Is the USA now on the fast-track to fascism?

Answer 1

Fascism: A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.

Since 9/11 the Bush administration has assumed a lot of new powers under the guise of making America safe (including looking into people's bank accounts, reading their private correspondence, arrest and detention without charges or access to due process). Opposition to government policiy has been combatted with allegations that the opponents support the terrorists and the media has become so right wing that liberal viewpoints are almost effectively censored. The invasion of Iraq on false pretexts and the encouragement of racism towards Arabs and Moslems certainly fit the bill on the last two points.

I'd say we have taken several large steps down the road to fascism. We aren't there yet (the Supreme Court wrist slap to Bush was a good step back from the brink) but still far too close for comfort.

Just because the Moral Majority hasn't handed out brown shirts to their followers and no one is brandishing a swastika doesn't mean that some scary changes aren't taking place.

Answer 2

On the fast track to fascism? Probably not.

On the slow path to authoritarianism? Possibly.

Fascism is been manifest in many ways. In fact, each fascist regime has practiced state control in somewhat different ways than others. Italian Fascism was different from Nazi Fascism which was worlds away from Argentine Fascism and Spanish Fascism. The sad truth is that there were strong fascist movements in every western nation, including the United States, before WW II. The basic elements of fascist regimes, stringent government controls, suppression of opposition, ardent nationalism and militarism have also been present in regimes that would not be considered fascist, but instead be considered authoritarian.

The historical irony is that the two most notorious fascist regimes came to power through the democratic process in Italy and in Germany. The dictatorships had established roots with the consent of the people. Nationalism can hold tremendous appeal for people wanting order or security.

So, is the United States on a fascist path? Unlikely, given our political development [though this was not always the case.] More likely it will be a slow transformation toward authoritarianism. This will happen using the mechanisms of the democratic process through elections and legislation. The effects will be to limit individual civil liberties and increase government control over economic and social affairs. There will be diminished rights to privacy and expression. There will be increased government surveillance of all people -- citizens as well as aliens.

Many of these actions will occur in the name of peace and security. "There is no price too high to pay in order to protect the American people." Even their liberty.

There has been a long struggle in the United States to make our society and governing process more inclusive. It is fundamental to the idea that the power to govern comes from the consent of the governed. It is no coincidence that the U.S. has become more prosperous as the degree of inclusion has increased. This has included women, blacks, immigrants and others, who have had their participation in our society recognized and secured.
Today, there are those in and out of government that say that some Americans do not belong. There is criticism for those who question authority or policy choices. They are called un-American. There are those who believe that others do not belong because of their heritage or their faith. There are those who believe that the freedom of conscience depends on whether they practice an acceptable faith. These are the cornerstones of intolerance. Intolerance is the seed that sprouts authoritarianism.

So, the United States won't likely become a fascist state, but it can still become diminished and become an authoritarian society. This will be unfortunate for the entire world. No authoritarian state has ever provided prosperity, supported innovation or advanced the welfare of mankind. It would be sad to see Pax Americana end on such a note.

Answer 3

No, we have a democratically voted on government. An economy based on free capitalism,and you and many others are not having your views/critisisms supressed by the government. fas·cism (fshzm) KEY

NOUN:

often Fascism
A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.
A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.
Oppressive, dictatorial control.
So,the answer to your question is NO.

Answer 4

Some of the hallmarks of fascism are: suppression of opposition through terror and censorship and a policy of belligerent nationalism. If anyone doesn't believe this describes what's been going on around here since W took office, you're living in a fantasy world.

Answer 5

American Heritage® Dictionary: Description of fascism
NOUN: 1. often Fascism a. A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism. b. A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.

uhmmm, sounds like right now, I'm a little scared to post this even. what kind of question is that? Are you trying to get us in trouble?
Disclaimer:
I don't mean anything disrespectful to our government by posting this. I am just addicted to Yahoo! answers and felt compelled to post, please forgive me!

Answer 6

the world is on a track towards fascism.

Answer 7

Most people don't even know what fascism is because no political parties identify themselves as fascists since the atrocities of the Hitler regime. There are only broad and sometimes controversial definitions of fascism because of the negative connotation it has held since WWII. There is one common attribute that is usually understood when a nation is called fascist. A nation is usually identified as fascist by its enemies in order to shed that enemy in a negative light.

Some widely agreed upon definitions of fascism are nationalistic, anti-communist, authoritarian and militaristic. Does the United States possess these qualities to the extent that it is a threat to its citizenry? NO.

The U.S. is increasingly nationalistic, especially since 9/11. I think when a country is called nationalist today, we have to differentiate from the nationalism of the mid 20th century. That older nationalism was largely economic and isolationist. That is not possible in the early 21st century, because of rapid globalization. American neo-nationalism is a purely political movement that stemmed from the political and economic blow at the very onset of this century. That blow came in the form of 9/11 and the economic stagnation that followed it. These events led Americans to be more gung-ho about their patriotism and to be more distrustful of foreigners. The American flag is displayed on the average day much more than it was pre 9/11. Most notably, it is private persons and organizations that have significantly increased displaying the flag. Political figures and federal buildings are expected to display such patriotism at times like these.

The U.S. has been anti-communist since the Cold War. No need to go into any details about that. We hate communism and we're proud of that!

Our current president does have some characteristics of authoritarian leaders namely his blatant disregard for the truth, his distrust of the 'sacred' separation of powers and his insistence on having his toe in all U.S. policies (specifically areas that the president doesn't usually play a prominent role). However, we still have a democratic state and he will be leaving the office in '08 (can't wait). As much as Mr. Bush doesn't like it, there are still checks and balances in place that prevent him from transforming the US into the authoritarian regime he would like.

The United States is the world superpower. It only makes sense that we would have the best military in the World. We have to defend ourselves. Threat of force is the only language that any political entitiy (elected or not) understands. We are militarized, we have spent more money on military since being attacked and thats a good thing as long as its going to the right cause.

In conclusion, does the U.S. have characteristics of fascism. Yes. Is that a bad thing and are we in danger of becoming a nation that is comparable to Hitler's Germany or Mussolini's Italy? Hell NO!

Why not? 1) The American people will not allow it. 2) The international community would frown on it.

Americans have an innate yearning for freedom and civil liberties. Although Americans have chose to yield some of our liberties in exchange for national security, there are still many civil libertarians (like me) reminding people of the ideals that this country was built on. It is a normal reaction to react in that way after being attacked by terrorist but we will return to our (American) liberal roots because it's etfched in our Constitution.

Although we're the superpower, we do have to consider the effects of our actions on major international actors like the E.U., the U.N. , our allies, friends and neighbors. For example, we're never going to militarize the Canadian border because Canada is our friend. The international community, our allies and friends as well as WWII vets would frown upon the U.S. turing fascist. It will never happen.

Answer 8

No, not at all. You wouldn't be asking this question if you understood fascism. Anybody who thinks Bush or the GOP are fascist are idiots.

Answer 9

Bush Grandfather profitted from the Holocaust.

Answer 10

Only if the Democrats get into power...for example look at the Nazi party platform from the 1930's.

Read the NAZI platform carefully. It parallels with current democrat policy.
EG
Nazis:
Were socialists
Supported gun control
Wanted public references to God removed.
Were pro abortion
Were pro human expirementation. (In fact, they did this. VILE)
Wanted total socioeconomic control over people's lives.
Believed in a one world government.

None of this sounds like Republicans to me.\