This post is based on this link, that describes 14 characteristics of fascism:
http://www.omnicenter.org/warpeacecollection/facism.htm#14fascismI took quick stab at looking at these characteristics and seeing if they apply to the United States. I think one has to conclude that we are making strides towards fascism.
Powerful and Continuing Nationalism -- We are certainly nationalistic. Jet fights and military presence at football games are a good example, as is our go-it-alone approach to international affairs and our knee-jerk opposition to any country that disagrees with us.
Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights -- The Patriot Act allows us to violate human rights; the lack of accountability (so far) on Abu Ghraib; the fact that our government sends suspects to countries that use torture, are legitimate examples of where we do not respect human rights. Many Arabs have left the United States because of disdain for human rights. (Are we as bad as Hitler or Mussolini? Of course not.)
Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause -- Yes, clearly, we're in a You're either with us or against us frame of mine. How many times have I seen on this site that if you don't support the war, you're unpatriotic or unAmerican!
Supremacy of the Military -- Well, I don't know if I would say the military is Supreme, but Rumsfeld was able to orchestrate a war, the military does get massive funding, and military service is certainly glamorized.
Rampant Sexism -- I don't think sexism is rampant here, but, whether in high offices, corporate boardrooms, the military, or the Supreme Court, women are extremely underrepresented. And, television, as of late has objectified women in a way not seen since the early 70s.
Controlled Mass Media -- Bush attempted that by paying "legitimate" reporters to propagandize. The fact that the major media is in the hands of only a few major corporations creates a sort of corporate/government media alliance. Our mass media is controlled by government allies. (That said, I don't think our mass media is nearly as bad as in places like China or Cuba.)
Obsession with National Security -- Obviously, we have an obsession with national security, and are willing to launch multiple wars and deprive people of their rights. In addition, we use fear as a constant tactic. I think it's interesting that we had no terrorist attacks here during Katrina and Rita, when our government was at its weakest. I think Al Qaida is a lot weaker than Bush has claimed, though now the Iraq War appears to be making it stronger.
Religion and Government are Intertwined -- We're clearly seeing more and more of that.
Corporate Power is Protected -- That's clearly true. Corporations have rights to privacy and secrecy that allow them to become corrupt. The lack of regulation has certainly protected corporate power.
Labor Power is Suppressed -- That's certainly been true for a number of years, with efforts to weaken unions by allowing people to opt out of unions, and making it more difficult for unions to get a foothold in companies. Workers are largely at the mercy of their employers who, fortunately, are often reasonable people.
Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts -- Well, that's true, too. Just think of the attacks of the "intellectual elite," the court cases to censor controversial art, the skyrocketing costs of college education, and cutbacks to arts programs in many school districts and as reflected in cutbacks to the NEA.
Obsession with Crime and Punishment -- Police have tremendous power, and their power has been increasing. Further, the right to wiretap, to look at library records, and so on is undermining our individual liberties. The ridiculous 3 strikes your out law is another example of our obsession with crime and punishment. The misuse of the death penalty is yet another example.
Rampant Cronyism and Corruption -- I strongly suspect this is the case. Halliburton is the most obvious example of corruption while Michael Brown is an example of cronyism. There are many other examples, some already starting to emerge from the hurricane devastated areas.
Fraudulent Elections -- There's evidence of fraud in the last two presidential elections. Of course, it's difficult to prove, especially since people who like the outcome are in power and don't really want to listen.
So, are we fascist. Not yet, but we are moving in that direction.
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