displays are the sign of fascism and anti-fascism equally, then it seems to me you have proven nothing.
2. Disdain for the importance of human rights. Nowhere on the planet is there greater legal protection of individual rights than in ignorant redneck hillbilly fascist America. The Bill of Rights, with its iron-clad protections against self-incrimination and double-jeopardy (not to mention the writ of habeas corpus and the presumption of innocence), have never been matched in human history. And these protections are being strengthened, rather than weakened over time, as confessional protections and Miranda rights clearly show.
3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause. Two concepts; let’s take them separately. Identification of Enemies: Al Qaeda was identified – rather slyly on our part – by the fact that they flew airplanes into Manhattan and Washington and then took credit for it. If that does not clear your bar as a realistic and accurate measure of a real – not imaginary – enemy, then you fail the Reasonable Man test. This will comes as more of a shock to you than it does to us. Second, a “scapegoat” is used to focus the rage of a group or individual on another to make up for slights and humiliations. It is the refuge of a loser… such as humiliated Germany in the 20’s and 30’s. The United States, you museum-grade idiot, is the most successful society in history: not just economically and militarily (as if that wasn’t enough) but also as the undisputed leader in science and technology, the arts, music, film and overall cultural influence. There has never been a people less in need of a scapegoat than Americans. YOU, however, are a loser. And your search for a scapegoat is rather pathetically unraveling.
4. The supremacy of the military/avid militarism. Look at photos of genuinely fascist regimes: everyone is in uniform in 1930’s Germany. How many military uniforms do you see, today, in an American shopping mall, sporting event, or simple drive down the street? You’re an idiot. And you’re not an American, clearly… Socky McPuppet.
5. Rampant sexism. You describe Fascist societies as “male-dominant.” Watch American TV – which is the cultural pulse – and tell me where you have EVER seen a less ‘male-dominant’ paradigm: men are portrayed as idiots, louts, well-meaning dofuses, crybabies or rapists. This is the least ‘male-dominant’ society on record. Please elaborate on the “draconian laws” that keep women in their place in this country. I have four bosses, and three of them are women. We have a female Secretary of State, a female Speaker of the House and (likely) a female Democratic Presidental candidate. And I am now beginning to see that these arguments of yours are so pathetic that I am beginning to suspect my friend Rand is having me on.
6. A controlled mass media. You must be referring to those vast right-wing juggernauts of CBS, CNN, MSNBC: all in lockstep with the “ruling elite.” Not a word of criticism of those in power is ever heard there! Rand! You bastard! I’m onto you.
7. Obsession with national security. I am obsessed with national security to the extent that I think that’s where the threats are. But I am not a member of the ‘secret national security apparatus.’ Protesters march every weekend in this country and mouth the most vile personal attacks against elected officials without any repercussions. Now what is the difference between a Secret National Security Apparatus that never takes any action, and no ‘apparatus’ at all? That’s right. None. Idiot.
8. Religion and ruling elite tied together. President Bush appears to be a genuinely religious man. He has that right, you moron. Please show me where Bush (or anyone) has forced religious convictions, training, attendance or philosophy on anyone Hello? Idiot? Are you still there?
9. Power of corporations protected. The next sentence has within it, “although the personal life of ordinary citizens was under strict control…”Hahahahahaha!!! Hilarious! You’re a comedy genius. As to corporations, it is true they do not obey the same laws as ordinary citizens. The rules corporations must follow – environmental, regulatory, etc. – are many orders of magnitude more restrictive than those people must follow. Those corporate executives that fail to obey the laws are put in jail. Google KENNETH LAY, you nitwit. Furthermore, you make the common leftist pinhead assumption that a corporation is a titanium BattleMech dropped from orbit. A Corporation, moron, is nothing more than a group of people banding together for a common goal. I am myself a corporation, and a part of many others. I guess that means I’m responsible (as management) for my own strict control (as a shuffling prole.) Douchebag.
10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated. No, you can’t turn on any of the government-controlled news outlets without seeing daily the shooting and arrest of union leaders trying to organize workers. You are a tool. How long has it been since there was national coverage of the WGA strike? Half an hour, maybe? Whatever decline in Union power in the USA is related to the fact that more people have taken control of their lives in the information economy and function as freelancers. People are free-er (But not you. You’re still chained to idiot ideologies. They suit you. You wear them very well.)
