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Thoughts on Usage of the M-Word and Fascism [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2023-07-13

MAGA (Make America Great Again) is a term used to describe what is essentially a broad reactionary nationalist movement directly created and manipulated by fascist elements, most Republicans, and of course Trump himself. It has attracted both cult-like Trump followers and very ordinary Americans, perhaps even 1/3 of the people in the office you work at. Or some of your relatives and even members of your own family.

It should also be remembered that most Americans are not familiar with text book definitions of fascism and don’t know and are not aware if they fit the definition themselves. Most do know it’s a bad thing and that people like Hitler and the Nazi were called fascists. And not too much more.

Focusing on the Consequences of Fascism .

One of the many awful consequences of fascism.

By calling the MAGA crowd all fascists or using the forbidden “m” word insult term, we are magnifying their numbers and lumping them all together. That’s what Trump himself does when he brags about all those who voted for him in 2016. When it come to fascist movements, few are aware of where their leadership is taking them.

So while I have no problem calling the Republican Party fascist at this juncture or most if not all of their leaders, I believe it both inaccurate and counterproductive to call everyone that voted for Trump a fascist. Or any given American who is associated with MAGA. You can and should identify the leadership goals as fascist because that can lead to a discussion on the consequences of fascism.

MAGA Goals.

What made Arnold’s anti-fascism speech of value was its personal mention of its consequences in his life.

Talking about the consequences of fascism and the goals of the MAGA movement are much more important than the names you call them. Fascist tendencies can be found everywhere in America. Racism and white supremacy being the main feeders lines into of the most die-hard functional fascists.

Probably close to the majority of white Americans are potential fascists at this point in history. But let’s not throw in the towel yet. Remember, Trump counts on his supporters to focus on his narrow interests and offers nothing of substance. It that regards he remains vulnerable. He’s a paper image of a real leader. There is an unlimited number of derogatory adjectives to describe Trump (Hustler, Grifter, Greedy,Liar, Dictator, etc.) but it may be better to describe the deadly road he will lead them down and what demons he will turn loose.

I especially liked Arnold’s speech on fascism as it focused on what the personal consequences of fascism would be and what it would do to them personally.

So rather than debating on name calling, we should talk as much as possible on what the true motives and plans of the fascists are and why they want to destroy democracy. And why it is the strength of our country and NOT a liberal weakness. And give them up front the three inter-related goals of fascism. They want a dictatorship, a corporate dominated one, and one that you can never vote out of office.

A Few Words on the Fly Larvae Ban

I suppose it wouldn’t be right to end this article without commenting more directly on this whole “m” word banning business here at KOS. Like any other term, the use of terms that compare groups of people to fly larvae should be evaluated on the basis of whether they advance a truth or progressive goal or not. And not whether they appeal to our egos, personal angers or demonstrate our rank out abilities. The second criteria should be will the words be understood in the way we want them to be understood?

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