MB Civic

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 at 9:14 AM and filed under Articles, Politics. Follow comments here with the RSS 2.0 feed. Skip to the end and leave a response. Trackbacks are closed.

2 Responses to “  Is America Fascist? : Information Clearing House – ICH”

1. Ian Alterman said:

   [This is a reply I posted in response to an item on Michael’s personal blog the day before he posted this article on Civic.]

   As one who just heard Naomi Wolf speak on this very topic, and who recently watched Naomi Klein’s brilliant speech on same, this has been very much on my mind as well.

   Wolf and Klein both speak about “the 10 steps necessary for a fascistic group (or government) to destroy the democratic character of a nation-state and subvert the social/political liberty previously exercised by its citizens.” Wolf notes that these ten steps have been used by EVERY SINGLE DICTATOR in history, both major (Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin) and “petty” (Pol Pot, Pinochet et al).

   Here are the ten steps, for which I offer possible examples vis-a-vis the U.S.:

   1. Invoke a terrifying internal and external enemy. “Islamic terrorism” is our preferred scapegoat. This step also includes the creation of an ongoing “climate of fear,” for which the (never-ending) “war on terror” serves perfectly.

   2. Create secret prisons where torture takes place. Although Guantanamo is not exactly “secret,” it was not well known at first. As well, we know that the U.S. has been involved in “extraordinary rendition” throughout the world.

   3. Develop a thug caste or paramilitary force not answerable to citizens. I wonder how many people are aware that the U.S. government has a formal contract with Blackwater to serve at the pleasure of the president “during times of national crisis or emergency.” [N.B. Combine this with the evisceration of the Posse Comitatus Act – and the fact that the president can now unilaterally declare martial law, WITHOUT the consent of Congress – and there is real cause for concern.]

   4. Set up an internal surveillance system. Beyond the obvious (illegal wiretapping, etc.), there has been a remarkable increase in c/c cameras and other law enforcement surveillance of late.

   5. Harass citizens’ groups. This has occurred almost regularly throughout the past few decades, most recently re the RNC in NYC. As well, consider the following from a recent NYT editorial: “Attorney General Michael Mukasey recently issued new guidelines for the F.B.I. that permit agents to use a range of intrusive techniques to gather information on Americans — even when there is no clear basis for suspecting wrongdoing. Under the new rules, agents may engage in lengthy physical surveillance, covertly infiltrate lawful groups, or conduct pretext interviews in which agents lie about their identities while questioning a subject’s neighbors, friends or work colleagues based merely on a generalized ‘threat.’”

   6. Engage in arbitrary detention and release. I wonder if everyone is aware that most of those detained in the “war on terror” (e.g., at Guantanamo) were eventually released with no charges filed.

   7. Target key individuals. Does Obama pal around with terrorists? ‘Nuff said. Actually, Wolf suggests that the next “key individuals” to be targeted will be those in the so-called liberal media. I am also going to go out on a limb and predict that some scientists will also be targeted.

   8. Control the press. Given the incestuous relationship between the government and corporate-controlled media, this is pretty much a done deal. See also Michael’s blog entry for 9/14.

   9. Treat all political dissidents as traitors. We are already hearing words like “traitor” being thrown around. Also, consider that passage of the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Act would, in fact, make certain dissenting speech “treasonous.”

   10. Suspend the rule of law. We may not be there yet as a general matter, but we are at very least seeing the executive branch declare itself ABOVE the law: executive orders, signing statements, etc. are all ways of circumventing or nullifying the law.

   Throw into this mix the fascistic tendencies of the extreme wing of the Christian Right (as explained by Hedges, among others), the agglomeration of numerous industries (media, energy, food, entertainment, finance, etc.) into an ever-smaller number of companies (and individuals), and the ever-widening wealth gap, and we are well on our way.

   I would add also that the current global economic meltdown – which began here in the U.S. – almost certainly plays into the hands of that ever-smaller number of individuals. Consider the following quote from Mayer Amschel Rothschild, founder of the Rothschild banking family: “Give me control of a nation’s money and I care not who makes her laws.” Give very careful consideration to that statement as the U.S. government (and its cronies on Wall Street) essentially takes over the banks as part of the so-called “bailout.”

   Finally, Wolf made a very critical point: she said that because the ten steps are usually gradual – and because there is a propaganda element involved – the general populace will actually WELCOME these steps because they will be “sold” as helping to provide “security” and betterment for the masses.

   The question now is: can the (mostly subtle) march toward proto-totalitarianism be stopped?

   Peace.

   Posted on 21-Oct-08 at 4:09 pm | Permalink
2. Michael Butler said:

   You are so right on with your comment. This is a condition which must be pursued with vigor. Many countries have fallen for spin waking up to find the barbarians in control.MB

   Posted on 21-Oct-08 at 8:48 pm | Permalink