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[IP] more on Keith Olbermann: There Is Fascism, Indeed





Begin forwarded message:

From: Newmedia@xxxxxxx
Date: August 31, 2006 5:27:47 PM EDT
To: dave@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [IP] Keith Olbermann: There Is Fascism, Indeed

Dave:

C'mon now. <g>

"Fascist" is an insult used by the left, just as "Commie" is an insult used by the right. Nowadays, both words are largely devoid of any historic or even logical meaning. Epithets -- at best. Idiotic rants -- more often.

What is odd at the moment is that the right is using the term "Fascism." Or, more specifically, "Islamo-fascism." This is just as notable as it would be if the left started going after "Communism."

Why has this odd thing happened?

Sure, for the shock value but more substantially because the people being referred to are very public about their plans to kill Jews and eliminate Israel. In addition to being rabidly Anti-Semitic, they are also clearly "authoritarian personalities" -- a hallmark of the "fascist mind" if you recall the influential 1948 book titled "The Authoritarian Personality" (yes, written by Frankfurt School communists).

This phenomenon is -- arguably -- a new kind of Fascism, just as Rumsfield said. At the very least it deserves to be dealt with thoughtfully. Not with another meaningless (TV-ratings inspired) kneejerk.

Best,

Mark Stahlman
New York City

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