More home grown fascism?

I've looked through the posts in this thread and came to the conclusion that each of us defining "fascism" in our own words is something that might help clarify where each of us is coming from.

My definition of fascism is having to do with right-wing authoritarian and nationalistic government. That would be akin to Nazi Germany and to Mussolini's Italy during WWII. Add to that the definition from some that includes fascism and corporatism being intertwined and interdependent, and one has to wonder how the OP is relevant regarding what's being both asked for and illustrated later in the thread.

Fascist regimes since that time might include virtually any nation having a government based upon oligarchical rule. Also includes plutocracy type governments.

I believe a police state may or may not be fascist. Communist Russia was considered a police state, but certainly not a fascist state.

My point is that just because there has arguably been a "militarization" of police forces here of late, that doesn't necessarily mean this has become a fascist state. Obama has been accused of being a socialist, fascist, Muslim, dictator, king, emperor, and much, much more. Whether this thread is about that is open to interpretation, I guess. But one thing appears clear to me - we each have our own interpretations of what fascism actually is.

ZHawke wrote:
My definition of fascism is having to do with right-wing authoritarian and nationalistic government.

Any problem with left wing authoritarians or is that just not possible in your world view?

"If you travel in the US do NOT carry money with you. It will be stolen by the police.
This holds regardless of nation, race or creed. Couple recent news stories from a quick google:

washingtonpost.com
washingtonpost.com
bbc.com


First article points out it's sort of a pathetic little police industry here, with consulting firms ready to lend a profiling hand on how to maximize profits.

And a particular sad specific case from my backyard: huffingtonpost.com .
It took four months for Beverly Greer to get her family's money back, and then only after attorney Andy Williams agreed to take their case. "The family produced the ATM receipts proving that had recently withdrawn the money," Williams says. "Beverly Greer had documentation for her disability check and her tax return. Even then, the police tried to keep their money."

www.siliconinvestor.com/readmsgs.aspx?su...ze=50&batchtype=Next

BlazerBob wrote:

ZHawke wrote:
My definition of fascism is having to do with right-wing authoritarian and nationalistic government.

Any problem with left wing authoritarians or is that just not possible in your world view?

"If you travel in the US do NOT carry money with you. It will be stolen by the police.
This holds regardless of nation, race or creed. Couple recent news stories from a quick google:

washingtonpost.com
washingtonpost.com
bbc.com


First article points out it's sort of a pathetic little police industry here, with consulting firms ready to lend a profiling hand on how to maximize profits.

And a particular sad specific case from my backyard: huffingtonpost.com .
It took four months for Beverly Greer to get her family's money back, and then only after attorney Andy Williams agreed to take their case. "The family produced the ATM receipts proving that had recently withdrawn the money," Williams says. "Beverly Greer had documentation for her disability check and her tax return. Even then, the police tried to keep their money."

www.siliconinvestor.com/readmsgs.aspx?su...ze=50&batchtype=Next

From my understanding, "Left Wing Authoritarians" are generally associated with Communism, BlazerBob. That isn't the same thing as Fascism.

Also, I'm not saying what's being pointed out in this thread is "right", either. I'm just asking whether confiscation of money in this fashion constitutes this being a "fascist state". To my way of thinking, it does not. Rather, this is more of an issue of corruption and/or opportunism than anything. Regardless, and for the record, it should NOT be allowed in any way, shape, or form.

ZHawke wrote: [

From my understanding, "Left Wing Authoritarians" are generally associated with Communism, BlazerBob. That isn't the same thing as Fascism.

Also, I'm not saying what's being pointed out in this thread is "right", either. I'm just asking whether confiscation of money in this fashion constitutes this being a "fascist state". To my way of thinking, it does not. Rather, this is more of an issue of corruption and/or opportunism than anything. Regardless, and for the record, it should NOT be allowed in any way, shape, or form.

I do not care to debate dictionary definitions with you Z. Feel free to think of it as despotism or tyranny or any other word your heart desires.

The point of the thread as well as many many others I have started is the growing control and regulations of our lives. From the lemonade stand police to college censorship.

I do not think calling it corruption is adequate. William J. Jefferson was corrupt. This is sanctioned by governments at various levels.

Continue to shoot straw men if you like but when citizens who are never charged with crimes have to sue for their own property we are in serious doo doo.

BlazerBob wrote: I do not care to debate dictionary definitions with you Z. Feel free to think of it as despotism or tyranny or any other word your heart desires.

The point of the thread as well as many many others I have started is the growing control and regulations of our lives. From the lemonade stand police to college censorship.

I do not think calling it corruption is adequate. William J. Jefferson was corrupt. This is sanctioned by governments at various levels.

Continue to shoot straw men if you like but when citizens who are never charged with crimes have to sue for their own property we are in serious doo doo.

You called it Fascism - I didn't. I guess we can call it a frog if we aren't going to label it correctly then.

I don't believe I shot a straw man here. Do you believe we live in a Fascist State? There are some who do. The issue of confiscation of property without probable cause is, in fact, an issue and a huge concern. I'm not saying it isn't. But to imply the U.S. is a Fascist state because of it is open to interpretation and to debate. That's all I'm trying to say.

That's fine. Call it a frog.

Saw this and thought it might be appropriate to this discussion:

Interesting and many on your list relates to leftist dictatorships too.

Funny, It looks like the latest republicans platform.....