Fascism is a word we all hear on a regular basis. We hear it in the news, we hear it on the streets, we hear it from the talking heads on the news. What exactly does it mean? We hear about how Hitler was a "Right Wing Fascist" and Stalin was a "Left Wing Fascist". Does that even make sense?
We at the 57th Signature find it very important that things are defined correctly. I would much rather prefer clarity over agreement (to quote the great Denis Praeger). So what exactly is Fascism?
Fascism is defined here http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fascism
1.
(sometimes initial capital letter) a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism.
2.
(sometimes initial capital letter) the philosophy, principles, or methods of fascism.
The root of the word is often disputed, and there are two good Etymological explinations of the word. The first is "Bundle" fascio.
The Second root is fasce, Latin for "Stick".
The basis of Fascism is to "Rule by Force". Using our Etymological data, we can refer to it by our first root as "Rule the Bundle" or "Rule by the Stick". Either way, Fascism is bad news.
So how is Fascism manifesting itself in today's world? Is there Fascism in the common era?
Yes, there is. You must look at what groups of people or countries are trying to "Rule by The stick" or "Rule the Bundle". If congress passes a law that says you have to wear a seat belt while driving a car, is that fascism? Indeed it is. If they did pass such a law, it would be the governments way of using force (or using the stick) to control the people (or the bundle). If you refuse to obey such a law because you think that the people of a society should be free to make their own decisions, (no matter how foolish) then the government will use force to punish you. You may be pulled over, fined, or jailed depending on what the laws are.
An law of this kind would be a act of Fascism. Even though it is a small version of Fascism, it is Fascism none-the-less.
I would submit to you all: Watch your rights carefully, or you will lose them!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
" If congress passes a law that says you have to wear a seat belt while driving a car, is that fascism? Indeed it is. If they did pass such a law, it would be the governments way of using force (or using the stick) to control the people (or the bundle). If you refuse to obey such a law because you think that the people of a society should be free to make their own decisions, (no matter how foolish) then the government will use force to punish you."
ReplyDeleteMY question to you is this: If what you say is accurate of fascism, which I agree that it is (paticularly with seatbelts); what makes one law just and another law fascist. Could a person who habitually smoke Marijuana say "I'm not hurting anyone, keep you fascist laws out of my life" ? Marijuana is not the topic, but as a drug is probably less damaging then most painkillers or alcohol. So how does the law distinguish between Fascism and Social Order?
This is a whole other topic for another day. Let me briefly explain to you what a Right is.
ReplyDeleteA Right is rule that protects your freedom WITHOUT depriving another of their rights, safety, or propery.
Serious debate is required to figure out if drugs or chemicals that are used personally. Does the consumption of drugs do enough dammage to yourself where it actually affects other people? In the case of a DWI, this is pretty obvious. By driving drunk, you are robbing the expectation of safety from other people on the road. Very good question!
Hey, John - interesting analysis - just one thing's bothering me.... While you're putting such emphasis on proper definitions, go look up "Entomology". If something about that BUGS you, try "Etymology"...
ReplyDeleteJust in the interest of clarity....
Our Editing Team (or lack of) must have missed it. Thank god our readers care!
ReplyDeleteI must admit jeff that I laughed when I read your comment because I thought you were messing with me. I feel like a dolt for missing such an obvious error!