11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts. I work in show biz, you magnificent imbecile. We are about to enter ‘kudos season’ – a three month orgy of no less than 20 nationally televised award shows for artists. Poor actors, their voices are soooo suppressed in this fascist culture. As for ‘intellectuals,” they do not need to mocked or suppressed. They beclown themselves with such regularity that the word “intellectual” generates peals of laughter. There is no one as stupid as Ward Churchill. I didn’t ‘suppress’ him. He suppresses himself every time he opens his mouth.
12. Obsession with crime and punishment. As for the “draconian law enforcement state” see 2, above. Regarding the “glorified” police forces…. How many actors can you name? How many sports figures? How many singers? Hundreds? Thousands? Now, how many policemen can you name? How can they stand all that glory? Moving on: Name a political prisoner in the US. No fair including guys like Mumia who parenthetically happened to kill a few policemen. Name a person held in US prisons who is there charged for political views only, without any accompanying criminal charge. Putz.
13. Rampant cronyism and corruption. Had you been living on Earth, and not en route across the light-years from distant Asshatia, you would have noticed that in 2006 the incumbent party was thrown out of office for levels of corruption remarkably below that of most every other country on the planet. "Earmarks," disturbing as they are, nevertheless are not in fact illegal. There are indeed a very few countries with less corruption than the US, but they don’t make a damn thing or contribute a particle to human advancement. It's easy to referee a game that is not in motion! To say that corruption is rampant and unchecked is to swear on a stack of Bibles that you have no idea what you are talking about.
14. Fraudulent elections. Thank you, “American,” from the bottom of my heart, for saving this for last. The Miami Herald did a very, very in-depth study of the 2000 election in Florida. Here are the facts: Bush won the first mechanical count. Bush won the subsequent mechanical recount. That is all constitutional law required. But Bush then went on the win the third mechanical count. Bush then won the hand recount, where election officials read tea leaves and chicken entrails to determine a voter’s ‘intent.’ As far as ‘judicial selection’ goes, the Constitution requires that electors be present in Washington at a certain date. The Supreme Court merely told the Florida court that it is not allowed to continue to recount and recount and recount and recount until it gets the result they desire. The Supreme Court did NOT “select” Bush. They told Florida to have their electors on time. This is the essence of a lawful and orderly society. Tanks did not roll. Gunfire was not heard in the halls of the Congress, as they are no doubt in whatever little shithole you are writing from. I voted for Gore in 2000, to my everlasting shame, and I was immediately convinced that he had lost and was deeply embarrassed by the showboating. NIXON, evil EVIL Nixon conceded the 1960 election with far, far stronger case because he knew what was good for the country.
“American,” I went to some small trouble to show you that you will be better served returning to Kos and DU, realms where fact and logic – not to mention a wee bit of eduction – have never impeded the adulation due to a flimsy, pathetic rant like yours. You’re a little out of your league here, I think.
Also, you're a f**king jerk.
PS
Hey Rand!
Posted by Bill Whittle at December 13, 2007 01:00 AM
Many people hear or read something like “american’s” rant and think that because it is structured and literate there must be something to it. How many college students today, when presented with such nonsense, would read it and think that they are approaching the days of a Nazi state?
Lots.
Damn it! Lots of them would. Why? Because, like the 9/11 conspiracy “troofers,” no one bothers to call these people out. Thinking about this response took half again as long as actually typing it did: which is to say a few minutes. That is because I know how far from reality this diatribe is. These are things I think about every day, and likely, so do you. Realizing from scratch that his point was absurd, the specifics were easy.
We can no longer afford to let this anti-American garbage pass unchallenged. As a kind and secure people, we tend to let a lot of this go under the bridge, but this kind of crap gets more and more traction, and those days I think must come to an end for a while.
Now normally I do not employ personal ridicule, but I was writing in the heat of the moment and I thought it was no less than such a puerile attempt deserved. These people need to be challenged, factually defeated, thrashed, and mocked.
There was a time when common sense was prevalent enough that arguments this absurd would be laughed at on the street. I mean to return to those times, one self-righteous idiot at a time.