Reply #154: My philosophical meter does not have "left/right" indicators;

[Walt Disney]

rather, it depicts good vs. bad and/or freedom vs. tyranny. Moreover, Mussolini, the original fascist, was a socialist and most folks who use left/right descriptions, place socialism on the left.

But you are right about one thing--there is nothing liberal about fascism. Likewise, there is nothing liberal about Hugo Chavez.

Like Mussolini, Chavez has created his fascist state though the use of propaganda, control of the media and the torture and imprisonment of his adversaries. He has expanded his personal power at the expense of the legislature, stacked the courts and recently indicated that he would seek to rule Venezuela for 25 years. And like Mussolini and Hitler, he has a penchant for military attire and Gestapo style salutes.

So, my friend, you can label it whatever helps you rationalize the endorsement of a tyrant.

As for me, I will call it what it is, and it is fascism.