Let's call this my return to political writing, between books and music reviews it's been a while. But never fear I'm back. But this time there isn't a primary for me to predict.
I, for one, am getting sick of all these health care town halls. It has gotten out of control. People yelling, and carrying signs talking about Nazi "Death Panels" and Obama is Hitler 2.0 (now with the internet!). Then these people started bringing guns. First there was one, then at an Obama event earlier this week 12 people had handguns and one had an assault rifle. Free speech (in this case symbolic speech) is one thing and that 2nd amendment business is something else, but there was clearly an intent to terrorize and make a point.
But back to the point about Nazism. These people don't get it. Here's a lesson in comparative politics for you:
Democrats: Left-wing party
Republicans: Right-wing party
We can all agree on that right? Now lets add in Communism, Socialism, and Nazism/Fascism. Communism is by virtue of the egalitarian nature of the system a left wing ideology, but in true communism there is no ruling party (oligarchy). Modern Communism is more like a dictatorship wrapped in a fancy "we are all equals" package. "True" Communism, the way Marx and Engels (and to a lesser extent others) envisioned has never been practiced on a large scale.
Socialism, is very different than communism, but is also a left ideology. Socialism is by no means a political system. Any country with a "socialist party" when you look at the characteristics of that party are actually Social Democrats or Democratic Socialists (the difference is negligible). These parties favor governments running vital parts of the country, which in the case of those in Europe lumps things like the police, highway maintenance, and military in with things like healthcare. They deem these so vital to the country, that the influence of the inherent greed associated with having them run by a for-profit institution outweighs the effect on free market principles. Some countries take this a little farther, most notably France, which actually owns some for-profit companies (Air France).
Fascism, of which Nazism is a faction, is NOT a left wing ideology. Both are right-wing ideologies, due in large part to their relationship with businesses. Whereas socialism and communism take the side of labor (proletariat), fascism and Nazism take the side of the ownership. Both also include strong racism. But the key point point in their allegiance with big business. The Nazis called themselves "National Socialists" but there were fascists and like everything they did they name was Orwellian (even though it pre-dates him). Nazis were a party of perception more than reality. This is also why many people claim that Hitler was a vegetarian even though propaganda films from the time show him eating sausage with the troops, and those around him refer to it as his favorite food. Vegetarians had the perception of being very healthy and having a strong will, being above others at that time. It was all about perception.
So is Obama a Fascist? Clearly not, his willingness to go after business alone proves this. On the other hand, these people attending the "town hells" are very close to being Fascists and those with the effigies and guns are further along. The implied racism in their statements of "wanting their country back" and "lynching" those in favor of healthcare is clear. Especially when it was Bush/Cheney that helmed the largest presidential power grab in US History not to mention the spying thing or using fear to manipulate the public (now confirmed by Tom Ridge's book). If they really wanted their country back the way the founding fathers had intended they would have flipped shit then, not now.
Then there is the astro-turf aspect, with corporations funding groups to show outrage, or in the case of United Health, actually having employees show up...some in uniform. That is corporatist if you ask me, and satisfies the main requirement for fascism.
But these people don't care about reality or truth or much of anything other than their own worldview. I hope this helps you defend against the loonies out there.