Pes Sullivan found my "supporters of the week" in
Scholar Warns: The Collapse of Democracy. This is about Fritz Stern, a refugee from Hitler's Germany and a leading scholar of European history and John R. MacArthur, whose book "Second Front" examines wartime propaganda. See what these respected men said and why I agree when one said "No one wants to look at it. Look at it." And
Gianik has more on Stern's speech in his story that a
Renowned Scholar warns against infusion of religion.
Cold Fusion 04 provided a supporting argument in his editorial on Fascism: Chicken or the Egg? I'll let him have his say.
I am afraid that we are slipping into what might be best described as a soft Fascist state, where we maintain a facade of an actual Democracy. [snip] But is all of this window dressing, while the government continues to do pretty much whatever it wants regardless of the desires of the constituents.
Before I get started on my weekly diatribes recommendations, and analysis I wish to endorse the
No Pundit Left Behind action suggested by
Greg P. We are a community of crack researchers who have enough time our hands to effectively apply 100,000 man-hours to this project without taking a break. I also wish to get some politicians behind this effort and request any pundit, reporter or commentator who claims independence to release all the tax returns for themselves and any companies they receive payments from. If anyone refuses these requests they should be confronted on this issue every time they appear before the public. Follow the money.
These are the main Diaries, with commentary, from the last few days that relate, in my opinion, to the possibility that this country is becoming a Corporate Nationalistic Anti-Communistic State. Historically the Fascist state, which was Italy under Mussolini, bears remarkable resemblances to what this country is becoming. This Diary only covers Saturday though Tuesday due to the number of listing if you missed the previous versions click here for them.
The World Future Fund has the complete text with footnotes of Benito Mussolini's "The Doctrine of Fascism." This treatise made me more convinced in my assertions that we are in an ideological war with American Fascism and must fight it.
Fascism builds up a higher life, founded on duty, [snip] in which the individual, by self-sacrifice, the renunciation of self-interest, by death itself, can achieve that purely spiritual existence in which his value as a man consists.... by the exercise of his free will, man can and must create his own world.... Fascism wants man to be active and to engage in action, it wants him to be manfully aware of the difficulties besetting him.... which man subjugates nature and creates the human world (economic, political, ethical, and intellectual).Therefore life, as conceived of by the Fascist, is serious, austere, and religious.... The Fascist disdains an "easy" life.... The Fascist conception of life is a religious one.... Fascism is not only a system of government but also and above all a system of thought.
Benito Mussolini:
The Doctrine of Fascism, 1932
I selected these passages the night before I read
Pacified's report that
Tennessee Drops 320K From Medicaid. It seems that Tennessee had a good program to provide supplemental health care it looks like they have to gut the program. I also
Minnesota's Budget: A Numbers Game by
T. James The bottom line? Big bad business continues, health care quality decreases, and people go without. Then I came across
Pacific John's analysis of how
Gov. Gangbang cuts teacher pensions by half. This concerns Ca. Gov. Swartzenegger's plan to reduce funding to the teachers retirement program due to budgetary constraints. Also
Boppy analyzed the data and questions the claims about
Bush-The Education President! She did an excellent job of looking over Bush's record on education. And finally
Magorn has deciphered this message from the
Repubs: Support our Troops....Until it costs Money. This is actually a more in depth analysis of the House Leadership (Hastert, DeLay) forcing former Veterans Affairs Committee chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ) out of the committee entirely. See the hypocrisy firsthand.
Now, you may ask why all these stories on budget cuts. If you look back at the quotes from Mussolini you will see that part of the fascist goal is to make the people's life a difficult life one. The reason behind this is 1) it hardens the people, 2) it makes the masses more pliant, 3) it makes the people more accepting, 4) it makes the people more spiritual, 5) it makes the people less capable of decent, and 6) a harder working people don't have time to see what's really happening. Does anyone wonder why money is continuously being diverted from the people to the Military and to Corporations? Again "follow the money" to see what the methods and goals really are.
Since there isn't any way to put in three categories I'll include up2date's story on a Women's health clinic firebombed here. It seems that the Eastside Women's Health Clinic in Washington State was set on fire Sunday. The investigators have determined it was arson. The F.B.I. has withdrawn from the case calling it a "random act." Wasn't the Oklahoma Courthouse bombing a random act? It seems that when random acts of terrorism are probably done by right wing nuts there is no need to consider it terrorism. It was only an abortion clinic. And also has anyone seen this on the news? I guess Jen and Ben are too important.
