more on Keith Olbermann: There Is Fascism, Indeed

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Newmedia () aol com
Date: August 31, 2006 5:27:47 PM EDT
To: dave () farber net
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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