1. Powerful and continuing expression of nationalism.
Well Bella try's and this time she succeeded in letting you know the group think is "He was doing his job. Following orders." Based on the trial for Spec. Graner's trial coverage, and how it is being portrayed, his Attorney is presenting, and many are accepting, the "Good German" defense. If this can lead to more accountability it may be a good thing, even though he should be held accountable, if others are also held accountable. But if this leads to a reduction in sentencing or even his acquittal without further accountability then we need to understand how this relates to what happened under Hitler and Mussolini. This diary is actually more on the response to what happened and the viewpoints that allowed it to happen. If we accept this as being OK as the Wall street Journal has suggested then we are implicating ourselves as accessories after the fact with our support the troops no matter what they do attitudes.
2. Disdain for the importance of human rights.
Pyrrho has been following the case and now a U.S. soldier has been sentenced to Six Months In Jail For Murder. O.K. he was sentenced to 6 months confinement and a $2700 fine for abuse of a prisoner. It seems his unit detained two cousins who were pro American and then threw them in the river. Since nobody was found they only sentenced him for the abuse. [snark warning] That's 6 months for a "war crime" against a civilian. In further news they are going to try the Officer in charge after they exhume the body (huh) and do an autopsy. Isn't it good that justice will prevail?
Plutonium Page , who was the first writer here I remembered by name, and I had a recommend war going when she posted her story that stated Camp X-Ray' is here to stay. It seems the Guantanamo Bay prison camp is starting to look like a permanent facility plus they are going to spend $25 Million this year on "improvements." It looks like they won't be able to trust allies to house these people for life since they can't let them loose and risk revealing our classified "interrogation" techniques.
Trendar did a very good Diary on The C.I.A.'s Illegal Kidnappings. This is concerning a Lebanese born German citizen whose name is el-Masri who was taken into custody by Macedonian officials, reportedly transferred to U.S. custody and then sent to an Afghani prison where he was detained and tortured to reveal any al-Queda connections or information he may have. After he was returned to Macedonia he was released and told it "never happened" two weeks after returning to Germany he finally got the nerve up to report this to German Authorities who are respecting his story and investigating his claims. Hopefully this can get some attention if the Germans file charges. It turns out that the suspected terrorist was al-Masri not el-Masri . Go see the whole story it's shocking.
MKS prepared an interesting history including Guatemalan Massacres, Death Squads, Torture and Republican Hypocrisy on Iraq. This is a very good description of South American political history and the U.S. involvement including why the invasion of Iraq was not as much of an immediate concern as we have been led to believe. That is if you actually believed the line fed to us.
Rentogen has found the Chicago Tribune has the CIA mystery jet back in the headlines. This time they even got more on the planes registry which includes the name of the only officer listed for the planes owners as a Leonard T. Bayard. It seems no-one can track this person down. A goggle search found no reference to this person except for those who are looking for him. Seems like a C.I.A. operation to me, doesn't it to you?
3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause.
R. Brinker told us about Eliminationist Rhetoric on the Right. We Must Stand Up To It. It seems the rhetoric has started and us liberals are the target. This Diary is based on David Neiwert's (Orcinus') story Headin' for the big roundup about right wing anti-liberal propaganda spreading particularly his recent experiences in Idaho and Montana. R. Brinker also noted David Dreier equated protesting against the Republicans with the actions of terrorists, on the House floor. Two months ago my winger father said "If they called up 65 year-olds he would fight them damned liberals." The round ups could be just around the corner and with the way the press works they may be asked to wait 24 hours for National Security before they report it.
Chimatt1969 posted a short Diary about Aircraft Laser Incidents Pinned on Gay Club-Goers. Even though I think these short diaries are one of the biggest problems with the diary system this one pointed to two separate instances where gays are accused of perpetuating the laser blinding incidents that have gotten wide news coverage and special D.H.S. attention. This is the kind of stuff that is used to fuel the anti-gay hatred that exists today. When this kind of thing gets overblown it leads to hysteria and outrage that becomes directed to the gay community.
Up2date has the disturbing attack that says Big Bird, Pooh, and friends are a threat to society. I will let them speak for themselves.
It is as unprecedented as it is cunning, using all the right words and happiest faces in an attempt to speak directly to the nation's children about "tolerance and diversity." Once again, of course, those ideas include homosexual advocacy. Including those from Arthur, Barney, Blue's Clues, Bob the Builder, The Book of Pooh, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Dora the Explorer, Jimmy Neutron, Kim Possible, Lilo & Stitch: The Series, Little Mermaid, Madeline, The Magic School Bus, The Muppet Show, Rugrats, Sesame Street and SpongeBob SquarePants.. However, a short step beneath the surface reveals that one of the differences being celebrated is homosexuality.
Need I say any more?
4. The supremacy of the military/avid militarism.
Monday brought us two stories on our troops and how they are being fed propaganda the first was from GN1927 was about Soldiers given "talking points" to repeat to any news reporters they meet on the field. It seems our soldiers are so well respected that they are indoctrinated in propaganda so that when they deal with press they have the proper talking points and methods to ensure the media gets the "right" impression. The other was from Bendygirl was on Deployment Misinformation. It seems the servicemen are being told they are going to Iraq to "operation Iraq freedom in support of the attacks on the world trade center and the pentagon." It seems our troops are being indoctrinated that the Iraq war was in retaliation for the 9-11 attacks. It looks like the troops are being told more truth then the American people, or not.
Dave Holden presented us a look at Falluja as the City of Ghosts. This gives us a view of what is happening there outside what the R.W.C.M. gives us. It shows what happens when the military uses unfettered force to accomplish its mission.
5. Rampant Sexism.
If anyone thinks what we do here does not have an effect. Last Friday Maura in VA posted the now well known story about Virginia Delegate John Cosgrove, I included it in my Sunday edition and it seems as though over 1000 others picked up on the story. Monday night she had the BREAKING VA NEWS: Blogs force Cosgrove to withdraw HB1677! It seems that the news repeaters that have picked up the story are slanting it that we have somehow damaged Cosgrove and we are not Journalists. We are not journalists! We are just lucky enough to have a big soapbox. If we say something that others think is important they tell others and if it is important then it will spread. That is what we are about and why this system works.
6. A controlled mass media.
If you think the media is not in league with the Administration see "Pravda -- R.W.C.M. Ignores Facts on Kerik" by Pontificator. It seems all three cable networks mentioned Kerik in there story about the new Homeland Security Director's nomination. FauX was the only one that said that the nanny was not the only reason Kerik's name was withdrawn. FauX actually said "nanny, among other questionable dealings." Anyone in the "reality based community" knows the nanny would have been the least of Kerik's worries if he had to face the Senate for confirmation. See the story for a list.
Troutfishing sent in this story that the media is BOUGHT & PAID FOR-US media's short leash. This is an excellently presented history of media with their hands in the pocket of Government institutions. There was also a lot of discussion and information provided in the posts for anyone who needs proof that much of the press are actually working for, and not just in favor of, the Government.
Paul Lukasiak has got the reality based view of The CBS Memogate Report--an insider's perspective. Paul admits he is not a C.B.S. insider, but when the National Guard dereliction story was being prepared he was consulted as an expert. He has the facts that the recent report was, in his words, "bullshit." It seems the report ignored facts and pushed Republican talking points to appease the administration. You have to see the whole story.
On a related note Exlrrp has succeeded in Debunking Debunked-The CBS documents revisited. This is a detailed 52 point analysis of the critiques of the "Killian memo's" with the related information to dismiss each point. If you had any doubt the Republicans were inventing criticism of the memos, read this and you will at least be convinced these who claim forgeries are "the blind, leading the blind. In another twist to this story Regeneration Man has done the sleuthing a J'accuse!: Roger & Nydia Stone Brought Down Rather & CBS. I present this detective work for your perusal. I will neither confirm nor deny that there is any reality in these deductions. See his investigative work and conclusions for yourself, but beware the troll lurking below. This is the scoop from Mike Hersh on the memos' authenticity.
And finally if anyone doubts my assertion that the R.W.C.M. is not in league with the Republican power machine you need to see Mike Pridmore's analysis of by The real problem at CBS. "That, ladies and gentlemen, is what really went wrong at CBS. Whatever romantic notions you might have had about freedom of the press need to be put in a box for safekeeping for the foreseeable future. In the meantime, the only free press that is left is on the Internet."
7. Obsession with national security.
Maccabee presented us the fact that Congress Passes" Doomsday" Plan. I do not wish to express my worst case scenario of how the Republicans will take full control of this country, which has happened in every other Fascist and Totalitarian power grab, but this Bill certainly could be an integral part in such an eventuality. We are so obsessed with security that they no longer care what the constitution says. There need to be a way to force them to protect the Constitution first, which was their pledge when they took office. If anyone is actually reading this find me a copy of their pledge when they took office.
8. Religion and ruling elite are tied together.
Pam in Durham told us about the Falwell legal "ministry" has a 50-state agenda. If anyone didn't know Falwell started a law school and he is now sending Religiously (brainwashed) trained lawyers to fight battles in all 50 States. See her detailed list of some of their actions and "accomplishments." I remember when I ordered their brainwashing tapes 20 years ago and I expect them to try to overturn the Emancipation Proclamation next (they actually explained how slavery was good and Biblical as long as the slaves were black).
C. H. F. Digital told us that Bush: President Must Have Relationship with the Lord. Enough said! OK this is from a Washington (mooney) Times interview with President Bush where he tells about his "conspicuous" faith. Has anyone seen him go to church? I know he does not attend Church regularly (my mother, who is definitely delusional based, would be shocked).
9. Power of corporations protected.
Dump Terry McAuliffe found an L.A. Times article where the National Association of Manufacturers Line Up Behind Bush's Judicial Nominees. They are going to spend millions to see that the nominees get confirmed.
It was not clear last week to what extent if any Engler was coordinating with administration officials. White House spokeswoman Erin Healy declined to comment on any coordination, saying only that the administration "welcomes support of the president's judicial nominees." Engler said he is finalizing plans with his group's board to establish a new organization, the American Justice Partnership, which would be housed inside the National Association of Manufacturers, or NAM. Engler said his initiative would focus on federal nomination fights - as well as state judicial issues - and it would be dedicated to grass-roots politics, not policy.
Any questions?
Dave Weigel said he has Just saw a 'privatize social security' ad on CNN. It seems that the powerful Wall Street money types have paid to get this add encouraging citizens to call their representatives in Congress in support of Social Security Privatization. This should be a warning sign to everyone to not support this reform.
10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated.
11. Disdain for the arts and Intellectuals.
Lapin let us know that Jon Stewart's America is Banned in Mississippi It seems that officials in two counties in Mississippi have banned Jon Stewart's book. When Fascism gets going more and more ordinary people follow the lead of the Leaders and start applying fascist principles. We see this happening more and more every day. It seems they have reversed their decisions due to the public outcry. Go Blogs, Go
12. Obsession with crime and punishment.
13. Rampant cronyism and corruption.
Beta Carbon let us know that It is becoming CW that GOP leadership is corrupt! Hip Hip Hooray! There is a detailed list of 11 areas where Republicans are definitely guilty of misleading the public, outright lies, and conduct unbecoming anybody. Go see the list and give us your opinion. If you had any doubts about corruption you won't any more.
14. Fraudulent elections.
There is hope! Here are some articles on a way to fight back.
This section is devoted to those who have done something and are sharing their stories, those who have suggestions for ways to be active, and those who cry out for immediate action. I do what little I can. I am becoming active in my local blue county in the biggest red state. I plan to do as much as I can when called upon.
Des Moines Dem has started giving pointers on working the refs--what we can do (part 1). The main point is to treat your local press with respect and feed them local interest stories from a progressive slant especially if it can have national implications.
Jason Bradfield showed us a way to Fight the Corporate Media - Sign the Media Carta. Go to his diary and join me in this effort to regain some balance within the air-waves. I sent their "tell friends" message to everyone in my address book.
Some Excellent Series'
[sort of new]Scott Bateman is back producing new entries for Today's Bateman cartoon Welcome back Scott.
[new] My apologies to Pam in Durham for not including her weekly LGBT News Roundup previously. This provides news on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual war fronts against the right wing Republicans and other bigots.
Granny Helen has a series in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King on Nonviolence. Go see the Great work she is doing.
Pastor Dan has started a "Whats in the Bible" series to go with his weekly sermon.
Paul Rosenberg has completed his diary series on Uniting Dkos. Go and see especially if you feel outside the community.
Coturnix's Lakoff Series is a must read for anyone who has to communicate with our opposition. Be sure to catch up on the whole series.
Seattle Liberal has started the Nerd Network News (This Week's Science Diaries) to try and keep everyone on top of the Nerd's. Go see what's there.
Don't miss any of RubDMC's Iraq War Grief Daily Witness (photo)> series if you "can handle the truth" and give mojo too.
You must read "The Goebbels Diaries" by Youngblood Kaufman gives us some insight into how Fascism was achieved in the past. See the whole set. Youngblood took some off time during the holidays but has started some stuff this week
Newsie8200 Does an excellent Newsie's Week In Reviewsies.
While I stand by my comments as my opinion based on available evidence I cannot vouch for the opinions expressed in any diary titles since they were presented as quotes from the Authors. Unless otherwise noted I do not necessarily endorse the opinions contained within the diaries I have listed.